How to pull the chain on a bicycle? Adjusting the tension of the bicycle chain

Each of us in the distant childhood had to pull the bicycle chain. The design of old bicycles was imperfect, so this element often flew. Since then, a lot of time has passed, and the innovations that have come to the bike industry have changed the mechanisms beyond recognition. It is now difficult to meet a transmission type "singlespid", and popular until recently, the eight-speed transmission is a thing of the past.

Now the bikes are equipped with nine stars and a thin chain, which require regular maintenance - such is the payoff for comfortable gear ratios, speed and light weight. We will consider, what rules it is necessary to follow, that installation of a chain on a bicycle has been executed correctly, and its deterioration was minimal.

Basics of functioning

In the process of work, this element of transmission is most wear out on the hinges, where under the influence of loads, the links are lengthened. As a result, the chain step increases, and it can no longer perform its functions. Usually the life of this element does not exceed 3-4 thousand kilometers, which is not more than 1-2 seasons. Wear of the bicycle chain is checked by its elongation. If, when pulling away from the driving star, the tooth is exposed more than half, then a replacement must be made. Repair this element is pointless: after the installation of the chain on the bike, it will constantly fly, and you will not be able to enjoy the trip. If this element is properly maintained, it will last much longer and cut down your costs.

Principles of work performance

It is important to understand how to pull the chain on the bike correctly at the first installation, otherwise it will be difficult to move the bicycle and the transmission mechanism will collapse. To do this, perform the following actions:

• Bicycle wheel upside down and set on a solid base;
• The necessary length of the chain is measured - it is enough to leave a stock of 5-10 mm, which is compensated by tensioner rollers;
• All stars and other transmission elements are lubricated to reduce friction;
• The chain is disconnected on a special link - a lock that snaps into place and opens with the help of a tool, after which it returns to its original position without difficulty;
• First put on the largest of the rear stars, then the front;
• Rotating the connecting rods and the system around the axis of the carriage unit, the chain is placed in the working position (the spring-loaded gearshift mechanism with the tensioner provides it with the necessary position when changing the speeds).

When following theses of this simple technique, you will not have any difficulties with the transmission. All the experience gained in the installation process can be used to teach friends how to stretch the chain on a bicycle.

Maintenance

During walks in inclement weather, the elements of the transmission accumulate water and dirt, and if you do not maintain these units and systems immediately after returning home, then natural abrasive and rust will quickly disable them. Corrosion is the inevitable consequence of a negligent attitude to the chain, its sworn enemy. Too intensive care is also contraindicated - grease (solidol) binds particles of dirt and dust, which leads to accelerated abrasion of the stars and subsequent malfunctions.

Adjusting the chain on a bicycle

In order to establish the necessary tension, the bike is turned over and put on the saddle or mounting rack. The rear wheel is removed by unscrewing the nuts or loosening the eccentric clamp. The brake lever and the bracket are lowered on the wings so as not to interfere with the work. Then the chain is disconnected with the help of a lock, its extra part is removed, and after it is shortened, it again returns to its place.

If your old design bike (with horizontal dropouts), then all processes are simplified by an order of magnitude. It is enough just to move the wheel further along the guides, and the question of how to put the chain on the bike correctly will be solved. However, in this case, it is necessary to control the wear of the links, as neglecting them can lead to the failure of the stars.

Cleaning and maintenance of the chain

Preventive measures to minimize transmission wear should be carried out regularly. To do this, remove the contaminated circuit and rinse it with a solvent. There are special devices that can help in this process and keep the cleanliness of your hands.

They are called "flushes": they are a box with special brushes, rollers and guides, filled with a liquid that flushes dirt particles. If you carry out this procedure regularly, then the problem of how to tighten the chain on a bicycle will not bother you, but the detail will successfully serve several seasons.

If the cleaning is not carried out for a very long time, then rust is formed, which is much harder to remove. It is necessary to immerse the circuit in a container with a corrosion converter or kerosene (it is best to use an aviation one, since it has the least amount of impurities) and to survive for several days. Then it must be removed, cleaned with a metal brush and left to dry in the sun. After a while, each link should be oiled with a special oiler and set in the working position. How to stretch the chain on a bicycle, we already discussed at the beginning of the article, so there will not be any difficulties in this matter. It is important to follow the logic and your own intuition.

Features and special cases

Despite the fact that many bicycle chains are equipped with a special detachable link, some of them do not have this design. This can confound the beginner mechanic - there is no desire to spoil the detail, and it is unclear how to stretch the chain on a bicycle. In fact, this question is solved simply: a rivet from any link is beaten out by a thin steel rod or special squeezing device. The works are carried out in the following order:

• 2 rivets are withdrawn from the link;
• Removes an extra link;
• The chain is connected and installed so that the closed end of the locking plate is located in the course of its rotation;
• The open part is firmly fastened with a rivet.

Now you are ready to self-service the drive of your bike.