After using the bike for a long time without maintenance, it is not uncommon for the chain to begin to sag. How to shorten a bicycle chain at home? What is required to determine its correct length? We will look for answers to these and other questions in the presented material.

What factors affect the elongation of a bicycle chain?

A number of points lead to the wear of the axles, the so-called pins, of a bicycle chain. Firstly, deposits in the form of old oil accumulate between the structural elements, on which dust and small contaminants stick. In addition, stretching can cause excessive stress on the chain when climbing steep hills on the bike. Another reason is the end of the chain's service life, the destruction of its elements as a result of impacts, metal corrosion. To avoid discomfort during the operation of the bike, you need to figure out

How to determine the optimal length?

Before you figure out if you can shorten the chain on a bike with my own hands, you need to find out how long it should have for comfortable movement. To understand this issue, it is enough to throw the chain on the largest stars both in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe rear and front chassis of the bike. Next, you need to open one of the links. Finally, tighten the chain as much as possible. It is enough to add a couple of centimeters to the resulting length so that the chain is not overstressed during the ride.

Preparation for dismantling

To make it easier to work with the chain, you should first clean it. The simplest way- wipe it with a regular piece of material soaked in kerosene. You can also use a special wash, in particular AB-80 or WD-40 liquid.

Instruments

How to shorten the chain on a speed bike or mountain bike? There are several tools you can use to break the links. First of all, you should pay attention to the special pomace. The latter is a simple device resembling a manual frame with a rod that exerts pressure on the axes (pins) of the links. You can buy such a tool at any point of sale of sports equipment. Its acquisition will cost in the amount of 500 to 1000 rubles.

If it is not possible to buy a pomace, in this case you will have to use improvised means. We are talking here about a hammer and a metal bar, which will serve as a punch to extract the axes of the links. You will also need a couple of nuts that will fit under the chain links.

How to shorten a chain on a bicycle with a squeeze?

To do the job, resorting to the operation of a special tool, you need to perform the following sequence of actions:

1. Set the squeeze to a position in which its rod will be in the center of the axis of the chain link.
2. Fulfill rotational movements tool until the axle is almost completely out of the link.
3. Disconnect the chain and, if necessary, perform similar operations with its remaining sections.
4. Remove unnecessary links and connect the structure.

Having figured out how to shorten the chain on a bicycle, you need to figure out how to connect it. A narrow half-link must be inserted between the cheeks of a wide one. Then the axle should fully enter the hole in the hub. Next, you need to evaluate the mobility of the links. If it is insufficient at the junction, the hinge can be developed using pliers.

How to shorten a chain on a bicycle without squeezing?

The absence of a specialized tool designed to disconnect chain links is not a critical moment. As mentioned above, a metal pin, nail, etc. can serve as an alternative to squeeze. Also here you will need a hammer, with which the axles will be knocked out of the links.

With this approach to business, the main thing is to be careful. After all, sloppy, too strong blows can lead to deformation of the link plates. To prevent this from happening, ordinary nuts must be placed under the chain elements in advance.

For those who first resort to shortening a bicycle chain without the use of a special squeeze, it is recommended to pre-train. For these purposes, it is worth using an old chain or separate, unnecessary links. Such work requires some skill. Therefore, before acting on a working chain with a hammer and a punch, you need to perform the above steps several times and evaluate the result of your own work.

Finally

So we figured out how to shorten bicycle chain. As you can see, it is possible to cope with such a task not only with the help of a special squeeze. To do the work, sometimes it is enough to use the tools at hand, which can be found in every home.

"Alkadienes" - Conjugated butadiene-1,3 (divinyl). 7. 2. 2-methylbutadiene (isoprene). 12. 9. LEBEDEV Sergey Vasilyevich (25.VII.1874 - 2.V.1934). Nomenclature and isomerism. Structural features, reactivity and methods for the synthesis of alkadienes. Alkadienes. 5. 10. Chemical properties. Isolated pentadiene-1,4. eight.

