Check Your Chain
The chain on your bike is one of the most critical components, whether you have a traditional pedal bike or an e-bike. A properly inspected and maintained chain ensures smooth and efficient pedaling, enhances overall performance, and prevents potential accidents.
How do you know if your chain needs to be replaced? We’re about to share what to look for and how to fix common issues.
Getting Started
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools available:
- Chain checker or ruler
- Chain lubricant
- Degreaser
- A clean cloth
- Brush or old toothbrush
- Chain breaker tool (for repairs)
- Spare quick link or chain pin (for repairs)
Once you’ve got your toolkit together, let’s get started!
Clean the Chain
Start by cleaning your chain thoroughly.
- Apply a suitable degreaser and scrub the chain with a brush or an old toothbrush, removing all dirt, grime, and excess lubricant.
- Rinse it with water.
- Dry your chain with a clean cloth.
Check for Wear
Over time, your bike chain stretches, and if it becomes too worn, it can lead to poor shifting, premature wear on the drivetrain, and an increased risk of chain failure.
- Check for Wear. Using a chain checker or a ruler, assess the wear on your bike chain. Replace the chain if it has stretched beyond the manufacturer’s recommended limit (usually 0.5% or 0.75% elongation).
- Check the Tension. Ensure your bike’s chain is properly tensioned. On pedal bikes, the chain should have a slight amount of slack when you press down on it midway between the front and rear sprockets. E-bikes often have a chain tensioner, so refer to your e-bike manufacturer’s guide for the appropriate tension.
- Check for damaged or bent links. Inspect the chain for damaged or bent links. Look closely at each link, ensuring they are straight and intact. If you find any bent or damaged links, consider replacing the chain.
Make Any Repairs
If you encounter a broken or damaged chain, it’s essential to know how to repair it.- Using a chain breaker tool, carefully remove the damaged link by breaking the chain at that point.
- Replace the damaged link with a spare quick link or use a chain pin to reconnect the chain. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using quick links or installing chain pins correctly.
