Installing a new chain.

Zidane
Zidane Posts: 140
edited May 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi, My shimano chain snapped on me this weekend and so I went out and bought a new 8 speed sram one.
This is the first time I have had to swap the chain, are there any tips for my first effort ? I have watched a couple of vids on youtube and had a look on the park site and it seems pretty straightforward (i hope).
Thanks.

Comments

  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    1st you need to make the chain the right length, either measure against the old one if enough remains

    or bypassing the rear mech & wrapping the chain around the largest sprocket on the cassette & largest chainring & adding 2 links.

    just as in park tools website
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • Zidane
    Zidane Posts: 140
    Sounds pretty straightforward, thanks mate.
  • Zidane
    Zidane Posts: 140
    I think I made my chain too short. The arm with the jockey wheels is now at an angle where before it was pointing straight down.
    Can I just pop links back into the chain to remedy this ?
  • Shorty12
    Shorty12 Posts: 478
    You cant add links but you could use power links.
  • Zidane
    Zidane Posts: 140
    Shorty12 wrote:
    You cant add links but you could use power links.

    Aww nuts.
  • Shorty12
    Shorty12 Posts: 478
    But i may be wrong, If it shifts fine and goes on all the cogs could be ok
  • Zidane
    Zidane Posts: 140
    It's ok, it was me being a bit thick :oops:
    Changes through gears fine. Only small problem is in certain gears the chain catches ever so slightly on the front derailleur cage, but this happened with the old chain sometimes too.
  • Shorty12
    Shorty12 Posts: 478
    If it is rubbing then you are in the wrong gears. Like 1 X 9 will have a bad chain line and will increase wear
  • Zidane
    Zidane Posts: 140
    Went out for an hour this afternoon and the chain was slipping a bit too. Is this simple to correct or is it an LBS job ?
    Thanks.
  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    Could be other parts are worn out (Cassette &/or Chainrings) if the slipping has only started since you fitted the new chain.
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • Zidane
    Zidane Posts: 140
    The cassette is pretty new as it was installed when I had my last service, and the large chainring was too. How do you check if they need replacing ?
    Thanks again.
  • Zidane
    Zidane Posts: 140
    :D
  • rhyko7
    rhyko7 Posts: 781
    is there a way of determining the correct chain length for a rear sus bike? obviously you dont want it too slack and falling off, or too tight that it wrecks deraileur (probably rip it off)
    so how do you know its the right length before hitting the mountains?
    Dont look at it-ride it! they are tools not f*cking ornaments

    my riding:
    http://www.youtube.com/user/rhyspect

    Some of my Rides Data/maps:
    http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/Users/527337

Categories