how do i shorten my chain?
10-17-04, 01:32 PM
#1
plays in traffic
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how do i shorten my chain?
I'm on a old-ass schwinn world sport and have been rding the highest gear comfortably for a while, even in the face of some sick wind (fall's hit). I want to strip down to a single speed and I need some info regarding how to shorten my chain.
Should i do this or buy a new one?
What tools will I need?
all info appreciated.
cheers!
Should i do this or buy a new one?
What tools will I need?
all info appreciated.
cheers!
10-17-04, 01:47 PM
#2
my dad can still crush me
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: L.A.
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Shortening the chain is likely the easiest part of setting up a single speed. I'll however leave you to search the others out, there all over the archives. Unless your chain is badly rusted then it should be fine to use for a single speed. If you want to build a fixed gear you may want to switch to a 1/8" chain.
In order to shorten the chain you need a chain tool. This is a small tool with a pin that moves back and forth while spinning its handle. You set the chain tool on the chain and spin the handle until the pin starts to push one of the chains pins out. Do not totally remove the pin, you will never get it back in. After the pin has passed through all of the link but the last plate then you can separate the chain by pulling it apart where you pushed the pin out. Then use the chain tool to remove a section of the chain long enough to sufficiently shorten up the chain and reconnect the chain using the tool to push the pin back in. Once repined you may find that the link is a little stiff where you removed and replaced. Bend slightly the chain laterally at that link and it should loosen up nicely. If you are unsure, find someone who knows and can show you or go to a small LBS and ask them if they can show you how to do it.
Milo
This is a good link for chain repair, as well as being a good link for all kinds of bike maintenance.
https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQchnRe.shtml
In order to shorten the chain you need a chain tool. This is a small tool with a pin that moves back and forth while spinning its handle. You set the chain tool on the chain and spin the handle until the pin starts to push one of the chains pins out. Do not totally remove the pin, you will never get it back in. After the pin has passed through all of the link but the last plate then you can separate the chain by pulling it apart where you pushed the pin out. Then use the chain tool to remove a section of the chain long enough to sufficiently shorten up the chain and reconnect the chain using the tool to push the pin back in. Once repined you may find that the link is a little stiff where you removed and replaced. Bend slightly the chain laterally at that link and it should loosen up nicely. If you are unsure, find someone who knows and can show you or go to a small LBS and ask them if they can show you how to do it.
Milo
This is a good link for chain repair, as well as being a good link for all kinds of bike maintenance.
https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQchnRe.shtml
