How to shorten the chain on a bicycle: the features of the procedure

Biking is largely a chain. Over time, it sags, because of which the journey becomes more complicated. This raises the question: how to shorten the chain on a bicycle? This procedure can be performed independently, if you apply simple practical advice.

What are the chains?

To understand the principles of work, you need to know the types of veloped chains and their features. Now all bicycles use roller single-row targets with a pitch of 12.7 m. Each link has external and internal plates, saws, rollers and rollers.

The number of speeds changes the width of the product. If there are many asterisks, then the chain is narrow. The products are distinguished by the presence and absence of a lock, which serves for convenient dismantling and installation of the chain.

What influences the elongation of the chain?

The wear of the axles (pins) of the chain is due to a number of factors. This is due to the accumulation between the parts of the old oil design, which attracts dust and debris. Stretching occurs when the chain has an excessive load when traveling on steep ascents.

The common cause of the sagging goal is the end of its service life. The product spoils from impacts, corrosion of metal. To eliminate the inconvenience of transport management, you need to know how to shorten the chain on a bicycle. After that the transport is again suitable for comfortable driving.

Determination of the required length

Before you understand how to shorten the chain correctly on a bicycle, you need to find out what length should be for normal movement. To determine this, the chain must be thrown over the large stars in the rear and front undercarriage.

Then you need to unlock one link. In the end, the chain should be pulled as far as possible. To this length it is necessary to add a few centimeters so that there is no overstrain. This is the optimal length.

Preparation for work

To facilitate work with the chain, you need to clean it. This requires a small cloth, which you need to remove debris and dust. Only preliminary material must be treated with kerosene. Also, a special wash is used, for example, liquid AV-80 or WD-40.

Instruments

How to shorten a chain on a speed bike? Several devices are used to separate the links. It is necessary to use a special squeeze. It is presented in the form of a device, similar to a manual frame with a rod. This allows pressure to be applied to the link axes. You can buy such a device in the store with sports equipment. Its price is in the range of 500-1000 rubles.

When there is no grudge, you can use improvised tools. You only need a hammer and a metal rod, which will be a pier to remove the axes of the links. Nuts are also required, which must be put under the links.

Shortening by squeezing

How to shorten the chain on a bicycle using squeezed? To perform this work using a special tool, you need to go through the following steps:

• Put the squeeze out so that its rod is in the center of the axis of the link.
• Make a rotation with the tool so that the axis exits the link.
• Disconnect the circuit and then perform the same procedures with the other sections.
• Remove unnecessary links and secure the structure.

Having understood how to shorten the chain on a bicycle, it is necessary to determine how it can be connected. A narrow half-link is inserted between the cheeks of a wide one. Then the axis enters the bushing hole. Then we need to check the mobility of the links. If it is poor-quality at the joint site, the hinge should be developed with pliers.

Shortening without pressing

How to shorten the chain on a bicycle without squeezing? If there is no special tool that is used to disconnect the links, then it can be done without it. As it was said earlier, the alternative is a metal pin, a nail. Also you need a hammer that will serve to knock out the axes from the links.

This method requires caution, because due to inaccurate actions, deformation of the link plates may be possible. That it was not, under a chain put nuts. If this work is done for the first time, then it's best to practice. An old chain or individual links may be used. This requires skill. Therefore, before the work on the correction of the chain with a hammer and a punch it is necessary to perform these actions repeatedly, after which to evaluate the result of the work.

To maintain the product for a long time, care is necessary. The chain must be lubricated regularly so as not to accumulate dust and dirt. It is necessary to follow the rules of bicycle operation, which will extend its service life. Also, no permanent repairs will be required.

Thus, this procedure is simple, the main thing is to observe safety. Each owner of the bicycle can shorten the chain on its own. After that, the transport will again serve for travel.