How to Size a Bicycle Chain
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- Replacement chains for bicycles are always longer than you need. This video will take you step by step through sizing a bike chain, including determining whether your old chain was correctly sized, sizing to an old chain, and the largest cog & chainring method, as well as some exceptions and considerations such as rear suspension and chain guides.
Questions or comments? Leave them below!
See all our chain videos in our chain repair help playlist ▶︎ • Repair Help: Chains
Video contents:
00:39 Tools Needed
00:57 Check & Remove Chain
02:57 Sizing to Original Chain
04:01 Sizing to Largest Cog & Largest Chainring
06:26 Exceptions & Considerations
➤ Tools & materials used:
• MLP-1.2 Master Link Pliers - www.parktool.com/product/maste...
• CT-3.2 Chain Tool - www.parktool.com/product/chain...
• CT-4.3 Master Chain Tool With Peening Anvil - www.parktool.com/product/maste...
• New Chain
• Marker
• Repair Stand - www.parktool.com/category/repa...
• See all Park Tool chain products - www.parktool.com/category/chain
For a text-based walk-through of this process: www.parktool.com/blog/repair-h...
➤ Subscribe: ruclips.net/user/parktool...
➤ Like: / parktool
➤ Follow: / parktoolblue
➤ Fix It:
Did you know that Park Tool is the #1 resource for bicycle repair education?
• Visit our RUclips Channel: / parktool
• Visit the Repair Help section of Parktool.com: www.parktool.com/blog/repair-h...
• Check out The Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair: www.parktool.com/product/big-b...
➤ About Park Tool:
Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our RUclips channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.
➤ More Chain Repair Help:
• The Park Tool Guide to Chains ▶︎ • The Park Tool Guide To...
• How to Clean and Lube a Bicycle Chain with a Park Tool Chain Cleaner ▶︎ • How To Clean and Lube ...
• When to Replace a Chain on a Bicycle ▶︎ • When to Replace a Chai...
• How to Fix a Broken Bicycle Chain ▶︎ • How to Fix a Broken Bi...
• How to Replace a Chain on a Bicycle - Sizing & Installation ▶︎ • How to Replace a Chain...
• How to Replace a Chain on a Single Speed Bike - Sizing, Installation & Tensioning ▶︎ • How to Replace a Chain...
• How to Size a Campagnolo Bicycle Chain ▶︎ • How to Size a Campagno... 
Хобби
See you in a few months when I forget this shit again for the millionth time.
my thought exactly :D
You're not alone
Welcome back, good to see you again :D
@@scrtchmrk4958 iii
Hhhh Tottaly honest and true😄😄
Be sure to mark the rivet you want to remove with a Park Tool blue marker.
If there were awards for RUclips videos, Park Tool would win hands down in the "How-To" category. They are clean, consistent, professional, clearly scripted, well organized, step-by-step...I could go on and on. Excellent way to promote the purchase of high-end tools and ensure happy customers after the sale, having empowered them to do the job right. If I owned a bike shop and hired a new mechanic or had an employee wanting to transition into that position, I would point them to the Park Tool channel and say "watch every video, then we'll let you start touching the bikes". Great as usual.
One of the best part is PT is making you aware of possible mistakes and exeptions, I like that a lot!
@@borrisjung8049 Their tools are super awesome too, does anyone know where to get the tool hanger
You took the words, every single one, right out of my mouth. From making me want to purchase their tools to support them, to using this as a reference for new hires, Park Tool nails it each time.
There's a big brand bike shop near my house, and the mechanics have PC screens behind the bench. I looked back there one day...all park tool tutorial videos. Even great for professionals to get a clear and quick reminder.
Calvin has always sounded a bit patronising to me.
Calvin is this best bike service teacher I've found on RUclips. I've nearly finished replacing my entire drivetrain for the first time from his videos. Others have said it before; this is the kind of value added benefit that a company can do to make me want to support them by buying their products. Granted it would be one thing if the tools were awful, but Park Tool stuff has consistently held up much better than cheap alternatives. For the premium, I'll take the better tools and support the consistently professional videos. Thanks Calvin and Park Tool!
