Install Bicycle Chain

The tools needed to install a bike chain are:

chain tool

pliers, for Shimano chains

The procedure to install a bike chain is:

1. Remove links of the new chain so it is the right length for your bike. A new chain, right out of the box, will always be too long.

Use your old chain as a template to measure the new chain for the correct length. Lay the chains side by side and mark the link on the new chain that you will break.

As an alternative, shift the derailleurs to the largest cog and the largest chain ring, and install the chain through the derailleurs. Pull the rear derailleur as much forward as it will comfortably go. Mark the chain length. The point is to have enough chain for it to comfortably shift in to the biggest gears. (Of course you do not want to ever ride with the chain in these gears, but your chain should be long enough to go in to these gears without breaking something.)

Break the chain using the procedure in the Remove Chain section.

2. Shift the derailleurs over a middle cog and the smallest chain ring.

3. Install the chain in the derailleurs. Be careful to thread the chain correctly through the rear derailleur. See the photo in the Remove Chain section.

4. Attach the chain links.

The easiest way to attach chain links is with a master link. A master link lets you break and reinstall the chain without tools.

To attach the links with a Shimano replacement chain pin (necessary on Shimano chains, but will not work with other chains), first insert the replacement pin as shown in the photo, and then break off the excess part as shown in the next photos.

Shimano Replacement Pin

(The pin is inserted all the way, until the top of the pin is flush with the outside of the chain plate.)

Insert the front of the Shimano pin in the chain.

Push the pin all the way in with a chain tool.

Break the end off with pliers.

To attach links on non-Shimano chains, it is necessary that the chain pin was left inserted in one of the outside plates of the chain (see photo is Remove Chain section). Align the pin over the link and outside plate holes, and insert it as shown in the chain tool photo above. Use the lower part of the chain breaker, not the upper part (which will bend the outside plate).

5. If the link is stiff, twist it with your hands. Liberal force may be required. If it is still stiff, use the chain breaker and move the pin a little in each direction. The upper part of the chain breaker can be used in this attempt, but very, very carefully. If you used a master link, you would not have this problem.

Chain Compatibility

Campagnolo chains should be used with their drive trains.

Sram and other brands are generally compatible with Shimano and Sram drive trains. We prefer Sram chains and, if given a choice, will not use other brands as replacements.

BMX and single speed chains are a unique width.

Multi-speed bikes must have a chain width compatible with the drivetrain. Eight speed chains work on 5, 6, 7 and 8 speed drivetrains. Nine speed drivetrains require a 9 speed chain. Ten speed drivetrains require a 10 speed chain.

Back to Chain Introduction

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