How to Install New Bike Chain
- 1). Clean the old chain with a chain cleaner or degreaser. It should be clean enough that you can find the master link or a link that you want to break to remove the chain.
- 2). Use the chain break tool and shove out the retaining pin from the link to separate the chain.
- 3). Remove the old chain and use it to obtain a measurement for the new chain. This length should be fairly close but the derailleur will take up any excess slack.
- 4). Measure the new chain and use the chain break tool to remove links as necessary to bring the new chain to proper length.
- 5). Place the new chain on the wheel gear set, but leave it off the chain ring teeth at this point so you have enough slack to put the chain links together. Use the chain tool to insert the retaining pin in place while you align the male and female links.
- 6). Place the chain on a few of the top chain ring teeth along with the derailleur cog (or gears) and rear wheel gear set and crank the chain ring forward with the pedal. The chain is now in place and ready for lubrication.
- 7). Use a good quality chain lube and with the bike on a elevated bike stand or turned upside down, crank the chain ring gear set and spray on the lubricant.
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