Thank you. These videos are incredibly helpful when I go to do maintenance/repair and the technology changes. Also, I started acquiring tools from Park when I was working in bike shops in HS and college. Now in my 40s, they still work great, still have warranty, and have been worth every penny.
Honestly... the single best How-To vid I've ever seen on You-tube. Kudos to everyone who worked on this gem.
I note the 563 down votes and I wonder why. Are those down voters more knowledgeable or better mechanics than Calvin? He makes excellent videos, the very best! I appreciate his clear, concise instructions.
this video wasnt really what I was looking for because I was searching for the wrong thing BUT I must accept that I watched the whole video just because of the good quality of it, I was suprised of how well explained it was, highlighting and showing examples of your explanation, just perfect! I wish there was more channels (tutorials) in youtube like yours.
well done sir
Great video! After days of reading of "how to size the chain" I'm finally able to do it by myself without a fear of doing something wrongly. Thank you.
This is the best video on chain sizing! Clear and precise instructions and explanation. I watched about six videos before this one and they all left me more confused than when I started. From one teacher to another, thanks!
Learned so much from you guys at Park Tool, serviced /replaced front and rear wheel bearings, replaced gear cables, cassette remove and clean, chain replacement plus adjusting front and rear derailleur. ...your videos are appreciated, Thank you....
One of the best instructional videos I have seen on RUclips or anywhere else - clear view of area and clear instructions, and with variations to standard systems.
this guy is such a boss
Calvin
Calvin is the man
He is the boss
He knows what he's doing he's been riding since he was two years old
Calvin is a boss he works for Park tool
THANK YOU! Just completed my 1st sizing a new chain, delinked 5 links and it was a complete success :) Chain looks perfectly sized now and no more loosy-goosy :)
As a total beginner I have watched many RUclips videos. I have to say that your site is the most uderstandable site to watch. You use simple, easy and precise language, without all the unnecessary waffle that I see on many other videos. Thank you for a site that I can understand and follow with ease.
Thanks to the people of park tool I had no issues replacing my chain after my old one snapped in two yesterday. Threw it in the bin at the side of the road so had no comparison for my new chain. Very calm and clear instruction. Measure twice, cut once. Instant succes. Thank you Park Tool! By the way, your chain cleaner device also works like a charm, so as your Alan keys. Quality guaranteed with Park Tool. Greetings from a very satisfied customer.
Thanks, Calvin
You have educated me quite a "BIT" now, from changing cassettes, to sizing chains.
I really appreciate your videos, good Sir
Cheers
Brilliant, Best video on the subject currently on youtube. thanks guys
What I like about these Park Tool videos and Calvin Jones is that the repair videos are very clear and specific. For instance other videos also say to add 2 links in sizing a chain; - but are unclear how to count a link. Calvin Jones is very specific and clear, so that you don't need to guess how to count 2 links.
Thank you so much Mr. Calvin Jones and to the park tool team! You've helped me so much to the point I'm capable of being able to independently service my bicycle!
Thanks to your wide array of impeecable video guides, I was able to get a blown inner tube replaced when I was at least 10km away from the nearest bicycle shop!
Another incident, I was able to cruise back home with a bent derailleur hanger from a crash, by readjust my derailleur indexing and limits!
Besides, I just got my bicycle chain resized to have less chain slap and probably reduced 10 grams of chain's weight! After learning how to correctly cut and size the chain here 😊😊
My road bike has Shimano system. I followed the instructions, especially the way 4:02 for chain sizing, to replace the chain myself. Went out to ride for 40 miles with 2000 feet elevation gain, no problem. Thx for the tutorial.
Fabulous video!! Clear, concise with excellent tips and close-ups.
