4. How to Calculate Chain Length

Measure the correct length of a new bike chain.

IMPORTANT: Nuts and bolts on your bike should always be tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.

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When you purchase a new chain, it usually comes with extra length so that it is compatible with most drivetrains. How do you know how much length your bike will need? Well, it’s really quite simple…

The first step is to wrap the chain around the largest sprockets on the front and rear, so that the ends meet on the largest front chainring. For this step, it really important to not run the chain through the rear derailleur.

Next, position the chain on the chainring’s teeth at the tightest spot you could connect the chain. Now add one whole inner and outer link, so that you have approximately one extra inch of slack in the chain. That will be the optimal length for most systems.

In future tutorials I plan to discuss the different types of chain connectors and how to use a chain tool to break the chain. The following links provide some more helpful information.

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05/06 Clicking noise when going up slight incline

I have a Kona Dew (commuter). It has an 8 speed Sram chain with a Powerlink link. I am getting a clicking noise when peddling even up a gradual incline- in every gear. It seems too, that it clicks more when I have ridden for say a 1/2 hour. Front derailleur is adjusted properly-no clicks there. I took a close look at the chain (about a year since installed), and the Powerlink has a little more side play to it then all the other links in the chain. Could this be the source of the click or is it normal for a Powerlink link to have a little play? Or should it have the same amount of play as... Read more >>

05/05 Replace Parts or Get a New Bike?

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05/03 Shortening a Chain on a Toddler's Bike

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04/22 Unknown cassette types and tools required to remove them

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04/20 Chainring Slippage - link to video

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04/17 Chainring for 2005 fuji captiva 7 speed

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04/04 Chain skip from chainrings?

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04/03 Chain clicking

I recently purchased a Sapient Capa BMX. Put it together myself, and also bought a red chain, and put that on (first timer, admittedly). Everything on my bike seems fine, except when I stop on a certain part of my chain, I feel a click with each rotation and only feel it in my right pedal, also the chain jigs slightly on the bottom with each click. if I move the pedal the clicking stops until I reach that part of the chain again. I have no idea what could be going on.... Read more >>

04/02 53 - 32 too big a jump ?

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04/01 Broken sprocket on rear wheel

Hello, I was riding my bike and this sprocket broke. [attachment=4061] [attachment=4062] It is threaded on the inside, and attaches here on the rear wheel. [attachment=4063] What is this part, and could I buy a replacement online???... Read more >>

03/29 Chain replacement 3 speed

Hi, I'm currently restoring an old 3 speed Raleigh chiltern and i have been thinking about replacing the rusty chain, iv'e read somewhere about bad cassettes but as this is a sturmey archer hub will it be okay to fit a new chain? or would it cause any complications? Thanks Harry.... Read more >>

03/28 Suntour Cassette Removal Challenge

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I need to remove this SunRace 5 speed freewheel for replacement, but I can't seem to find information on the appropriate tool - all I have is a standard chainwhip and the usual hand tools. It may not be clear in the image, but it is stamped with SunRace Freewheel B0525 Do I need a specialist tool, or is there a workaround? (It being Sunday morning, here in the UK)? Suggestions gratefully received. Dermot... Read more >>

03/23 Chain Too Short?

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03/20 Crankset Question

Hi, I'm trying to replace chainwheel, chain and freewheel. They all are very worn. I can't use the Bolt Circle Diameter method for my 4-arm crankset because it has 2 rivets on one arm and 1 rivet on the next arm. It's a Suntour SR. I read that on that kind of crankset I can't replace a single chainring--that the whole crankset has to be replaced. As for the chain, I guess I can just use a 3/32" 7-speed chain since the freewheel is a 7 speed. And I guess I can just get another 7 speed freewheel. Am I correct about what chain and freewheel to buy? And how do I know what crankset will fit... Read more >>

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4. How to Calculate Chain Length

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