"Alkanes" - Reveal the patterns of distribution of n-alkanes along the profile of peaty-podzolic-gleyic soils of virgin and aerotechnogenic landscapes of the taiga zone. Estimate the contribution of "even" and "odd" n-alkanes in the total pool of accumulation of saturated hydrocarbons in soils. CPI - carbon preference index - the ratio of odd to even alkanes.

"Chemistry Limit hydrocarbons" - chemistry on the topic: "Alkanes". The sources of saturated hydrocarbons are oil and natural gas. 5. Hydrogenation (hydrogen addition) of alkenes. 1. Decarboxylation of sodium salts of carboxylic acids. Presentation on organic. 1. The most characteristic reactions of saturated hydrocarbons are substitution reactions.

"Alkenes" - Addition reaction schemes. polymerization reaction. How can alkenes be obtained in the laboratory? Sincwine. Combustion of alkenes example: 2s2n6 + 7o2 4so2 + 6n2o. Dehalogenation. Laboratory method of obtaining. Methods for obtaining alkenes. Dehydration of alcohols. The use of ethylene. Oxidation reactions. dehydrogenation of alkanes.

"Ester Chemistry" - Mechanism of the esterification reaction. Lesson topic: Nomenclature. Physical properties esters. 1. Study the structure of esters. 2. To get acquainted with the mechanism of the esterification reaction. Complex ethers. Lesson objectives: The main work is devoted to organic and analytical chemistry, biochemistry and thermochemistry. For the first time he synthesized fat-like substances, ethyl alcohol by hydration of ethylene.

"Alkane" - The name of the whole compound gives the longest hydrocarbon chain. Free rotation around the C-C bond. Kerosene. 2,3-dimethylhexane. 1700C C14 - C20. Alkan. a) Fischer-Tropsch method (synthesis from carbon monoxide). c) Electrolysis of salts of carboxylic acids (Kolbe method (1849).

In total there are 14 presentations in the topic

The chain is a key element of the bicycle transmission unit. Sequentially passing through the teeth of the drive stars, it transmits torque to the rear wheel, thanks to which the bike rides. In the process of movement, the chain mechanism is subjected to dynamic loads, which eventually leads to its wear.

On single speeds, as a rule, the chain is designed for the entire period of its operation: when moving through the stars, it runs smoothly and straight, without deviations. The situation is more complicated with chains on multi-speed bicycles: there is no right angle between the front and rear stars, which is why it is always located at an angle relative to the frame. The impact on the chain mechanism increases several times compared to parallel transmission, which leads to periodic wear. To avoid damage to the entire transmission assembly caused by chain wear, it must be changed in a timely manner.

Not only do "speed" chains need to be removed, it is quite common to remove them from single speed bikes for periodic repairs or cleaning. How to remove the chain from the bike and put it back, we will tell in this article.

Symptoms

First of all, it is worth paying attention to the malfunction of the chain on multi-speed bikes. Traditionally, travel time is determined by mileage, but these values ​​​​are too approximate, because it all depends on the conditions of cycling: the quality of the roads, the selection of gears, speed, the load on the pedals and, accordingly, on the front stars.

The first signs of bike chain failure are inaccurate gear changes and suspicious sounds (provided that the chain has not lost lubrication). The following method will surely help to determine the malfunction: bend away from the largest star and see the number of free teeth. If the chain freely moves away from three or more teeth, then replacement is required urgently. Two teeth “warn” that wear is not far off, but you can still ride.

Using the same method, you can see the weakening of the chain on a single-speed bicycle: we bend it from the front star and look at the number of teeth.

Determination of the degree of attenuation

Another way to determine wear is to measure the length:

• 304.8 mm is the optimal chain length.
• 306.5 - 307.5 - average wear, suitability for repair. As long as you can ride.
• 308 mm - a high degree of wear and tear of both the chain and stars.
• More than 308 mm - damage to the entire transmission.

