How to Replace a Chain on a Single Speed Bike - Sizing, Installation & Tensioning

Рет қаралды 680,077

Күн бұрын

Learning how to replace a chain is a staple of bike maintenance. This video focuses specifically on bikes with two sprockets, and it covers the whole replacement process including sizing, installation, and setting tension.
Questions or comments? Leave them below!
See all our chain videos in our chain repair help playlist ▶︎ • Repair Help: Chains
Video contents:
00:22 Tools Needed
00:46 Removal - Master Link
01:35 Sizing & Installation
04:11 Chain Tension
07:45 Removal - Connecting Rivet
➤ Tools & materials used:
• CT-3.2 Chain Tool - www.parktool.com/product/chain...
• SS-15 Single Speed Spanner - www.parktool.com/product/singl...
• TW-6.2 Ratcheting Click-Type Torque Wrench - www.parktool.com/product/ratch...
• NP-6 Needle Nose Pliers - www.parktool.com/product/needl...
• MLP-1.2 Master Link Pliers - www.parktool.com/product/maste...
• CL-1 Synthetic Chain Lube - www.parktool.com/product/synth...
• Chain related Park Tool products - www.parktool.com/category/chain
• Repair Stand - www.parktool.com/category/repa...
• New Chain
For a text-based walk-through of this process: www.parktool.com/blog/repair-h...
➤ Subscribe: kzfaq.info...
➤ Like: / parktool
➤ Follow: / parktoolblue
➤ Fix It:
Did you know that Park Tool is the #1 resource for bicycle repair education?
• Visit our KZfaq Channel: / parktool
• Visit the Repair Help section of Parktool.com: www.parktool.com/blog/repair-h...
• Check out The Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair: www.parktool.com/product/big-b...
➤ About Park Tool:
Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our KZfaq channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.
➤ More Chain Repair Help:
• The Park Tool Guide to Chains ▶︎ • The Park Tool Guide To...
• How to Clean and Lube a Bicycle Chain with a Park Tool Chain Cleaner ▶︎ • How To Clean and Lube ...
• When to Replace a Chain on a Bicycle ▶︎ • When to Replace a Chai...
• How to Fix a Broken Bicycle Chain ▶︎ • How to Fix a Broken Bi...
• How to Replace a Chain on a Bicycle - Sizing & Installation ▶︎ • How to Replace a Chain...
• How to Size a Bicycle Chain ▶︎ • How to Size a Bicycle ...
• How to Size a Campagnolo Bicycle Chain ▶︎ • How to Size a Campagno...

Пікірлер: 194

@JohnPaul-vl9ss 5 күн бұрын

Got my answer, loose and tight spots in chain while turning cranks is common due to imperfect chainrings. Adjust so tight spots have 1/4" slack and your good to go. Thank you Park Tools

@bernhardtabert5900 6 жыл бұрын

Very well explained. The blue chain was very helpful, often black components are displayed on black backround and the presenter from other canals wear black hand gloves.

@handyboy2000 7 жыл бұрын

This is a superb video. informative, succinct and to the point. No wasted time, well written, edited and filmed. Simple excellent work. Thanks for your efforts.

@plastikbertrand 6 жыл бұрын

These videos are very informational when put across by a professional like this chap, thumbs up from me!

@girishchand444 3 жыл бұрын

absolute gem video for bicycle lovers and how to check your chain tension. Information given adequately wirhout any further ado

@fabrizioffgmail 4 жыл бұрын

Definitive how-to-tight-a-bike-chain tutorial. Tough beard too!! 😉👍 - Greetings from Italy

@BodhiNDaddy 3 жыл бұрын

Very excellent and well detailed instructional video! Appreciate it, man! 👊🏾

@leestimson12 5 жыл бұрын

Really good video Ben very helpful. Keep them coming. Thanks.

@xarptwin 3 жыл бұрын

This is very informative. Gonna use this info to tighten my son's bike chain tension. It wasn't fun trying to fix the derailed chain roadside.

@jordimeyer3247 3 жыл бұрын

really the best video for Dirt bikes, Single speed and fixed gears.

