Mountain biking is a fun and adventurous sport, but it’s also one that requires proper maintenance and care. One of the most important components of your mountain bike is the chain, which is responsible for transferring power from the pedals to the back wheel. However, a worn-out or improperly-fitted chain can significantly affect your bike’s performance and cause unwanted accidents.
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to properly put on a mountain bike chain. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, this guide will help you maintain your bike’s chain and ensure a smooth and safe riding experience. So, let’s get started!
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you can start putting on a mountain bike chain, you need to make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. The first thing you need is a new chain that matches the size of your current one. This will ensure proper compatibility and fit for your bike. You should also have a chain tool, which is used to break the old chain and size the new one to the appropriate length. Additionally, you’ll need a pair of pliers, a small screwdriver, and some grease to lubricate the chain.
Make sure you have a clean and well-lit workspace, as you’ll be handling small and intricate parts. It’s also recommended to wear gloves to protect your hands from dirt and grease. Once you have everything gathered, take some time to familiarize yourself with the chain tool and the process of sizing the new chain. Having a good understanding of the tools and materials you’re working with will make the process much smoother and easier.
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Remove the Old Chain from Your Bike
To put on a new mountain bike chain, you must first remove the old chain. This step may seem easy, but it is essential to remove the old chain correctly to avoid damaging the bike or new chain.
Start by shifting your bike to the smallest chainring in front and the largest cog in the back. This will loosen the old chain. Then, use a chain tool to break the chain, removing the links one by one until the chain is fully disconnected. Make sure to keep track of any master links and how they are oriented for proper reinstallation later. Once the chain is removed, carefully clean the derailleur pulleys and entire drivetrain area with a degreaser to prepare for the installation of your new chain.
Measure and Cut the New Chain to Proper Length
Once you have removed the old chain from your mountain bike, it’s time to measure and cut the new one to the proper length. The length of the chain will depend on the number of gears on your bike and the size of the chainrings and cassette. Most modern mountain bikes have either a 10 or 11-speed drivetrain. To determine the length of your new chain, you’ll need to use some specific tools.
Start by shifting your bike to the smallest chainring and smallest cassette cog. Then, add four links to this length, which will ensure that your chain is long enough to shift into the larger chainrings and cogs. Use a chain tool to cut the chain to the proper length. It’s important to cut the chain properly to avoid any jamming or slipping while shifting gears.
Once you have cut the chain to the right length, run it through the derailleur and attach it to the bike using the quick link. Make sure to check the chain tension and adjust it if necessary before tightening the quick link. A properly sized chain will help your bike shift smoothly and extend the life of your drivetrain components.
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Install the New Chain on Your Bike
Installing a new chain on your mountain bike can seem like a daunting task, but with the proper tools and knowledge, it can be done easily. First, make sure your chain is the correct length. If necessary, use a chain breaker tool to remove excess links.
Next, thread the new chain through the rear derailleur, making sure to follow the correct path as shown in your bike’s manual. Thread the chain around the front chainring and pull it snug, making sure to engage it with the teeth. Finally, connect the two ends of the chain using a quick-link or chain tool, and check the tension. A properly installed chain will have a small amount of slack and should move smoothly through the gears. Don’t forget to lubricate your new chain before riding to ensure a long life and smooth shifting.
Adjust Chain Tension and Alignment
After installing the chain on your mountain bike, adjusting the tension and ensuring proper alignment are crucial steps. The chain tension can have a significant impact on the bike’s performance, and improper alignment can cause unnecessary wear and tear on both the chain and the bike’s other components.
Start by adjusting the tension of the chain. Ideally, there should be around half an inch of vertical movement available in the chain when it’s pulled away from the bottom of the chainring. If it’s too loose or too tight, you’ll need to make adjustments accordingly using the chain tensioner. Additionally, make sure that the chain is running smoothly and quietly through the derailleur system. Once the tension is set, check the alignment of the chain with the chainring, i.e., the sprockets on the front of the bike. If the chain is not aligned correctly, you may need to adjust the derailleur’s limits to ensure that it stays on track. Proper chain tension and alignment will improve shifting performance and overall ride quality.
Lubricate the Chain and Check for Proper Function
Lubricating the chain is an essential step in properly putting on a mountain bike chain. It ensures smooth operation and prolongs the life of the chain. Before applying the lubricant, wipe the chain clean of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated during installation. Then, apply the lube evenly along the length of the chain. Allow the chain to sit for a few minutes for the lubricant to penetrate the links before wiping off any excess.
Once lubricated, it is crucial to check for proper function. Shift through your gears to make sure everything is running smoothly. If you notice any skipping or slipping, check the tension of your chain. A properly tensioned chain will prevent those issues and improve overall performance. Proper maintenance of your chain will increase your bike’s lifespan and make every ride smoother and safer.
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Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Your Mountain Bike Chain
After going through the process of installing a mountain bike chain, you definitely want to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Proper maintenance is key to the longevity and efficiency of your chain. First, lubrication is very important. Use a good quality lubricant to keep your chain clean and lubricated. A well-lubricated chain helps your bike run smoothly and efficiently, and also reduces the wear and tear on the chain.
You should also make sure to keep your chain clean. Dirt and grime can accumulate on your chain and cause it to wear out quickly. Using a degreaser to clean your chain periodically is a great way to keep it clean. Additionally, it is important to check your chain regularly for wear and tear. Make sure to replace your chain as soon as it starts to show signs of wear to prevent further damage to your bike. By implementing these tips and tricks, you can help ensure your mountain bike chain lasts as long as possible and keeps your bike running smoothly.
The Bottom Line
In today’s article “How to Put on a Mountain Bike Chain”, we have discussed everything that you need to know to put on a chain for your mountain bike. We first talked about the tools that you would need for the process, which included a chain breaker tool, new chain, lube, and pliers.
We then went on to explain the step-by-step process of putting on a mountain bike chain, starting from removing the old chain, measuring the new chain correctly, connecting it to the gears, and finishing off with lubrication of the chain. With all that said, we hope that our guide has helped you with the process of putting on a mountain bike chain, and you can now enjoy a smooth ride without any further issues.