Bike Chain
Maintenance
Your bike’s chain is one of the most important components, so taking care of it is really important. Looking after the chain (and keeping up with general bike maintenance) doesn’t have to be a big chore, and a little TLC can go a long way.
How to tighten a bike chain
One of the most common bike chain problems is gradual loosening and stretching over time.
To check if your bike chain is loose, check if you can easily push the bike chain more than about 1 ¼’’(about 3 cm) up or down. If you need to, unscrew the chainguard to properly check your chain’s tension. If it moves that much, the chain tension is too low. The amount of movement is also called the (chain) slack; ideally, you want it to have about 0.5 to 1” (1-2.5cm) of movement.
If chain tension is too low, this can cause the chain to skip a sprocket tooth or even a chainring. This can damage the bike and even make cycling dangerous. If you find that the chain is too loose, you can easily tighten it yourself by following these simple steps:
Use the Right Tools
You may need a set of wrenches or a set of allen keys (also called hex keys), depending on the type of nuts or bolts securing the rear wheel.
Find the Rear Wheel Adjustment
Most e-bike models have an adjustable rear wheel that allows you to modify the tension of the chain. Look for the nuts or bolts on the rear wheel axel or dropouts.
Before adjusting the chain tension, loosen the nuts or bolts on the rear wheel. Do this evenly on both sides to keep the wheel straight.
Adjust the Chain Tension
Move the rear wheel backwards or forwards to adjust the chain tension; pull the wheel backwards to tighten the chain or forwards to loosen it. Make sure the wheel stays straight during this process.
After making adjustments, check the chain tension again by pressing down on the midpoint. Again, you’re aiming for a slack of about 0.5 to 1” (1-2.5cm).
Make sure the rear wheel is straight and aligned with the front wheel. Misalignment can cause issues with your bike's handling. Once it’s all aligned and the chain is tightened correctly, tighten the nuts or bolts on the rear wheel.
How to clean a bike chain
Keeping the chain clean and lubricated will help prolong your bike’s life and make cycling easier. However, it’s important to make sure you only use suitable lubricant for your bike model to avoid further damage.
To start, take a dry, lint-free cloth and run the bike chain through it to absorb dirt, moisture, or excess chain oil. Loose oil or lubricant particles can stick to the rim while riding, affecting braking performance.
The easiest way to clean your bike chain is to remove it. Removing a bike chain is much easier if you turn the bike upside down.
Once you remove your bike chain, you can put it in a flat container (e.g., a clean plastic box) filled with rust remover. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s guidelines beforehand to find out how long it will take for the rust remover to work.
If you’re not comfortable completely removing the bike chain, you can still clean it while it’s attached. Remove dirt and dust particles by dipping your cloth in a proper cleaning agent and running the chain through the cloth by turning the pedals of your bike. You can also use a wire brush or an old toothbrush to remove more resistant dirt.
To remove rust without taking the bike chain off, you can instead spray the chain with rust remover. Leave the spray on for a while (following the manufacturer’s guidelines) so it can set in, and then wash the chain off with benzene. Afterwards, carefully dry the chain to prevent rust.
Finally, the bike chain should be treated with a suitable chain spray. Don’t apply too much spray; remove any excess spray with a clean cloth.
How to choose the right size bike chain
If you do have to replace your bike chain, it’s important to choose the right size. Bike chain sizes are determined by:
The distance between the chain links, aka the pitch (the distance from one roller pin centre to the next)
The internal width between the inner plates
Usually, you’ll find your bike chain size stamped into the chain. Checking this will help avoid buying the wrong size chain. The distance between the individual chain links is standardised. With modern bike chains, it’s usually 0.5". The internal width depends on your particular bike model.
It’s recommended to only use bike chains from the same manufacturer as your rear derailleur, to make sure they move smoothly without catching or slipping.
For more bike maintenance tips, head to our Electric Bike Knowledge Hub.
FAQS
What are the common causes of bike chain wear and how can I prevent it?
Bike chain wear and tear will naturally occur over a period of time as you use your bike; however, there are some other common causes. These can include exposure to dirt and debris, as well as a lack of maintenance and lubrication.
To prevent excessive wear and to prolong the life of your bike chain, make sure to regularly clean the chain to remove dirt and debris and use oil or chain lubricant.
How do I know when it's time to replace my bike chain?
You’ll know it's time to replace your bike chain if it starts to skip or slip when you’re pedalling. You might also notice it’s stretched out or worn around the chainrings and cassette. Regularly checking for these signs and replacing the chain before it causes wear on other components will help keep your bike’s drivetrain in the best working condition.