Park Tools are expensive, I get it. But everyone should try to purchase at least one item from them to show appreciation for the knowledge they share we these videos. Park Tools and RJ The Bike guy are the two quintessential RUclips channels every cyclist should follow.
Did the big-big and add two rivets technique and it all worked really well. Thank you.
If people want to know how to make good "how to" videos, they should look at this series. Cutting, illustration, guidance and explanation. Just excellent.
Excellent vid - all bases covered! Thanks Calvin! 👍
I love these videos. A wealth of knowledge surrounding bicycles. And as far as learning how to maintain something goes, bicycles are at the top of the list. One of the coolest inventions of all time.
I love the subtle use of the blue “Park Tool blue” Sharpie to mark the reference link.
Yet another super quality Park Tool video!
Best video i wached about how to size a chain. I am now a new subscriber
Calvin, I didn't watch this video, because you've already taught me to do this several times over. But I did want to drop a note to thank you for YEARS of teaching me how fix bikes. The Big Blue Book was where I learned first. I still have a copy that is in such bad shape I don't know if can ever use it again. It's seen beyond dog-eared... All the RUclips videos have been a blessing as well. Nearly everything I know has either been from you or from mistakes I made because I forgot lessons you taught. THANK YOU. Have a wonderful 2019!!!
I've been panicking about installing a new SRAM groupset for fear of sizing and breaking the chain incorrectly, this gentleman (Calvin) just nails it for clear concise instructions. Now I feel confident about giving it a go. Thanks.
Pfft, I was in the same boat upgrading from an 8 speed BoxFour to a Shimano 11 speed groupset on my Vitus Nucleus. If, like me, you follow this guide, you'll end up with a chain that's too short. As far as I can tell, sizing a chain is complete guesswork.
Another spot on video. The perfect amount of information presented clearly with excellent visual aids.
Thanks.
Calvin your videos are awesome! Very clear and concise. Thanks brother!
good video. I was able to resize a new chain using the old chain and the video guide :)
Thanks so much, I had a feeling my chain was incorrectly sized. This video gave me the confidence to get the tools and do the job. Unfortunately I paid a mechanic to install my chain and rear cassette a while ago, I wish I did it myself now.
One of the best videos on RUclips! Well done in regards to information and instructions.
I just got my ParkTool chain tool from a bike shop in downtown Eugene, Oregon. Now I know how to use it.
Great video. I just watched this as I was doing mine. Got me through it without any confusion and my chain is right on! Went from a 11-23 to a 11-26 so using my old length wasn’t an option.
This really helped me. First time replacing a chain. Tiagra 10s. Before I watched THIS video, i watched another video and I didn't pay attention to the details. I opened my new chain wrapped it around the sprocket and the cassette put the pin in and linked the new chain. Couldn't figure out why the chain was so loose. LOL So realizing my dumbness, and that I couldn't reuse that pin, I ordered a set of pins. In the meantime I found your channel. I watched the chain install and chain resizing 5 times each. Resized the chain, installed the new pin. Everything is good. Going to watch the videos on rear-derailleur adjustments and then ill hit the road. You guys also showed me that my brand of bike tools where trash.
Excellent tutorial, Calvin and Park Tool. Thank you for sharing!
after washing this :D I will try to repair my bicycle for sure. It rested 2 years in the cellar but now it won't. Wish me luck :D
Did you fix it?!?!!?
Dude, don't be lazy. Fix it up, go out and ride!
Did you fix it?????
Thanks for the video explanation, excellent!
EASILY the best tutorials available on RUclips ! Thanks Calvin and Park Tool teaching colleagues !
Outstanding video, having watched this explanation park tool will be my "go-to" channel for bike maintenance.
Look if you're not spending 10 minutes swearing out loud trying to break the masterlink by hand are you even really trying to be a DIY bike mechanic?
Like John Doe’s comment. Back in Limerick, we used to break chain by lying the bike flat on the ground. Put the chain over a net and hammer the rivet out with a steel nail hammer and skinned knuckles.
