Experiencing a derailed chain while riding a gearless bicycle can be an annoying inconvenience. But fret not! Putting the chain back on is a relatively simple task that requires minimal tools and can be accomplished in just a few steps. By following the instructions outlined in this guide, you’ll be back on your bike and pedaling smoothly in no time.
Before commencing, ensure you have a firm grip on the handlebars to prevent the bike from toppling over. Locate the rear wheel and rotate it until the chainring aligns with the opening in the rear derailleur. Carefully lift the chain onto the chainring, making sure it engages with the teeth. Next, guide the chain over the jockey wheels of the derailleur, ensuring it runs smoothly through the mechanism. Finally, connect the ends of the chain by inserting the pin into the link and securing it with the included clip.
Once the chain is securely in place, give it a gentle tug to ensure it’s properly tensioned. If it feels too loose, adjust the tension by turning the barrel adjuster located on the rear derailleur. If it’s too tight, loosen the tension slightly by turning the barrel adjuster in the opposite direction. With the chain properly tensioned, you can now hop back on your bike and enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted ride.
Attach the Chain to the Front Chainring
Now it’s time to connect the chain to the front chainring. Find the smallest chainring, which is typically the innermost one closest to the frame. Then start feeding the chain onto the chainring, starting at the top. Pull the chain through until it engages with the teeth on the chainring.
Tips for Attaching the Chain to the Front Chainring
- Make sure the chain is running in the correct direction. The chain should be traveling from the front chainring to the rear.
- If you’re having trouble getting the chain to engage with the chainring, try using a chain tool or a pair of pliers to gently push the chain onto the teeth.
- Once the chain is attached to the front chainring, make sure it’s properly tensioned. You should be able to move the chain up and down slightly, but it shouldn’t be too loose.
Tensioning the Chain
To tension the chain, you’ll need to use the rear derailleur. Shift into the highest gear (the smallest rear cog) and then use the barrel adjuster on the derailleur to tighten the chain. Tighten the barrel adjuster until there is approximately a quarter-inch of play in the chain.
Once the chain is tensioned, shift into different gears to make sure the chain is running smoothly and without any excessive noise or skipping.
Adjust the Chain Tension
Now that the chain is reattached, you need to adjust the tension correctly. This will help prevent problems with the chain skipping or falling off, and will also optimize the performance of your bike.
To adjust the chain tension, follow these steps:
- With the bike on a flat surface, push down on the middle of the chain with your thumb. There should be about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of slack in the chain.
- If the chain is too tight, you need to loosen it by turning the adjustment bolts on the derailleur counterclockwise. If the chain is too loose, you need to tighten it by turning the adjustment bolts clockwise.
- Once the chain is properly tensioned, tighten the locknuts on the derailleur to secure the bolts.
Tips for Adjusting Chain Tension
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Use a ruler to measure the chain slack. | This will help ensure that the chain is properly tensioned. |
| Check the chain tension after you have ridden the bike for a while. | The chain may stretch slightly over time, so you may need to adjust the tension again. |
| If you are having trouble adjusting the chain tension, consult a professional bike mechanic. | They will be able to help you get the chain tension set correctly. |
Secure the Master Link
When installing the master link, ensure it faces the correct direction. Some master links have an asymmetrical design, with an arrow or notch indicating the direction of installation. This is especially important for new chains as the master link may not be interchangeable. If unsure about the orientation, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
To secure the master link, insert the open end into the corresponding link on the chain. Then, push the other end through the open end, ensuring it aligns with the pre-installed pin. Use your hands or a pair of pliers to press the side plates together firmly. However, avoid excessive force that could damage the link.
Before riding, check the security of the master link by pulling on both ends of the chain. It should not come apart easily. If there is any play or looseness, re-secure the master link or consider using a new one.
| Master Link Installation Instructions |
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Storing Your Bicycle with the Chain On
If you’re storing your bicycle for an extended period, it’s important to take steps to protect the chain from rust and corrosion. Here are a few tips:
1. Clean the chain thoroughly with a degreaser and a rag. Make sure to remove all the dirt and grime from the chain.
2. Apply a thin coat of lubricant to the chain. This will help to protect the chain from rust and corrosion.
3. Wrap the chain in a rag or old cloth. This will help to absorb any excess lubricant and protect the chain from dirt and dust.
4. Store the bicycle in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing the bicycle in direct sunlight or in a humid environment.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your bicycle chain from rust and corrosion and ensure that it lasts for many years to come.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Clean the chain | Use a degreaser and a rag to remove all the dirt and grime from the chain. |
| Apply lubricant | Apply a thin coat of lubricant to the chain to protect it from rust and corrosion. |
| Wrap the chain | Wrap the chain in a rag or old cloth to absorb any excess lubricant and protect the chain from dirt and dust. |
| Store in a cool, dry place | Store the bicycle in a cool, dry place to avoid rust and corrosion. |
How To Put Chain Back On Bike Without Gears
If your bike chain comes off, don’t worry – it’s a relatively easy fix. Here are the steps on how to put the chain back on a bike without gears:
1. First, identify the derailleur. This is the part of the bike that helps to keep the chain on the gears. The derailleur is usually located at the rear of the bike, and it has a small, spring-loaded arm that moves the chain from one gear to another.
2. Once you have identified the derailleur, you need to find the chain tensioner. This is a small, screw-like device that helps to keep the chain taut. The chain tensioner is usually located on the rear of the bike, near the derailleur.
3. Loosen the chain tensioner by turning it counterclockwise. This will allow you to move the chain more easily.
4. Take the chain and loop it around the largest gear on the rear of the bike. The largest gear is usually the one that is closest to the wheel.
5. Once the chain is looped around the largest gear, you need to bring it up and over the derailleur arm. The derailleur arm should be in the lowest position.
6. Once the chain is over the derailleur arm, you need to loop it around the smallest gear on the front of the bike. The smallest gear is usually the one that is closest to the pedals.
7. Once the chain is looped around the smallest gear, you need to tighten the chain tensioner by turning it clockwise. This will help to keep the chain taut and prevent it from coming off again.
People Also Ask About How To Put Chain Back On Bike Without Gears
What do I do if my bike chain keeps coming off?
If your bike chain keeps coming off, it could be due to a number of reasons. First, check to make sure that the chain is the correct size for your bike. If the chain is too long, it will be more likely to come off. Second, check to make sure that the chain tensioner is properly adjusted. If the chain tensioner is too loose, the chain will be more likely to come off. Finally, check to make sure that the derailleur is properly adjusted. If the derailleur is not properly adjusted, it will not be able to keep the chain on the gears.
How do I adjust the chain tensioner?
To adjust the chain tensioner, you will need a wrench. First, loosen the locknut on the chain tensioner. Then, turn the chain tensioner clockwise to tighten it. Once the chain tensioner is tight, tighten the locknut.
How do I adjust the derailleur?
To adjust the derailleur, you will need a small screwdriver. First, shift the bike into the lowest gear. Then, use the screwdriver to turn the adjusting screw on the derailleur. Turn the screw clockwise to move the derailleur to the right and counterclockwise to move the derailleur to the left. Once the derailleur is properly adjusted, shift the bike into the highest gear and check to make sure that the chain is not rubbing against the derailleur.
