{"id":15725,"date":"2024-02-05T09:36:43","date_gmt":"2024-02-05T14:36:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/general\/how-to-replace-a-bike-chain-2\/"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:40:38","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T03:40:38","slug":"how-to-replace-a-bike-chain-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/maintenance-and-repairs\/how-to-replace-a-bike-chain-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Bike Chain Replacement: How To Swap Like A Pro? (Get Rolling Again)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Ever find yourself coasting through the urban jungle, and <em>suddenly your chain gives out<\/em>? <strong>There&#8217;s nothing like that sudden jolt to remind you of the heartbeat of your ride: the bike chain.<\/strong> And hey, whether you&#8217;re a seasoned fixie aficionado or a fresh face to the scene, proper maintenance is key.<\/p><p>Wanna know <em>how to replace a bike chain<\/em> on your prized <a href=\"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/bikes-and-parts\/best-fixie-bikes\/\">single-speed stallion<\/a>? We&#8217;ll dive into a step-by-step guide that keeps you rolling smooth.<\/p>\n<div id=\"key-takeaways\"><p><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/p><ul>\n<li><b>Gather the right tools<\/b> to remove and replace a bike chain efficiently.<\/li>\n<li><b>Correct measurement and alignment<\/b> are key to a successful chain replacement.<\/li>\n<li><b>Regular maintenance<\/b> extends the life of your chain and improves riding performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><h2>Ready to master the chain swap?<\/h2>\n<p>Bike chains don&#8217;t last forever, amigo. When your trusty fixie starts acting up with a <em>slack or broken chain<\/em>, you know it&#8217;s time for a change. Here&#8217;s where I come in with a numbered rundown that&#8217;ll get your beloved bike back on track.<\/p><p>Keep your ride purring with these clear-cut steps, and don&#8217;t worry \u2013 I&#8217;ve got some primo advice for each stage of the game with a sprinkle of New York grit.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Gather your tools<\/h3>\n<p>First things first: snag the right tools for the job. Without them, you&#8217;re like a DJ without records \u2013 not going to make much noise. You&#8217;ll need a <strong>chain tool<\/strong> to push the pins out, a <strong>pair of pliers<\/strong> might come in handy too, and definitely don&#8217;t forget a <strong>bike multi-tool<\/strong> \u2013 it&#8217;s like the Swiss Army knife for fixie fanatics.<\/p>\n<p>Why these particular gadgets, you ask? With the right tools, this isn&#8217;t just maintenance; it&#8217;s a rite of passage. Swapping a chain without them is like trying to eat soup with a fork \u2013 frustrating and messy.<\/p><p>Make sure you&#8217;re prepped, and you&#8217;ll keep the <em>cursing to a minimum.<\/em> Need a solid multi-tool recommendation? You&#8217;re in luck, just swing by these <a href=\"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/accessories-and-apparel\/best-bike-multi-tools\/\">must-have bike multi-tools<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Measure the new chain<\/h3>\n<p>Got your new chain? Great. Don&#8217;t just throw it on; <strong>measure it<\/strong> first to make sure it matches the length of the old one.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"Supplemental image for a blog post called &#039;Bike Chain Replacement: How To Swap Like A Pro? (Get Rolling Again)&#039;.\" class=\"wp-image-15722\" src=\"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Supplemental-image-for-a-blog-post-called-Bike-Chain-Replacement-How-To-Swap-Like-A-Pro-Get-Rolling-AgainPROMPT-Take-a-deep-breath-relax-and-create-an-image-depicting-Bike-Chain-Replacement-How-To-Swap-Like-A-Pro-Get-Rolling-A.jpeg\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Supplemental-image-for-a-blog-post-called-Bike-Chain-Replacement-How-To-Swap-Like-A-Pro-Get-Rolling-AgainPROMPT-Take-a-deep-breath-relax-and-create-an-image-depicting-Bike-Chain-Replacement-How-To-Swap-Like-A-Pro-Get-Rolling-A.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Supplemental-image-for-a-blog-post-called-Bike-Chain-Replacement-How-To-Swap-Like-A-Pro-Get-Rolling-AgainPROMPT-Take-a-deep-breath-relax-and-create-an-image-depicting-Bike-Chain-Replacement-How-To-Swap-Like-A-Pro-Get-Rolling-A-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n<figcaption>Supplemental image for a blog post called &#8216;bike chain replacement: how to swap like a pro? (get rolling again)&#8217;.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re switching from another type of bike, remember that fixies and track bikes run closer to the chainstay \u2013 you want it snug, not dangling.<\/p>\n<p>Measuring is crucial because, in our fixed-gear world, there&#8217;s no derailleur to take up slack. Get this wrong, and you could be chewing up your gear or, worse, locking up mid-ride. It&#8217;s like wearing pants that don&#8217;t fit \u2013 you can do it, but it won&#8217;t be pretty.<\/p><p>Not sure how to measure properly? Check the guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/tricks-and-performance\/how-gear-ratios-affect-fixed-gear-bike-performance\">how gear ratios affect fixed gear bike performance<\/a> for some pointers.