Hi. I'm looking at buying/installing a new chain on my oldish mountain bike. It's a 7spd (I think...if I'm doing that right. 7 in back, 3 in front). I see some chains that just list link number. Others say they include a powerlink for easy installation.

I plan on buying a SRAM PC58 Chain (with the powerlink feature) and a chain tool. I'll count the links on my current stretched chain, and match it, removing extras with the tool, then attaching with the powerlinks.

Does that sound right?

Thanks,
Matt

You got it exactly right.

Thanks for your quick reply. The gear is on it's way. I'll post when the job is done, and let you know how it goes.

Matt

sounds good, but while you're at it, you might change out the cassette as well. It would probably be a worthwhile $35, and will make your tranny just sing.

Be sure you have two inner plates to join a Powerlink with.

I'll look into that. My bike is aging... it's a 94 Specialized. I wonder if the types of cassettes are different now. I need to replace the bike, but have not the $$ at the moment.

Matt

That's presuming he has a cassette. He may well have a feewheel instead.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/free-k7.html

Regardless...should be pretty short money.

I have an old Mtn. bike, and was able to find all the necessary parts to update the drive train.

What about resizing? I just changed my cassette and am putting on a new chain... is there any "best method" for making sure the chain is the right length?

In the past I would wrap around large chainwheel and largest freewheel and simply make sure the derailur still had some play... not very scientific, eh?

You are close. You should wrap the large chainring and the large cog BYPASSING the deraileur. Then add two links.

Here is a link to the Park web site with instructions and pictures:https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/...inlength.shtml

Ah yes, the Park site... a good source of info... thanks

I love the equations on that site...They're for such nerds like me.

Update: Thanks everyone. I got the chain and tool in the mail and was able to put it on with relative ease. New chain looks much better, and doesn't skip like the old stretched one.

Thanks for all the good advise.

Matt