If one asks you which the first step of advancement in transportation was, you will react immediately to the answer ‘bicycle’. There is no doubt about that. Though the bicycle looks simple in operation, it consisted of a mechanism to build it. Like all machines, this works on the pulley and chain system where the chain gets the circular momentum when it is locked with a pulley and combined with pedals. When the rider pushes the right and left pedals alternatively, as far as riding the bicycle is concerned, all can do that, but many people don’t even know How to change a bicycle chain when it comes to repairing.
Knowledge of the people is limited to how to fix the slipped chain from the sprocket, but beyond that, they leave it to a mechanic. Let us review the same matter of chain replacement. For this, we must know the bicycle’s functionality, which is a very simple operation. The chain will last longer if it does not come across a lot of sand or rough areas. The wear and tear will be quite quick and beyond repair, giving you a hard time.
Replacement of the old chain: –
Once you decide to replace the chain, you need to know the size of your chain, and nowadays, we have bicycles with gears, so insist on knowing which is the chain you need to change. If it is outermost, it is quite easy; otherwise, you have to remove outer side chains before replacing the affected one. Here you can know how to change a bicycle chain –
- Put your bicycle on the stand for the easiness of work.
- Remove the chain cover covering both the wheel shafts.
- Chains will never be fully tight as they need to rotate freely. So to remove the chain, you need to hold it tight on the groove of the sprocket wheel so that you can revolve the pedal to remove the chain.
- While holding the chain tight at one end of the wheel, slowly push the pedal in the same direction as the holding wheel.
- It would help if you held it pulling outwards to come out easily once you rotate the pedal.
- Wear protective gloves to avoid injury and spreading chain grease on your hands.
- Once you remove the old chain, apply grease to the new chain and fix it on one of the wheel shafts (preferably bigger).
- Adjust the chain completely on one wheel and then hold it stretched on one of the teeth of the wheel. The teeth and the sprocket must be locked to each other.
- Holding it firmly, try to rotate the pedal opposite to where you have held the chain stretched.
- This way, in one or two attempts of rotation of the pedal, you can fix the new chain to your bicycle.
- Fix the chain cover back again as protection.
Conclusion: –
Though it seems easy, it is not that simple as two steps are very important. Removal and mounting of the chain will never be easy as one might feel. How to change a bicycle chain, therefore, remains a skill.