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Remove the old chain<\/h3>\n<p>The old chain has got to go. If it has a master link, pop it open with those pliers I mentioned. No master link?<\/p><p>Use the chain tool to push out a pin. You&#8217;ll want to do this carefully \u2013 like <em>disarming a tiny metal bomb.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Why be so careful? Rush this step, and you might damage something, turning a simple swap into a <em>full-on repair job.<\/em> We&#8217;ve all been there \u2013 haste makes waste, and in NYC, time&#8217;s always ticking. Learn to avoid other common oversights by reviewing the <a href=\"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/bikes-and-parts\/common-mistakes-made-when-building-a-fixie\/\">common mistakes made when building a fixie<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"Supplemental image for a blog post called &#039;Bike Chain Replacement: How To Swap Like A Pro? (Get Rolling Again)&#039;.\" class=\"wp-image-15723\" src=\"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Supplemental-image-for-a-blog-post-called-Bike-Chain-Replacement-How-To-Swap-Like-A-Pro-Get-Rolling-AgainPROMPT-Take-a-deep-breath-relax-and-create-an-image-depicting-Bike-Chain-Replacement-How-To-Swap-Like-A-Pro-G.-li-ul-.jpeg\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Supplemental-image-for-a-blog-post-called-Bike-Chain-Replacement-How-To-Swap-Like-A-Pro-Get-Rolling-AgainPROMPT-Take-a-deep-breath-relax-and-create-an-image-depicting-Bike-Chain-Replacement-How-To-Swap-Like-A-Pro-G.-li-ul-.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Supplemental-image-for-a-blog-post-called-Bike-Chain-Replacement-How-To-Swap-Like-A-Pro-Get-Rolling-AgainPROMPT-Take-a-deep-breath-relax-and-create-an-image-depicting-Bike-Chain-Replacement-How-To-Swap-Like-A-Pro-G.-li-ul--768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n<figcaption>Supplemental image for a blog post called &#8216;bike chain replacement: how to swap like a pro? (get rolling again)&#8217;.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h3>4. Install the new chain<\/h3>\n<p>Look at that shiny new chain, ready to join the bike. Loop it through the front and rear sprockets, making sure it&#8217;s running straight. If your new chain has a master link, now&#8217;s when you&#8217;ll snap that baby closed.<\/p>\n<p>The right installation means smooth sailing, or rather, smooth pedaling. It&#8217;s like lining up the perfect shot in pool \u2013 it looks easy, but it&#8217;s all about precision. Get the lowdown on the right technique from the resource on <a href=\"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/maintenance-and-repairs\/bike-repair-and-maintenance-community-workshops\">bike repair and maintenance community workshops<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Test and fine-tune<\/h3>\n<p>All set? Not so fast \u2013 give it a test run before you hit the street. Spin those pedals and check the tension.<\/p><p>You want it <strong>taut, but not tight<\/strong>. And keep an ear out for irregular sounds \u2013 they&#8217;re like the check engine light for bikes.<\/p>\n<p>Getting the tension <em>just right<\/em> isn&#8217;t guesswork, it&#8217;s art with a splash of science. Too tight and you strain the drivetrain; too loose and you risk a slip mid-push. Need extra info on maintenance?<\/p><p>Dive into the article on <a href=\"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/maintenance-and-repairs\/how-to-re-wax-a-bike-chain\">how to re-wax a bike chain<\/a> for some more insight.<\/p>\n<h2>More chain replacement tips<\/h2>\n<p>When it comes to <strong>replacing your bike chain<\/strong>, there are other nuggets of wisdom that can make all the difference. Here&#8217;s a selection of pro tips that&#8217;ll keep you pedaling with confidence, whether you&#8217;re slicing through city streets or cruising on your favorite track.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Periodically <strong>clean your chain<\/strong> to extend its life &#8211; a dirty chain degrades faster.<\/li>\n<li>Use a <strong>chain checker tool<\/strong> to assess wear &#8211; this helps you anticipate replacements before a break.<\/li>\n<li>When cutting a new chain to size, leave a couple of extra links in a safe place. You&#8217;ll thank yourself later if you need them.<\/li>\n<li>Consider upgrading to a <strong>higher-quality chain<\/strong> for better durability and smoother rides.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Now, let&#8217;s talk dos and don&#8217;ts, because the devil&#8217;s in the details:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Do<\/th>\n<th>Don&#8217;t<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Check chain wear regularly with a proper tool<\/td>\n<td>Ignore strange noises from your drivetrain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lubricate your chain after cleaning<\/td>\n<td>Use a chain that&#8217;s too long or too short<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Follow the manufacturer\u2019s chain length specifications<\/td>\n<td>Skip testing after installation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ensure proper alignment of the chain<\/td>\n<td>Force the master link if it doesn&#8217;t fit properly<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&#8220;Measuring is crucial because, in our fixed-gear world, there&#8217;s no derailleur to take up slack. Get this wrong, and you could be chewing up your gear or, worse, locking up mid-ride.