Here is how things probably played out. You were cycling along, happy as Larry. Then you went to change gear, heard a horrible skronking noise, looked down and discovered that your chain had come off.
Cue some huffing. A bit of puffing. And then the slow and painful realisation that you were going to have to get on your hands and knees and wrangle your chain back into place.
- All chains will wear over time so it’s important to check them regularly
- You can prolong the life of your chain by oiling it properly to keep it clean and lubricated
- According to Halfords, bike chains are different depending on how many gears you have on your rear cassette. If you have 8 cogs at the back, make sure you get an 8-speed compatible chain
- It also advises that you should be able to see how big your chain needs to be by threading the chain tightly around the largest chain-ring and sprocket, and through the rear gear mechanism
If you still need some guidance, the good news is, these handy videos will explain everything you need to know about how to put a bike chain on.
First, the Cycling Bug’s expert shows you how to re-fit a chain that’s slipped off.
How to Put a Chain Back On by the Cycling Bug
Next, pro cyclist Daniel Lloyd of Global Cycling Network looks at why the chain fell off and whether you need to replace it. Then he provides a step-by-step guide to how to put a bike chain on.
How to Change a Chain by the Global Cycling Network
Lastly, it’s Daniel Lloyd again. This time Global Cycling Network’s expert reveals how to fix a snapped chain while you’re out on the road.