Measuring elongation requires the chain to be completely removed from the bike.

Lock and continuous chains

The lock chain is equipped with a special clamping device. Unhooking and putting it on is not difficult - just disconnect the lock. To find it, we carefully examine the chain on both sides and find a detachable link. In principle, it will not be difficult to find it on a clean chain: a tick is put on top, which fixes the link and does not allow it to move apart. Also, the inscription of the manufacturer is usually stamped on the lock link. If you can’t find the lock for a long time, then either the chain is dirty, or it is lockless, or solid.

Bike chain with lock

You can’t just disconnect a bicycle chain without a lock: all the links on it look the same, however, they are also hooked together. This causes great inconvenience during cleaning, for example, it is necessary to carry out a “general cleaning” in a solvent. In the case of the lock, everything is simple - he pulled it off and put it in kerosene. A solid bike chain, even removed from the stars, will remain hanging on the frame.

In terms of removing a chain with a lock, of course, it is more convenient than its counterpart. However, for some reason, the fastening may become loose: the tick will fly off, and the link itself will disengage. On bicycle chains without such locks weaknesses no, and if it is torn, then it is solely in its quality.

Opening the lock and squeezing the axis of the link

Opening the lock is quite simple: with a screwdriver or other object (for example, a knitting needle), we pry off the tongs. The main thing here is not to damage it, and even better not to lose it, otherwise it will not work to fix the chain later. Next, we disengage the entire link. That's it, you can remove the chain and do whatever you want with it: clean it, throw it away or shorten it. However, we will talk about this a little later.

Lock in disassembled state

You can only disconnect a continuous chain with a special tool - squeeze. With its help, it will be easy to disassemble the link without damage. The procedure is simple, but you should not rush:

• First, select the link for disassembly.
• We insert the chain into the position of pressing out and pressing in the pin (link axis).
• Turn the screw with the handle and pull out the axle. The direction of extrusion is towards the squeeze screw, that is, towards itself.

You should not remove the pin completely, as it will not be easy to return it later to its place.

Gall chain release device

The squeeze slightly loosens the axle, so when re-disengaging, you should choose another link.
Pressing the axis into the link is carried out in the opposite order: connect adjacent links to each other and press the pin with a screw.

Elimination of defects

A common type of wear is chain slack, when the length of the chain increases from its original length. Previously, the critical values ​​\u200b\u200bof the length of the bike chain were considered, at which it cannot be used. That's right, but the chain does not have to be thrown away immediately, but can be repaired. Under prolonged loads, the axles become loose, which causes longitudinal and transverse expansion. It is impossible to eliminate the transverse one, but it is quite possible to tinker with the longitudinal one.

It is necessary to remove the extra links in such a way that the chain runs calmly, without tension, along the large star. With the help of a squeeze, excess links are removed, the axial shafts are completely pulled out from the removed elements. The main thing here is not to make a mistake and not pull out too many links.

If you have to ride with a stretched chain, then in order to avoid it coming off, you can install the so-called parts that prevent the chain from flying off when driving. There are several types of such devices:

• Roller with two clamps.
• With wide rollers.
• Frame (or rollerless).

This is what bicycle dampers look like

Using dampers as protection is, of course, good, but it would be better to think about changing the chain.

Installing the chain on the bike

To put the chain on single speed, just hang it on both stars, press in a pin or snap the lock. With high-speed bikes it will be a little more difficult:

• Fix the switches on the small stars.
• Put the chain on the sprockets, taking into account the location of the tension rollers.
• Combine links.
• Clamp the chain and press in the axle. If the bike chain is with a lock, we do without squeeze.

After the installation is completed, it is necessary to check the course of the chain: cycle the pedals several times. If there is no slack or difficulty in twisting, then the chain is of the optimum length and is installed correctly.

Every owner of a two-wheeled horse can cope with the removal and installation of a bicycle chain. A simple and simple procedure will not take much time, but it will help a lot on further trips!