@cancelchristmas1191 3 жыл бұрын

Got damn man thank you so much. I been perplexed with this back tire for 4 days now and soon as I watched your video taking the chain off, BAM I got it.

@felixmadison5736 8 ай бұрын

EXCELLENT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO!! Just what I needed to fix chain length on an old 5-speed bike.

@nigeljohnson8022 5 жыл бұрын

Cheers Ben, Love the look on your face when your inflated glove pinkie got stuck in the chain ring, just like my boss ! when I tell him I'm going home

@georgemcmullan8958 2 жыл бұрын

Best explanation. Concise and thorough. Thanks.

@scubawithatuba Жыл бұрын

Thanks for such a helpful video. This is way less intimidating, if only I had all the tools!

@Soundafek 6 жыл бұрын

Thank You Park Tool..

@iam4x 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot needed explanation for a great tension, greetings from France !!

@ferdiansahgg 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Park Tool Channel, Greetings from indonesia

@susiefairfield7218 2 жыл бұрын

Trying to figure this out on a three wheel trike, no axle adjustment room, but I think I got it! Thanks! Had to do it twice, too long first time Thank You for your help

@FabEnPeOr2 3 жыл бұрын

Man this is the best video for this topic! Thanks a lot!

@sarathchandrawijesinghe817 Жыл бұрын

Very good explanation. Thank you!

@pprlng 2 жыл бұрын

This was very helpful, thanks :)

@AmanSharma-ys1eo 4 жыл бұрын

Your background sounds is awesome

@maherahmed1977 7 жыл бұрын

Hello, thank you for these series of videos, is there any intention to make a video about the suspension, in the mountain bike which is mostly fully suspension bike.

@MultiVde 8 ай бұрын

Again, you guys helped me. Thank you

@dago_0730 6 жыл бұрын

guys, you deserve tons of likes

@luipermom 5 жыл бұрын

Best video about change and adjustments of a bike chain. Thanks for it!

@tugboat8475 3 жыл бұрын

That axle bolt tool looks good. Wish Park tools did a BMX home tool kit.

@59vijaiyaaravindthsr39 3 жыл бұрын

Your video help me very much thank you park tool

@Slingersbullseye Жыл бұрын

Bravo 👏👌 good quality content

@CK-vy2qv 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video - to the point..

@ZGHFF 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video

@Arlisa1913 2 жыл бұрын

Most helpful video 😀

@bdarmypabna5022 6 жыл бұрын

Very good Works

@ArmTheCreative 4 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU!!

@Batistareparosautomotivos 7 жыл бұрын

Nice video!

@rubengarcia5470 4 жыл бұрын

Good looks bruh, took me an hour but we good, SLATT.

@agustinalonsoibanezolivos1890 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video

@giovannidurso8985 6 жыл бұрын

Bravo 😊

@123tonyking 3 жыл бұрын

Great beard man 🤘

@austingode 2 жыл бұрын

Very good …. Had a good laugh with the fingers !

@yuricouto7375 4 жыл бұрын

Man your video quality is massive

@blizzbee 3 жыл бұрын

The handlebar tape wrapping is like a 3credits course tutorial.

@SamA-jl7uc 6 жыл бұрын

I new to the channel and I thought he was saying "ive been with park tool" and just cutting off

@JSB-2Z-2K 3 жыл бұрын

thank you very much

@Gio-vf1zf 5 жыл бұрын

Good vid

@arisimbara8573 3 жыл бұрын

thanks full

@MrMarkar1959 Жыл бұрын

08/13/22,,,amazing how much bicycle repair tricks a Person forgets after 40years. 👍🏼 also Amazing is buying an Adult Trike when exercise sux

@RAFAELHCASTROROBLEDO 2 жыл бұрын

Can you do a video like this one but using a BMX with integrated tensioners, like BSD ALXV frame?

@grc787 3 жыл бұрын

Didn't see a link, but what is the part used for the chain tensioner?

