Videojug

How To Put On A Bicycle Chain

Print Info
  • Videojug
  • Videojug
  • 1:47
  • Yes
  • 360p
  • 640x360
  • Flash
  • h.264
  • 900kbps

How To Put On A Bicycle Chain

Stuart Dennison at Bikefix in London shows how to solve the common problem of putting on a bicycle chain. This simple video shows exactly how you do it. Stuart Dennison at Bikefix in London shows how to solve the common problem of putting on a bicycle chain. This simple video shows exactly how you do it.

Step 1: Hook back on

The easiest way to do this is to hook the chain onto the bottom sprocket and pedal backwards.

Don't try and hook onto the top of the chain ring, always hook onto the bottom and pedal backwards

Step 2: Pedal

Now pedal forwards until it is in the right gear or keep changing gear until the chain pedals smoothly.

Step 3: If it's jammed

Sometimes the chain gets jammed between the smallest sprocket and the frame. In this case, it's a good idea to loosen the quick release and undo the wheel nut to ease out the chain. The quick release is simply opened by pulling the lever. Pull it open so you can loosen the wheel nut on the other side. Now adjust the chain like before.

When closing the quick release, you should be able to close it completely. It should be tight, but not too hard to push. If it feels too tight, loosen the wheel nut by the derailleur. Likewise if it's too loose, then tighten the wheel nut.

Step 4: Final checks

Before you ride away, make sure you are in a comfortable gear. Pedal and change gear on both the rear and front derailleur.

79,331 views
Tips & Comments
  1. Anonymous

    really useful - thank you

  2. Anonymous

    WTF? I know how to do that.But how do you put on a new bike chain?? A chain that has never fallen off or never been on your bike!!Can you do it without that tool you need to push the pins out??

  3. stevi

    Another tip is to push the derailleur cage forward which gives you extra chain slack to make it easier to put it back onto the sprocket. The quick release lever should be tightened so that it points upwards or slightly to the rear. By pointing the lever forward there is the possibility that it will snag when riding along narrow woodland tracks.

  4. Anonymous

    I cannot believe people don't know how to do this. I was fooled by your title - I thought it was about *replacing* the chain. Of no use to me, sorry.

  5. Anonymous

    If the chain comes off the front gear, I have always found it easiest to shift to the biggest gear and pedal. Works 99% of the time for me.

  6. Anonymous

    Rather than rubber gloves, always carry a small pack of impregnated hand wipes - these get rid of oil from fingers immediatley

  7. Anonymous

    Very helpful, never put a chain back on before and seemed to work fine. By the way I did use rubber gloves (as someone else suggested) and they got tangled up in the chain so probably easiest just to get dirty.

  8. Anonymous

    I'm brunnette and you definitely sound attractive. You can service my bike any day honey!!

  9. Anonymous

    I am blonde also and it was a good video but I am still confused...

  10. Anonymous

    Nice! :D