I'm changing the tires and other parts on a bike belonging to a friend of mine. It's an inexpensive, single-speed Holland bike. While removing the rear wheel, the chain came off of the front gear. I don't know how to get it back on. It's silly and irritating. I think the case is meant to make it so that the chain stays in place and requires no maintenance--unless the chain falls off. But when the chain comes off, it's not easy to put it back on.



I've been trying to remove the chain case to get at the chain and front gear. There are two small screws that hold the chain case in place at the back end. I removed them, but it's still attached at the front end. There aren't any other screws. I suspect that either I have to remove the pedal cranks, or the metal case is simply crimped together. I've tried prying it apart, but I'm worried that it's actually welded together. If I separate the two metal pieces that make up the case, I won't be able to get them back together.

Does anyone know how I can get the chain back on, or how to take apart the chain case? Thanks in advance for any good advice.

-Russell

These vary, but typically the round disc at the ring is a spring or clip fit (like auto dust caps used to be), and can be popped off, and slid up the crank. That should allow you enough access to put a finger in and put the chain back on the sprocket. Also it allows access to the chain case mounting bracket.

As I said, they're not all the same, so don't destroy it struggling.

I usually mount the chains on these by holding the bike so the chain path is sort of vertical and allow some slack. Then I rotate the crank slowly by tilting until the chain catches and I can lead it on. This can be done with the rear wheel on and pushed forward for slack, or using a finger as a rear sprocket or pulley.

I suggest you try my method a while, before going back to the chain case, but if you want to explore so you know for the future go ahead --- carefully.

You're right. There is a large disc, indicated by the gold colored ring. I pried that apart slowly with a small screwdriver and it popped off. I then slid it along the crank to remove it. Thanks for the quick response and useful advice.



-Russell

Glad I could help that easily.

For future reference, there's no need to remove the pedal. The center disc can be slid down the arm and out of the way and left hanging by the pedal spindle while you fix the chain.