If you ride a bike for many kilometers, then the parts will wear out sooner or later. After a long run, the bike chain will "stretch" and will need to be replaced.
Technically the chain does not stretch, but the pins that connect the links wear out, which increases the length of the chain.

stretched chain accelerates the wear of the cassette and the chainrings on the sprocket, so getting a new chain when the stretch is already noticeable is a good idea. It is recommended to replace the chain every 1000-1500 kilometers. By the way, replacing a chain is much cheaper than replacing cassettes or gear chain rims on an asterisk.

The information on repairing and shortening the chain below will be very helpful.

Bicycle chain parts and necessary tools

Chain wear indicator: A typical chain wear indicator hooks onto a pin in the chain while the other end is inserted between two pins or rollers. The numbers on the tool will show how worn the chain is and whether it is time to change it.

New chain: The type of chain depends on the number of speeds of the bike. So, for example, if the bike is 9-speed, you need to buy a 9-speed chain. More advanced chains include a special coating that will delay the appearance of rust, or they are already made of stainless steel.

Replacing pins or connecting link: New chains immediately come with a new pin or special link called a connecting link that connects the 2 ends of the chain together.

If you are repairing an existing chain, you will need to buy replacement pins or connecting links separately - they must be compatible with the chain speed and brand.

pomace: If you have a chain with standard links, you will need a compatible clutch that will allow you to easily remove the old pin and put in a new one when disconnecting and connecting the chain.

Pliers: If you have a chain that connects to a connecting link, you will need pliers to make it easier to separate and connect the connecting link.

How to check a bicycle chain

To test the chain for significant stretch, use. Hook one end to a roller or pin in the chain. The other end will either come to the drive wheel itself, or you can place it between two rollers. If it falls out of this gap, then the chain is so stretched that it should be replaced.

The chain wear indicator has numbers showing the amount of wear on the chain. A value between 0.5 and 0.75 indicates that the chain needs to be replaced. A value of 0.75 or higher means that not only should it be replaced, but the condition of the cassette and sprockets should also be checked, as stretching the chain could cause significant damage to the cassette and sprockets.

You can check the chain in another way - measure the chain with a ruler or tape measure. On unworn or new chain, 12 full links (measured pin to pin) should equal 12 inches (30.48 cm). If the 12 links are 31 cm long or more, then the chain needs to be replaced.

How to remove a chain from a bike

To remove the chain from the bike, you will need to disconnect (break) it. There are several ways to do this, depending on whether the chain has a connecting link or not.

Before you begin, move the chain to the smallest sprocket and smallest cog.

It will be even better if you remove the chain from the front drive sprocket or remove the rear wheel from the bike. Both of these methods will take the tension off the chain.

If you have a standard chain without a connecting link: Install the squeezer so that the pin of the squeezer aligns with the pin in the chain. Rotate the squeeze knob so that the pin is pulled out far enough to break the chain.

If you have a chain with a connecting link: To find a connecting link, look for a link that is markedly different from the others.

This is where you can break the chain.

The connecting link has a pin on one side, inserted into a notch on the other side.

Use pliers, squeeze the connecting link on both sides so that it opens.

How to determine the length of a new chain?

Usually the new chain is too long, so it will have to be shortened by removing the links. There are several ways to do this. The easiest and best way to determine the length of a new chain- attach it to the old chain. Then you just need to shorten it to match the old one (to be sure, you should count the number of links).

Another variant. Pass the chain through the front derailleur and drape it over the large sprocket in front and over the large cog in the back. Do not run the chain through the rear derailleur yet. Tightly connect the two ends of the chain. If the chain is connected and there are still 2 whole links on the overlap (the floor of the link is still left at the end - the place where you connect the chain), the chain length is chosen correctly.

Note: many full-suspension mountain bikes use a scheme that moves the rear axle further away from the bottom bracket while the bike is riding, through the suspension; it is called " chain growth". To accommodate chain growth, you will need to compress the rear suspension hard when using the method above.