@flor.e.cultura 7 жыл бұрын

Hey Ben! Is this tipe of masterlink at 1:00 directional? I have been using for years at the opossite side, luckily I never had any problems, but it does not mean that I did it correctly. Congratulations for all the videos about chains!! Love your channel an the brand!!

@lucianonarno1408 7 жыл бұрын

Flor.e.Cultura yes, the close side of the master link should face the direction in which the chain is moving. If the open side is facing the direction of chain movement there is a very little chance that it could catch on something and pop off. I've never heard of this happening to anyone, so there is no problem if you put it backwards.

@greensboroughcycles8653 6 жыл бұрын

I got my pinkie stuck between the front chainring and the chain when I was 7. I’m now 13 and still got the scar. Learnt from that mistake pretty quickly.

@jackhewitt7902 4 жыл бұрын

Brady Douglas amen brother got my pointer finger caught in the chain of my single speed

@aidanshepard6080 3 жыл бұрын

My finger just tingled with the memory of getting it caught in a friends drivetrain, after that day I had 11 nails

@johnnysalgado7695 3 жыл бұрын

Park tool yessir

@jimlahey8862 8 ай бұрын

Ok got mine road bike but mine has one socket and the pedals go backwards when I move the bike forward how do I fix that

@user-dh8he5hd8g 4 жыл бұрын

Спасибо👍😁

@Tgiles13 4 жыл бұрын

Chain tension- spin the cranks and hold bike so the outside face of the chainring is parallel to the ground, give the bike a good shake. If the chain is too loose it will fall off.

@deckard0 3 жыл бұрын

Is there a trick to removing the clip with the pliers?

@sheldonturley1849 3 жыл бұрын

What hapoen if fingers get caught in sprocket?? Do you still go all the way round or double back?

@vincentvin4345 3 жыл бұрын

so chain without master link needs new pin/rivet?

@lt.bagelbites6969 3 жыл бұрын

I don’t even need to take my chain off and im just watching cuz it entertaining

@averysba 4 жыл бұрын

You mention that after finding the reference rivet to then add two more links (to make later rear wheel removal easier). Is this necessary for use on forward facing dropouts?

@parktool 4 жыл бұрын

It is not necessary on forward facing drop outs.

@p504504 2 жыл бұрын

"Riveting stuff" - Calvin Jones

@msolisp33 10 ай бұрын

What chain tensioner do you use?

@deluxgaming6742 8 ай бұрын

that scene with the finger triggered me haha ... happened twice ... I still have all my 11 fingers still tho :)))

@newellzelarayan7167 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Where can I purchase that chain tensioner? I am looking everywhere for the one you use but can't seem to find it. I couldn't find it on parktool.com. Any suggestions?

@andromeda160 3 жыл бұрын

Bit late but that is a surly tensioner

@JosePerez-pe9cb Жыл бұрын

I bought a bike and I wanna go with a bigger sprocket in the front I want to know how much is it so I can replace it how much is the part

@TeddyJSmooth 3 ай бұрын

What if your chain doesn't have a master link.

@hamishp6456 Ай бұрын

Watch the video bro

@jambonsambo 4 жыл бұрын

One thing I am not sure about that is not entirely clear in this video , this ideal 12 mm amount of movement in the chain , is it 6mm up from where the chain sits and 6mm down to make 12mm alltogether ?, or 12mm up and 12 mm down , or just 12mm up from where the chain is sitting ?

@ajbulan2029 3 жыл бұрын

4:21 I was watching at 12:24 when he screamed and scared the sh*t out of me

@sekerseker4763 4 жыл бұрын

God! Why does every single bike installation have to be so hard! I just want a gold chain

@houseofpills 4 жыл бұрын

This isn't difficult

@patientswim6888 3 жыл бұрын

@@houseofpills it isnt but I just managed to fuck it up somehow. Ugh chain is too short by a long way now i need a new chain fuck

@lenahygiena 5 жыл бұрын

Is it necessary to move the wheel every time I replace a chain? Or not, if I size it after the old chain?

@parktool 5 жыл бұрын

There should be relatively little chain slack in these chains. Keeping the chain pulled tight enough and connect it would be a good trick indeed.

