How to Put New Chain on Mountain Bike
Mountains bikes are an essential part of outdoor adventures, and maintaining them is crucial for optimal performance. One of the most common maintenance tasks is replacing the chain. A worn-out chain can cause gear slippage, poor shifting, and even damage to your bike’s drivetrain. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to put a new chain on a mountain bike.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools for the job. You will need a new chain, a chain tool, a hex wrench, a screwdriver, and possibly a torque wrench. It’s also a good idea to have a rag or raggy gloves to protect your hands from grease and grime.
Step 2: Remove the Old Chain
Start by removing the old chain. Using the chain tool, press the chain pin into the chain’s link, then pull the pin out. Once the pin is out, the chain should come off the bike. If the chain is particularly tight, you may need to use the chain tool to push the pin back into the link to release the chain.
Step 3: Measure the New Chain
Before installing the new chain, measure it to ensure it’s the correct length for your bike. The length of the chain should match the number of teeth on your rear cassette. You can find this information in your bike’s manual or by looking at the rear derailleur’s adjustment screw.
Step 4: Install the New Chain
Now, it’s time to install the new chain. Start by threading one end of the chain through the front derailleur and around the chainring. Next, feed the chain through the rear derailleur and around the cassette. Make sure the chain is tensioned correctly, and the derailleur is properly adjusted.
Step 5: Adjust the Rear Derailleur
Adjust the rear derailleur to ensure smooth shifting. Loosen the barrel adjuster on the rear derailleur and move the derailleur closer to the cassette. Once the chain is tensioned, tighten the barrel adjuster. Make sure the derailleur is centered over the cassette, and the chain is running smoothly.
Step 6: Check the Chain Tension
Use a torque wrench to check the chain tension. The tension should be tight enough to prevent the chain from slipping but not so tight that it causes excessive wear on the chain and gears. Most mountain bikes require a chain tension of 25-35 Nm.
Step 7: Clean and Lubricate the Chain
Finally, clean the new chain with a rag or a degreaser. Once it’s clean, apply a light coat of lubricant to the chain. This will help reduce wear and improve shifting performance.
Now that you know how to put a new chain on a mountain bike, you can keep your bike in top condition and enjoy your outdoor adventures without worrying about gear issues.
Comments from Readers:
1. Great article! I replaced my chain on my mountain bike using these steps and it works perfectly.
2. Thank you for the detailed instructions. I was able to do it myself without any help.
3. I’ve replaced chains on my mountain bike a few times, but this guide made it even easier.
4. This article is a lifesaver for me. I was able to fix my bike myself and save money on a professional repair.
5. Very helpful! I’ll definitely be using these steps the next time I need to replace my chain.
6. I’ve been putting off replacing my chain because I didn’t know how. This article gave me the confidence to do it myself.
7. Excellent guide! I followed these steps and it was a breeze.
8. I’ve been looking for a guide like this for a while. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
9. I appreciate the clear and concise instructions. This article is exactly what I needed.
10. I replaced my chain following these steps and now my bike shifts like new.
11. This article made it easy for me to replace my chain. Thanks for the help!
12. I’m new to mountain biking, and this guide was very helpful. I replaced my chain and can’t thank you enough.
13. I’ve replaced chains on my bike before, but this guide made the process even smoother.
14. I’ve shared this article with a few friends who also have mountain bikes. They appreciate the helpful tips.
15. I’m impressed with the step-by-step instructions. This article is a must-read for any mountain biker.
16. I followed these steps and it was a success. I’m glad I found this article.
17. I replaced my chain using these steps and now my bike is performing better than ever.
18. I appreciate the tips on cleaning and lubricating the chain. It’s great to have this information in one place.
19. This article is a valuable resource for mountain bikers. Keep up the good work!
20. I’m new to mountain biking, and this guide made the process of replacing my chain a breeze. Thank you!