Before removing unnecessary links, make sure that the two ends of the chain will connect. A circuit can only connect if outer side link will connect with inside connecting link. Then disconnect the remaining links.

Installing a bicycle chain

It's time to thread the chain through the rear derailleur and connect it. Pay attention and make sure that the chain goes exactly through the drive wheel on the rear derailleur.

Use of pins: If the chain does not have a connecting link, then use a pry to connect the chain to the pin that is already in the new chain.
If you are repairing an old chain, always use a new pin instead of the old one. The new pin must be compatible with the chain, its speed and brand. The new pin must be inserted halfway with a squeeze, then pulled out from the other side with the help of pliers.

Using connectors: If you are connecting a chain with a connecting link, put one half on each end of the chain, connect the ends of the chain, assemble the connecting link with a tool to put it in place.

It is also possible to connect the connecting link without a tool. Connect it and pull the chain in different directions to block the connecting link as much as possible. Then loosen the derailleur clutch, if equipped, pedal so that the connecting link is on top of the drive chain. Using the brakes, stand firmly on one pedal, the voltage will go to the chain, and it will fall into place.

How to replace a chain on a bicycle - video

It happens that you need to remove a bicycle chain - for example, to clean it, replace it, or adjust the length (the latter is done if your new cassette has a different number of teeth, and you need to change the length of the chain accordingly by adding or removing a certain number of links) .

How to remove a chain lock

Examine the chain: if you find a link that is different from all the others, then you are lucky - you have a chain with a lock. In order to separate it, move the pins (pins, axles) on each half-link (cheek). The chain will open. The whole operation will take just a minute. No special equipment is needed: if you suddenly cannot move the pins with your hands, use pliers. Assembly is also done without any tricks, in reverse order.

How to remove a chain without a lock

If you have a chain without a lock, then you will need a special tool - a squeeze for the chain. It is inexpensive, takes up little space, so we recommend you always carry it with you, along with a set of hexagons and a repair kit for cameras. Anything can happen on the road - if the chain suddenly breaks, you can easily remove the damaged links with the squeeze and reconnect the chain.

How to remove the chain without squeezing? And is it worth it?

How to remove the chain without squeezing is a topical issue. But no matter how often it is asked, it is better to remember one life rule. For good repair and maintenance - it is better to use a specialized tool! In this case, it is a chain squeeze.

There are two types of pomace, most two seats. One of them is for assembling and disassembling the chain, the second is for adjusting the position of the axle in the chain link bushing. If your squeeze is just that, with two seats, then insert the chain link so that it is on the side closest to the adjusting screw. If you lay the chain in the wrong place, you can accidentally break out the partitions between the squeeze seats during operation or crush the cheeks of the link.

Let's assume that the chain is laid correctly. Now carefully turn the handle. The force may have to be applied a lot, so try to work carefully so that the link in the squeeze does not warp, otherwise it can be damaged. Make sure that the tip of the squeezer presses exactly on the pin. You do not need to turn the screw quickly, you should stop at the moment when the pin is squeezed out of the entire link, but remains on the far cheek. If you squeeze it out completely, then, believe me, it will be very difficult for you to insert it back. Also, be careful not to accidentally knock the pin out of the cheek: this way it can roll off in an unknown direction and get lost.

When assembling, you will not need anything other than the same pomace. I remind you again: be careful, do not get carried away, so as not to squeeze the pin out of the link.

Two important notes:

• If your chain is equipped with a lock, then you should not disassemble it with a squeeze
• If you have to disassemble the same chain repeatedly, then each time choose a new link: if you squeeze out the same pin over and over again, this will degrade the strength of the chain

After using the bike for a long time without maintenance, it is not uncommon for the chain to begin to sag. How to shorten a bicycle chain at home? What is required to determine its correct length? We will look for answers to these and other questions in the presented material.