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<p>Note: The dos ensure longevity and peak performance, while the don&#8217;ts can lead to inefficiency and breakdowns.<\/p>\n<h2>Advantages and disadvantages of replacing a bike chain<\/h2>\n<p>Switching out a bike chain might seem like a hassle, but it&#8217;s a core part of maintaining your fixie&#8217;s performance. The advantages go beyond just having a functional bike; it&#8217;s about the ride quality and the connection you share with your two-wheeled comrade.<\/p>\n<h3>Advantages<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Smoother pedaling<\/strong> and gear shifting<\/li>\n<li>Reduced wear on the sprockets and crankset<\/li>\n<li>Increased safety, minimizing the risk of chain snapping<\/li>\n<li>Better energy efficiency, making your ride more effective<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Disadvantages<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>It requires time and possibly more tools<\/li>\n<li>Incorrect replacement can result in <strong>damage to the bike<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Potential mess from grease and dirt<\/li>\n<li>The initial investment if purchasing a premium chain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p>In my opinion, as someone who isn&#8217;t a certified mechanic but has spent a fair amount of time wrenching on track bikes, replacing your bike chain isn&#8217;t just necessary\u2014it&#8217;s a ritual that brings you closer to your bike. It&#8217;s like knowing your coffee preference; it personalizes the experience. True, it takes a bit of elbow grease and patience, but once you&#8217;ve got that new chain gleaming on your ride, the satisfaction is unbeatable.<\/p><p>Plus, it&#8217;s an excellent opportunity to get to know your steed better, learning its quirks and what makes it tick. Heading to a <a href=\"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/maintenance-and-repairs\/bike-repair-and-maintenance-community-workshops\">community workshop<\/a> could be a phenomenal way to share experiences and get tips from other fixie enthusiasts.<\/p>\n<p>Remember, though I&#8217;m pretty involved in this whole fixed-gear scene, my advice comes from personal experience\u2014intuition mixed with a bit of trial and error. I&#8217;ve busted a chain mid-sprint and felt that heart-sinking click of a link giving out. I can&#8217;t stress enough the importance of preventive maintenance and the peace of mind it brings, especially when you&#8217;re weaving through hectic traffic.<\/p><p>You learn a lot doing it yourself, and those skills come in handy in ways you&#8217;d never anticipate.<\/p>\n<p>If you are a visual learner, check out this video titled &#8216;How To Replace A Bicycle Chain&#8217;<\/p>\n<!--presto-player:video_id=11--><figure class=\"wp-block-video presto-block-video  presto-provider-youtube\" style=\"--plyr-color-main: var(--presto-player-highlight-color, #d83f11); --presto-player-logo-width: 150px; \">\n    <presto-player  id=\"presto-player-1\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rWchudX-Tqs?iv_load_policy=3&amp;modestbranding=1&amp;playinline=1&amp;showinfo=0&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1\" media-title=\"How To Change Your Bar Tape Like A Pro | Maintenance Monday\" css=\"\" class=\"presto-video-id-11 presto-preset-id-1 skin-modern\" skin=\"modern\" icon-url=\"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/presto-player\/img\/sprite.svg\" preload=\"\" poster=\"\" playsinline  >\n        \n    <div class=\"presto-iframe-fallback-container\">\n        <iframe style=\"width: 100%\" title=\"Youtube Video\" class=\"presto-fallback-iframe\" id=\"presto-iframe-fallback-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rWchudX-Tqs?iv_load_policy=3&amp;modestbranding=1&amp;playsinline=1&amp;showinfo=0&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1\" allowfullscreen allowtransparency allow=\"autoplay\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <\/presto-player>\n<\/figure>        <script>\n            var player = document.querySelector('presto-player#presto-player-1');\n            player.video_id = 11;\n                                                player.preset = {\"id\":1,\"name\":\"Default\",\"slug\":\"default\",\"icon\":\"format-video\",\"skin\":\"modern\",\"play-large\":true,\"rewind\":true,\"play\":true,\"fast-forward\":true,\"progress\":true,\"current-time\":true,\"mute\":true,\"volume\":true,\"speed\":false,\"pip\":false,\"fullscreen\":true,\"captions\":false,\"reset_on_end\":true,\"auto_hide\":true,\"captions_enabled\":false,\"save_player_position\":true,\"sticky_scroll\":false,\"sticky_scroll_position\":\"bottom right\",\"on_video_end\":\"select\",\"play_video_viewport\":false,\"hide_youtube\":false,\"lazy_load_youtube\":false,\"hide_logo\":false,\"border_radius\":0,\"caption_style\":\"\",\"caption_background\":\"\",\"is_locked\":true,\"cta\":[\"\"],\"watermark\":[\"\"],\"search\":[\"\"],\"email_collection\":[\"\"],\"action_bar\":[\"\"],\"created_by\":1,\"created_at\":\"2023-05-24 