@citored85 2 жыл бұрын

Can this be applied exactly as is to Internally geared hubs? A not sure why but I can't find a video on just chain replacement for IGHs.

@parktool 2 жыл бұрын

For the purposes of this video, single-speed = one chainring in front, one sprocket in back. You’re in the right place.

@StadtradlerAt 6 жыл бұрын

The chainring is on the left side of the bike (@ 9:37)? Looks as if you have your video mirrored..

@liamcushing1092 6 жыл бұрын

Stadtradler some bmx's have a left side drivetrain if your right is your preferred "grind side" so you don't mess up your chairing, cog, and chain.

@worlddomin623 6 жыл бұрын

that chainline tho, especially for a fixed gear

@alantaylor6691 6 жыл бұрын

Do you mean as displayed at timeframe 4:02? It looks like it's going in towards the back. Is that normal for a fixed-geared bike?

@lithium5755 3 жыл бұрын

So question I do see a master link or whatever, it all looks the same. :( there also is a c clip anywhere

@lordgibbness 4 жыл бұрын

This guide was good. But some points from my experience recently doing this: 1. I couldn't add two additional links to the chain length when sizing, as it took away all adjustment to get the chain tensioned properly, and as the chain will slacken over time it would be too long for the frame adjusters. 2. You should fully grease the connecting link before installing. 3. The retaining clip should have the closed section facing forward in the direction of chain travel. Otherwise very useful guide... 👍

@lordgibbness 4 жыл бұрын

Regarding point one, I always size without the connecting link, so it will then lengthen by half an inch, when I add this later on...

@vetkosgarage6165 6 жыл бұрын

What i need to do if i just wanna remove my single speed chain and put it back?

@parktool 6 жыл бұрын

Depends if you have a master link or not. If you do just un do the link and remove the chain. If you do not you can push the pin 75% of the way out then pull the two sides of chain apart. To re install, the content from the video should have you covered.

@andreicristian1625 4 жыл бұрын

Is 17mm up-down movement too much movement for a conversion? I can't get any closer than this to the spec with an acceptable gear ratio.

@parktool 4 жыл бұрын

Get the bike up in the air to pedal and test it. Pedal and push on the chain at the point between front are rear sprockets. Purposefully try to disengage the chain, and shove it off the sprocket. If it stays on, you are good.

@lorniac_2326 6 жыл бұрын

So on a chain with a master link, if the chain is removed is it important to put the chain on the same way moving clockwise/ counterclockise? Or does it not matter.

@parktool 6 жыл бұрын

On some chains the chain is directional. Typically you want the writing on the chain to be facing outwards. The connecting link can also be directional and will usually have an arrow which you want to be pointing in the direction of which the chain travels while being pedaled forward.

@PRH123 7 ай бұрын

Centering the wheel between the chainstays is done by looking at it from behind, and if it looks OK, that's good...? Just roughly eyeballing it is OK, a more accurate method isnt needed...? On many frames, the chainstays aren't identical... how to handle that...?

@StephaneThiele Жыл бұрын

When my pedals are turning while pushing the bike, does this neccessarily mean that my chain tension is too tight? Greetings from Germany, great Video!

@parktool Жыл бұрын

Not necessarily. If the freehub is tight and not spinning well, it can also move the pedals.

@8Bitable 6 жыл бұрын

I noticed that bike has a Surly Tuggnut. Never used them before, thinking about getting one ... Serious question: Do you use one on each side or only on the drive side?

@parktool 6 жыл бұрын

I prefer a chain tensioner on one side. The majority of force that is applied is being applied to the driveside. So this is where you will benefit the most from the chain tensioner. The Tuggnut is fantastic BTW.

@8Bitable 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you, this helps a TON!

@BigBalcerak 3 жыл бұрын

Can the surly tuggnut also be used with a front facing dropout?

@AbrahamTheBadBadger 3 жыл бұрын

Question: If I made a mistake in sizing a chain (cutting it too short), is it possible to add links with another quick link, or must I get a new chain instead?

@MaplePanda04 3 жыл бұрын

Adding links is fine

@duckacid Жыл бұрын

@@MaplePanda04 They asked about "quick links", not regular links.