What factors affect the elongation of a bicycle chain?

A number of points lead to the wear of the axles, the so-called pins, of a bicycle chain. Firstly, deposits in the form of old oil accumulate between the structural elements, on which dust and small contaminants stick. In addition, stretching can cause excessive stress on the chain when climbing steep hills on the bike. Another reason is the end of the chain's service life, the destruction of its elements as a result of impacts, metal corrosion. To avoid discomfort during the operation of the bike, you need to figure out

How to determine the optimal length?

Before you figure out whether it is possible to shorten the chain on a bicycle with your own hands, you need to find out how long it should have for comfortable movement. To understand this issue, it is enough to throw the chain on the largest stars both in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe rear and front chassis of the bike. Next, you need to open one of the links. Finally, tighten the chain as much as possible. It is enough to add a couple of centimeters to the resulting length so that the chain is not overstressed during the ride.

Preparation for dismantling

To make it easier to work with the chain, you should first clean it. The easiest way is to wipe it with a regular piece of material soaked in kerosene. You can also use a special wash, in particular AB-80 or WD-40 liquid.

Instruments

How to shorten the chain on a speed bike or mountain bike? There are several tools you can use to break the links. First of all, you should pay attention to the special pomace. The latter is a simple device resembling a manual frame with a rod that exerts pressure on the axes (pins) of the links. You can buy such a tool at any point of sale of sports equipment. Its acquisition will cost in the amount of 500 to 1000 rubles.

If it is not possible to buy a pomace, in this case you will have to use improvised means. We are talking here about a hammer and a metal bar, which will serve as a punch to extract the axes of the links. You will also need a couple of nuts that will fit under the chain links.

How to shorten a chain on a bicycle with a squeeze?

To do the job, resorting to the operation of a special tool, you need to perform the following sequence of actions:

1. Set the squeeze to a position in which its rod will be in the center of the axis of the chain link.
2. Perform rotational movements with the tool until the axis is almost completely out of the link.
3. Disconnect the chain and, if necessary, perform similar operations with its remaining sections.
4. Remove unnecessary links and connect the structure.

Having figured out how to shorten the chain on a bicycle, you need to figure out how to connect it. A narrow half-link must be inserted between the cheeks of a wide one. Then the axle should fully enter the hole in the hub. Next, you need to evaluate the mobility of the links. If it is insufficient at the junction, the hinge can be developed using pliers.

How to shorten a chain on a bicycle without squeezing?

The absence of a specialized tool designed to disconnect chain links is not a critical moment. As mentioned above, a metal pin, nail, etc. can serve as an alternative to squeeze. Also here you will need a hammer, with which the axles will be knocked out of the links.

With this approach to business, the main thing is to be careful. After all, inaccurate, too strong blows can lead to deformation of the link plates. To prevent this from happening, ordinary nuts must be placed under the chain elements in advance.

For those who first resort to shortening a bicycle chain without the use of a special squeeze, it is recommended to pre-train. For these purposes, it is worth using an old chain or separate, unnecessary links. Such work requires some skill. Therefore, before acting on a working chain with a hammer and a punch, you need to perform the above steps several times and evaluate the result of your own work.

Finally

So we figured out how to shorten a bicycle chain. As you can see, it is possible to cope with such a task not only with the help of a special squeeze. To do the work, sometimes it is enough to use the tools at hand, which can be found in every home.

What could be better than a day out on a bike ride! However, the pleasure can be overshadowed by an unexpected chain breakage. If domestic bicycles for the most part consist of detachable sections of the chain, the locks between which are without special work can be divided, then the chains are often one-piece. We will talk today about how the chain is removed, and what devices exist for this.

When is a chain removed from a bicycle?

Experienced cyclists remove the chain regularly. For example, in the case when the replacement of the system or only the cassette resulted in a change in the number of teeth, the chain will have to be shortened by removing the teeth, or lengthened by adding additional ones. In addition, the chain is removed in order to:

• wash;
• boil in grease;
• replace (if repair is no longer possible).