20:11:30\",\"updated_at\":\"2023-05-24 20:11:30\",\"deleted_at\":\"\",\"show_time_elapsed\":false};\n                                                                player.chapters = [];\n                                                                player.overlays = [];\n                                                                player.tracks = [];\n                                                                player.branding = {\"logo\":\"\",\"color\":\"#d83f11\",\"logo_width\":150,\"player_css\":\"\"};\n                                                                player.blockAttributes = {\"autoplay\":false,\"id\":11,\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=rWchudX-Tqs\",\"preset\":1,\"video_id\":\"rWchudX-Tqs\",\"visibility\":\"public\",\"color\":\"#00b3ff\",\"mutedPreview\":{\"enabled\":false,\"captions\":false},\"mutedOverlay\":{\"enabled\":false,\"src\":\"\",\"width\":200,\"focalPoint\":{\"x\":0.5,\"y\":0.5}},\"mutedOverlayType\":\"text\",\"mutedOverlayText\":\"Click to play\",\"mutedOverlayImageWidth\":200,\"playsInline\":true,\"chapters\":[],\"overlays\":[],\"tracks\":[],\"title\":\"How To Change Your Bar Tape Like A Pro | Maintenance Monday\"};\n                                                                                            player.skin = \"modern\";\n                                                                player.analytics = false;\n                                                                player.automations = true;\n                                                                player.provider = \"youtube\";\n                                                                player.video_id = 11;\n                                                                                                                        player.provider_video_id = \"rWchudX-Tqs\";\n                                                                player.youtube = {\"noCookie\":false,\"channelId\":\"\",\"show_count\":false};\n                                    <\/script>\n        <figure><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A video titled &#8220;How To Replace A Bicycle Chain&#8221; from the &#8220;Global Cycling Network&#8221; YouTube channel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n<h3>How usually should I check my bike chain for wear?<\/h3>\n<p>Your chain is the unsung workhorse of your ride, silently taking a beating with every pedal stroke. It&#8217;s a good habit to check for chain wear every few months or every 500 miles, whichever comes first. If you&#8217;re regularly riding in harsh conditions or putting down a serious amount of watts, you might want to check more usually.<\/p><p>Keep an eye out for stretched links, because once they go beyond 0.75% wear, it&#8217;s time to plan for a replacement.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I use any chain on my fixed-gear bike?<\/h3>\n<p>Not all chains are created equal, and this is especially true for fixies. You need a specific <strong>1\/8-inch width chain<\/strong> that&#8217;s built to handle the direct power transfer of a single-speed setup. Using something too narrow or not designed for a fixed-gear&#8217;s tension can lead to slippage or snapping, and trust me, that&#8217;s the last thing you want when hammering it out on the streets.<\/p>\n<h3>What&#8217;s the best way to dispose of my old bike chain?<\/h3>\n<p>Doing right by Mother Nature includes properly ditching that rusty old chain. Many bike shops offer recycling programs, so that&#8217;s a solid bet. Otherwise, consider upcycling it into some kind of art or practical household item \u2013 it&#8217;s quite the conversation starter and a nod to your pedal-pushing passion.<\/p>\n<h3>Final thoughts<\/h3>\n<p>Replacing your bike chain is a critical piece of maintenance that ensures your steed stays in top condition, enabling you to enjoy the pure, unadulterated joy of fixed-gear cycling. With the right tools, a touch of know-how, and a dab of patience, you&#8217;re now equipped to handle a chain swap like a pro. Keep riding, keep learning, and remember that every twist of the wrench sharpens not just your bike&#8217;s performance, but your skills as a cyclist.<\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s your experience with <strong>replacing a bike chain on your fixie<\/strong>? Did I cover everything you wanted to know? <strong>Let me know in the comments section below; I read and reply to every comment.<\/strong> If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on maintaining your ride.<\/p><p>Thanks for reading and keep spinning those gears!<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn to replace your bike chain with expert tips for a smooth, safe ride.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15724,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[776],"tags":[770],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15725"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15725"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15725\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15726,"href":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15725\/revisions\/15726"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15724"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}