Putting on a bike chain involves several key steps, and a crucial part of installing a new chain is determining the correct length. The provided reference focuses specifically on how to size a new chain to ensure it's the optimum length for your bike.
Sizing a New Bike Chain: A Key Step
Correct chain length is essential for proper shifting and preventing damage to your drivetrain components. The method described in the reference helps you find the ideal size for a new chain before cutting it to length. This specific sizing process involves bypassing the derailleurs.
Here's how to size a new chain according to the reference:
- Position the Chain: Place the chain over the biggest sprocket at the back (on the cassette or freewheel) and the bigger chainring at the front (on the crankset).
- Bypass Derailleurs: Ensure that during this sizing step, you are bypassing both derailleurs. The chain should wrap directly around the largest rear cog and largest front ring.
- Pull Tight: Bring the two ends of the chain together and pull the chain tight around the gears. This shows you the minimum length needed without slack.
- Add Extra Links: Once pulled tight, add two links (which equals one inner and one outer plate set, or two outer plates with their associated inner plates depending on the chain type) to this measured length.
- Optimum Length: The resulting length after adding these two links is considered your optimum chain length or "optimum chaining" for this bike setup.
Determining the correct length using this method is a vital preparatory step when installing a new bike chain. After sizing and cutting the chain, the subsequent steps involve routing it through the derailleurs and connecting the ends, typically using a master link or a special chain pin, depending on the chain type. However, the reference specifically details the sizing process described above.