Instructions for self-replacing the squeeze chain

Removing the chain by pressing.

Usually, an auxiliary tool is used to remove the chain from the bike - squeeze. With it, it is easy to remove even one-piece chain. The sequence of work in this case is as follows:

1. Determine the section of the chain to parse. In the case of repeated disassembly of the chain, it is preferable to take a non-repairable section of the chain.
2. Insert the chain into the squeeze so that the pin is opposite the clamping axis.
3. Secure the chain with a knurled screw.
4. Turn the handle, squeezing the pin out.
5. Remove unnecessary links with a squeeze, pressing out the entire pin.
6. Connect chain links. In this case, the pin located in the cheek should look outward towards you. First you need to pass the chain through the rear and front derailleurs. Then put the chain links one on top of the other so that the pin coincides with the sleeve.
7. Unclench the "cheeks" with pliers. After the ends of the chain have taken their place, the pin coming out will not allow the links to separate.
8. Insert the squeeze into the link so that the axes of the pin and the rod match perfectly, and rotate the funnel, pressing the pin into the hole.
9. Check the symmetry of the position of the pin and the “cheeks” of the links. Adjust their position if necessary.
10. Check the links for mobility relative to each other. If necessary, increase mobility with pliers.

Important! On a high-speed bike, the chain is installed along the switch rollers at the rear in accordance with the broach pattern. In order to be able to replace the chain many times in the future, it is best to lock the chain.

The sequence of actions for removing the chain from the bike without squeezing with your own hands

The squeeze is a useful tool. However, it is not always available. What then to do? The prospect of staying in the middle of pristine nature somewhere many kilometers from the city does not look attractive. You can remove the chain from the bike without squeezing. Doing it yourself will not be easy, but it is quite possible. Let us consider in detail the options for parsing a chain with and without a lock.

Model with lock

How to check if a chain has a lock? As easy as pie! A quick inspection to see if the chain has a link that is different from its neighbors. This is the castle. You can disconnect it by moving the pins on each of the links with your hands or pliers. To assemble the chain, you need to do the same steps in reverse order.

Model without lock

In this case, without squeezing it will not be easy. And the result will be unpredictable. But, if there are no other options, we choose the lesser of 2 evils. So, we remove the chain without a lock from the bike with improvised means in this order.

1. Screw an ordinary vise to the table.
2. Fix the chain in a vise by placing a nut on one side, the hole of which corresponds to the pin.
3. Stick on the other side a small screw with a hat.
4. Clamping the vise, push the pin into the nut hole with the ball.

Important! In order to open the circuit, it is not enough to release one side. You need to move the link and remove the chain, or add another ball and continue trying.

Summing up, we can confidently say that pomace is an indispensable thing on the road for every cyclist. And if a broken chain with a lock can still be removed from the bike without this device, then, as for the chain without a lock, it will be difficult to do without it. However, in case of form-major circumstances, you can use the above instructions.

Chain length:

Chain length is a parameter that many overlook when building a bike from scratch from a set of components, or when replacing a worn chain. In fact, it is also worth remembering that on many new bikes sold in stores due to an oversight or manufacturer’s mistake, the chain may be too long, which will inevitably degrade shifting accuracy. In addition, she will also jump off the stars more often on technical terrain, roots and rocks. But if a long chain can just give you an unpleasant surprise a few times during the trip, then the consequences of installing a chain that is too short can be disastrous. At best, you simply won't be able to switch to big stars of the system and cassette from high tension. At worst, the rear derailleur can come off and break (knocking out several spokes at the same time). rear wheel), the chain will break. It is safe to say that the wrong length of a bicycle chain is a direct path to a speedy repair.