@MaplePanda04 Жыл бұрын

@@duckacid Quick links allow the user to add more links. I’m not sure what your objection is.

@duckacid Жыл бұрын

@@MaplePanda04 Adding links is one thing, adding quick links is one another thing. They asked about the latter, which your reply didn't address.

@ssmtb 2 жыл бұрын

4:29 chain tension

@tylermillard6824 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, so I picked up a Schwinn two sprocket off the road recently. All it needed was some inner tubes and a little maintenance. But when I ride it hard and/or break hard, the chain slips off the rear sprocket, even though it’s plenty tight. Any suggestions? I’m guessing maybe the rear sprocket is just old and worn down a bit and needs to be replaced

@parktool 3 жыл бұрын

That could be or possibly you have a stiff link in your chain. Interesting problem.

@tylermillard6824 3 жыл бұрын

I thoroughly applied WD-40, twice. Could it still have a stiff link?

@parktool 3 жыл бұрын

It could. A stiff link may not be a lubrication issue but sometimes a link of the chain has been bent. But this is more common on bikes with more than one gear. I guess i'm not super familiar with what you refer to as a two sprocket.

@parktool 3 жыл бұрын

Also make sure to use another lubricant over the WD-40 (unless a chain oil product from WD-40) WD-40 proper is not a lubricant and acts as more of a solvent to break things up and leave a very thin residue to keep things from rusting.

@tylermillard6824 3 жыл бұрын

@@parktool Single gear was what I meant, I thought I heard somebody refer to that as two sprocket also. Thanks very much for the help!

@justineaves1977 6 жыл бұрын

Always tighten the Left axle nut first and a torque wrench is unnecessary but I'm sure some people believe every sales pitch they here so....... But the rest of the video is good

@ducknamedchuck Ай бұрын

Why the left nut must be tightened first ?

@ShinobiDiabolik 6 жыл бұрын

Parktool? is there something wrong with this video, it looks like it is horizontal mirror image. The whole image shows drive train on the left side of the bike. at 7 minutes 55 seconds for few seconds, the drive train appears to right of the bike, then it changes to the left of the bike until the end of the video.

@sfawke1 6 жыл бұрын

The bike at 7 mins 55 secs is a different bike, but with similar coloured red frame. The blue bike is a left hand drive BMX.

@tiktokcomp3531 5 жыл бұрын

7 55 is on the left side because its a bmx and usually bmx bikes has their cranks onto the left. the rest are normal which are on the right side so the video is fine :)

@federicadegano739 4 жыл бұрын

in my single speed the chain drop off quite often, means there s not enough tension?

@parktool 4 жыл бұрын

Thats likely the problem. Give that a try and see if it fixes the issue.

@federicadegano739 4 жыл бұрын

@@parktool that was quick! thanks

@seanyushi9096 3 жыл бұрын

The extra inch is not net necessary. I needed to redo mine because of that. Very big slack even after pushing the wheel to the farthest end.

@RatPits 4 жыл бұрын

PLEASE HELP ME I JUST NEED TO REMOVE HALF OF THE CHAIN LINK BUT THEN I CANNOT FIT THE LINK TO CONNECT IT!!! If i do not remove it the chain is to lose.... and if i remove the whole link the chain is to short and the wheel will be tightent at the verry beginning of the forward drop outs.... what can i do !!!???

@parktool 4 жыл бұрын

If you have a single speed there are often "half link connecting links that can resolve your issue. They come in eithere 3/32 or 1/8 depending on the chain that you have. Instead of 1" to remove or keep installed it is 1/2 inch. kmcchain.us/connector/415-ol/ Something like that but make sure the width is correct for your chain.

@grafdrago8730 8 ай бұрын

04:20 , i'm that guy... And yes, it is extremely painful, taking into account the tight chain... And another time I almost lost a finger because it was in one of the holes of the brake disc when I accidentally twisted the wheel a little...

@marciooki5820 Жыл бұрын

6:02 That's EXACTLY what's happened to me! Thanks for the information! But If the chain don't move 6mm up and down,should I change the chairing or loose the chain a little more?

