How to put mountain bike chain back on?

While you’re out riding, chain-wear on your mountain bike chain is inevitable. But what can you do to avoid or minimize this wear? Today we will show you how to put a chain back on your mountain bike, and we’ll share with you the best practices in case you are wearing it for the first time.

Mountain bike chains are very common in today’s world, but it can be hard to find a replacement when the old one is completely worn out. The best beginner mountain bikes come with a durable chain. We have come up with an effective way to put the chain back on your mountain bike so that you can start pedaling again. Check out this quick video for step-by-step instructions.

How to put the mountain bike chain back on?

Here are the steps on how to put the mountain bike chain back on.

Locate the worn-out chain

Locating the most worn-out chain is important to do. The problem in all mountain biking and road cycling communities is that there will always be someone better or faster than you who wears a sharp chain.

The easiest way to find it, the one on which everything else rides around it – too loose or too tight – is just to take off your shoe halfway through a pedal stroke and check if by any chance you see only part of your tire after that stroke. If you do, then it would be good to put back on your old one first and see how the new one rides around that part of the crank arm.

Untangle the chain

As soon as you put on the new chain, it will look half of a link short. You would want to follow these steps no matter what – if not replace the cranks first:

Remove as many links from both ends of the worn-out chain until they are untangled and linked together properly (maybe even place them with their assembly numbers facing up so that you can locate all proper links). Wrap those free-for-all pieces around your worn-out chain.

Then, with flat pliers (preferably without teeth), mash these links into torquing them into the cranks of your mountain bike. That way, you will not need to use too much force on each link and your worn-out one won’t turn back to its original shape. With an oily rag, wipe off all dirty parts of the chainset after disassembly for prevention of rust or corrosion due to moisture.

Return the worn out chain to its original place

Finally, it is very important to return the chain to its original place so that your crank doesn’t wear itself out, as I mentioned above. Since there are almost no minimum requirements that must be met on replacement of a worn-out chain except for proper tools and time (which you most likely have), replace your chainset as soon as possible if not already fixed/smoothed properly by then.

When to Replace Your Old Mountain Bike Chain?

Chain wear is normal for mountain bike use. However, keep in mind that over a short period, the lubricant on your chainset will get worn out and it can cause unnecessary friction/heat to build up between wheels/chainrings- especially when you are scrubbing uphill. The parts where there’s grime, dust, and mud may be getting into this area, causing more dirt with each passing day (especially if you ride at night when there is hardly any sunlight). If you see white or yellow stains in these places and they start to form a smooth structure, then it’s worthy of replacement.

How Long Does Mountain Bike Chain Last?

In general, mountain bike chains last between 2-5 years depending on the user’s usage (and compound), the type of terrain used at live.

However, if the chain needs replacement because it breaks frequently and the front chainring starts to lose its shape (or you see some other obvious signs), then consider premature aging of your mountain bike chainset. In most cases, this will not exceed 3 years at most for intermediate users riding a moderate amount on course with occasional competition, which involves enough intensity and intervals. If you ride regularly despite the front chainring looking worn down, then it’s wise to replace your mountain bike chainset.

What Lubricants Should I Use?

Based on the type of riding you usually do, you can consider using special lubricant for most specifications. Always keep in mind that lubes come with different additives that may make them more effective for various uses and often act differently (or not at all) in high temperatures, which are worth paying attention to. Some factors which you can consider are regarding the terrain and your riding habits.

Mountain bike chainset needs to be lubricated most of the time (i.e., throughout the ride regardless of terrain or conditions), especially if you have a plastic inner sleeve in your derailleur. Keep in mind that products such as Vaseline, Goo Gone, Engrenage will usually work well enough, at least during summer UV radiance when the chain won’t stay clean too long.

How to install a new chain?

1. Using a torque tool, fasten the 3 bolts for retaining bearings carefully with the proper torque and make sure that the chain does not turn one click before fixating it by wedging through the small slot available on both sides of the big sprocket. Use only two skins (not more) to go over the derailleur since pins are quite thin (and also difficult to seat accurately). Make use of special drivers/tools under great care. 2. Use a chain tool to remove the outer link of your existing mountain bike chainset and slide it completely on one side until the pin locks it in place with the proper torque. Safety note: don’t forget to put back (disconnect) spring toward derailleur.
2. Take out the old 6-speed clutch mechanism from its special support, removing both speed sensors and protectors located underneath them (make sure that you have all these beforehand). Set the latter in specific order 2-3, 4, and 5 stops with the ordered derailleur. These speed sensors usually have plastic/rubber covers and some are easier to slide out than others (thinner or thicker ones) depending on the brand. Some guides online say that even though they become unusable during installation if removed too soon. However, it is your responsibility as a mechanic not to remove unfavorable cover until installation.

Conclusion:

There are a few ways to put a mountain bike chain back on. The first is to use the chain tool, and the second is to use an Allen wrench. But the most common way is to make sure that you are putting it back on in the right order.

Keep Reading: 5 Reasons why you should Ride that Bike