Rear derailleur type:

The rear derailleur on your bike plays a huge role in adjusting chain length and tension. The derailleur foot, moving back, maintains enough tension when you use a small chainring in a cassette, but it also compensates. However, it can also move forward when you shift to the big chainrings for climbing. Respectively rear derailleurs are available in 3 possible versions: with a short, medium and long foot / frame (depending on your preferences and the capabilities of the bike). The basic principle when choosing a new derailleur is: the wider the gear range, the longer the lug should be. If we consider the classic layout of a bicycle transmission with 3 stars in the system, then a long foot will be most appropriate there. If we are talking about models with one star in the system, then a short foot is quite suitable. For example, if you want to use a short rear derailleur on a bike with a wide range of gears, then you also need to install a chain that is too long (which will compensate for the insufficient length of the derailleur). And there is no golden mean here, unfortunately. An improperly fitted rear derailleur will prevent you from determining the correct chain length and avoid damage.

A chain that is too long will often fly off and cause shifting problems, a chain that is too short can rip your rear derailleur off. Can't wait to check the chain length on your bike?

Helpful Hints:

It is important to remember that you need to determine the length of the chain on a two-weight (a bicycle with a front and rear shock absorber) at the moment when the rear shock absorber is pressed through the entire stroke (i.e. under load). In this case, the chain must be installed on the largest stars in diameter in the cassette and system.

On the modern bicycles with a 20 speed transmission (2 stars in the system and 10 in the cassette), you can use a combination of the largest stars in front and rear in diameter when driving. This is not recommended for bikes with 3 stars in the system. However, when choosing a chain length, you still need to put it on the largest stars in the cassette and system - you can accidentally switch to such a combination while riding, and you don’t want it to break.

Some professional cyclists set the chain length as short as possible to minimize the possibility of the chain slipping off even on the most difficult terrain. At the same time, you must constantly ensure that you do not use a large star in front and behind at the same time. But we do not recommend you such experiments.

Many bikes shipped from the factory to retailers and dealers around the world have a standard chain that is too long. Therefore, it is recommended to check it further, even considering that the bike is brand new, out of the box.

Rear derailleur foot length sram and Shimano different. The same can be said about switches of the same series from the same manufacturer, but different model years. This means that after replacing the rear derailleur, checking the chain length is on the list of mandatory service activities.

Dual Suspension Features

Setting the required chain length is not a difficult task, but everything becomes not so simple in the case of double suspensions. Why is this happening? Many bike manufacturers use suspension layouts that improve pedaling efficiency. At the same time, as the suspension is activated, the distance between the carriage and the axle of the rear wheel increases. This displacement can occur throughout the entire suspension travel, or only within a certain range. But in any case, this means that, all other things being equal, it is necessary to install a longer chain on a full suspension than on a hardtail.

Squeeze the suspension at full speed, because. it is in this position that you will be able to determine the appropriate chain length. If your bike has an air rear shock, simply deflate the air through valve(it looks like a “car” nipple), while simultaneously compressing the suspension with its weight. In the case of a spring shock, you will have to first remove it from the frame, remove the spring, and then put the shock back in.

Before you begin to manipulate the shock, you need to change the chain to the largest stars in the cassette and system. For convenience, you can fix the bike in repair rack, if any.

If the chain length is too short, you will immediately notice it by the position of the rear derailleur foot. The photo above shows the position of the rear derailleur with the suspension fully compressed. We can say with confidence that such a chain length will cause, at best, a breakdown of the cock and the rear derailleur itself. Accordingly, you need to add several links, or choose a longer chain.

The photo above shows the position of the rear derailleur with the correct chain length. By adding just two extra links, we saved ourselves a lot of potential problems.

Shift the chain to the smallest cog in the cassette and system. If you see a picture similar to the left photo, then the chain length is matched almost perfectly. We see that the chain is sufficiently tensioned, but at the same time the necessary free play is preserved, and there is also a margin for switching to larger stars. The right photo shows too much chain length, which, as we have already found out, can lead to serious damage to your bike, as well as regular chain jumping off the sprockets.