@johnhenrick2298 Жыл бұрын

I wonder how many cyclists, who do their own servicing, use a torque wrench for the various nuts and bolts. I have one but don't use it, and I've never stripped a thread or had bolts come loose.

@miketeiml6515 2 ай бұрын

I find chain tensioners on my big bmx actually hard to dial in

@vandieselcuuuz 4 жыл бұрын

What if my wheel is always coming loose does that mean something is bent on the frame ?

@parktool 4 жыл бұрын

Try lubricating the threads of the axle. That will allow it to get up to torque. Another reason that can happen is if the drop outs are painted and not giving the lock nut or the outer nut enough purchase to hold the wheel. Scuffing up the dropout can help as well.

@vandieselcuuuz 4 жыл бұрын

Park Tool I’ll make sure to scrape off that paint could a short chain cause this too ?

@vandieselcuuuz 4 жыл бұрын

BeboSaab no mine is heavy so doubt it’s aluminum it’s either bent a little or like the previous comment said it’s the cheep paint job that makes it slide off

@vandieselcuuuz 4 жыл бұрын

BeboSaab yeah I’m going to strip my bike and figure it out I got it second hand and it’s been a pain in the but since I got it

@MannuelCorona 7 жыл бұрын

I've never in my life used a torque wrench on the axel nut. Have you ever in actual work?

@MrSttlesks 7 жыл бұрын

that threw me too.. never seen it irl

@luckylifeonwheels626 6 жыл бұрын

I have

@bernhardtabert5900 6 жыл бұрын

I work for the CAT dealer Zeppelin in Germany, in order to get stuck screwed connections the right torque is crucial. That's why all the screws have a control line. The installer confirms that the screw has been tightened with the correct torque.

@mlee6050 5 жыл бұрын

you won't normally as steel, aluminium a few others are hard to damage but if you have carbon bike and no metal there then make sense but most times always be metal to clamp on no matter what, I use a torque wrench on my cassette, pedals, crank bolts, disc brake bolts, unless it carbon I do all rest with feel but at bike projects I often do all by feel as they not worry so much and just want it road worth that can be done without it

@bobamericana3099 5 жыл бұрын

if you have a bike with no chain- how do you figure out what chain you need ?

@Matt-fe1cj 5 жыл бұрын

@Bob Americana-if you have gears count the cogs on the cassette. The # of cogs = the speed of the chain u need

@bobamericana3099 5 жыл бұрын

@@Matt-fe1cj thanks

@emsy4159 6 жыл бұрын

is it safe to put too much tension on chain?

@parktool 6 жыл бұрын

Too much tension on the chain can put added stress on the freewheel which can cause premature wear. I hope this helps!

@tiktokcomp3531 5 жыл бұрын

it also snaps fixed gear chains *ahemisnappedmineyesterdayahem*

@errorssin 4 ай бұрын

i dont have a connecting rivet OR a master link 😢

@parktool 4 ай бұрын

Some chains use the original rivet to connect. This is an older system that can have problems. The rivet is pushed partly out, the chain piece pulled out, and the chain then connect. The rivet is pushed back in. It will typically result in a tight link. For most chain, you can get an aftermarket quick link.

@eliasjansson9375 6 жыл бұрын

Im rebuilding my shit bike to a dirt jumper and i dont want to have a chain tensioner so i need to now how long a halflink chain link is

@parktool 6 жыл бұрын

With a half link chain you can make 1/2 inch adjustments to your chain length. "Normal" chains can only be adjusted in 1 inch increments. Most chains sold today will advertise the amount on links. This number divided by 2 gives you the number of inches.

@paolostrada93 4 жыл бұрын

Ashamed to say I experienced 4:18 while trying to clean the chain on my old fixie. Ouch!

@nolacross704 3 жыл бұрын

Paul Street ouch how bad was it

@paolostrada93 3 жыл бұрын

@@nolacross704 really, really painful. Blood everywhere. Managed to get it looked at by a nurse straight away though, so I didn't lose my finger nail.