J
John Doe ✊
It’s actually really easy by hand, can be done in about 5 seconds by just pinching master link plates together before the usual first step, there are some videos out there on this method. Calvin and these Park Tools videos are pretty much the best out there but I was surprised this method wasn’t mentioned.
@@lmullen06 I think it depends upon your master link, some are designed to be reusable/removable and others are effectively single use (the latter clip together securely) The link that shipped with the Shimano chains I've bought recently have been noted as non-removable on the packaging
Riveting stuff!
Thank you thank you thank you! Broke and lost original chain on my MTB. Really want to get this right. The instructions are very thorough
4:00 Sizing: Largest COG & Largest Chaining Method is what I needed. Thank you!
Just perfect as all the video tha you make thank's a lot for sharing it really worth a lot to me at to many other people
My best wishes for the future :-)
Thanks, great info!
Great video.
Makes the process easy to understand and is shot / lit well enough to be able to spot all the details.
The Park master link pliers is one of the best tools I’ve ever bought. Don’t know how I lived without it.
I have the IceToolz 62d3 master link, works flawlessly (for closing and opening links)
My last chain had way too much sag so I went with the largest cog, largest chainring method on my shimano XTR 1x11 full suspension and like magic, my chain was the perfect length, no sag. Thanks for the expert advice.
Did you add the 2 or 4 extra chain links?
I did the same upgrade and ended up with a chain that was too short. 4 rivets just about works for a medium cage derailleur, but still seems a tad too short.
1:12 This means at least 122 chains links on my frame, and you don't find 122 chain links on the market ! You find mostly 118 !!! (extremely rare) Regularly 114 ! So i FK-ing need to compose 2 chains !!! luckily for u (or not , hahahaah) I know how, without spending any consumable bolt, but just reusing a chain link, making it working again with a hammer and a rock 😊😁😉
Regarding the 1X drivetrain. Your example stated SRAM - add 2 full links (4 rivets).
Is 1X for Shimano different?
I need anwer for that too
SRAM has larger wheels on the derailleur. You could try 2 rivets or 1 full link on SHIMANO
In shimano's instructions they say to add 2 inks(1 inch) just like in a 2x or 3x.
Park Tool - does that (Shimano instruction - 2 links / 1 inch) mean 3/4 rivets? Again, same question as above - Shimano 1 x. Thanks.
You explained it so much clearer than other video(especially the part where to cut the new chain). No more confusion after watching this. Thank you much for this video 👍 👏
All Park Tool videos are amazing. Agree that they deserve the "Best Bicycle maintenance " vidoes on the internet award 😊😊👍👍
Thanks for a great video. Quick clarification question, regarding full suspension bikes, when you say "use the same system" does that mean that for sram 11/12 speed on full sus you add 2 rivets, or will you add 4 rivets as per the previous hardtail installation of the sram chain?
... quiTe confusing ... sram 11 and 12 speed sysTem on hardTail seT up should add 4 riveTs while on full suspension seT up wiTh The suspension fully compressed should only add 2 riveTs ?..
@@tytanbiker5225 yeah because the chain line is lengthened when the suspension is compressed, so that lengthening already accounts for the 2 extra rivets on hardtail.
i've seen people use boot lace or 550 paracord to break masterlinks, too.
Couldn’t be more cogently explained😎
Just use your fingernails. Always works for me, I saved however it was for the tool
Copper wire works well to :)
Super instruction!!! Great help, considering the remarks on 11-speed & full-sussers!! Very helpful, thank you!!!
Thank you! I didn't have an old chain to compare and had no idea how to proceed, but watching this once made it clear. Much obliged!
Or just use a master link (of the correct width) for every chain, and keep the pins for subsequent repair, or BB gun ammunition. This makes proper chain hygiene a lot more approachable.
I tried to use one of those calculation algorithms but it was waaaaaay out
Likewise, my chain ended up way too short. Will definitely be using the largest chainring-largest cog method next time
Thank you very much I was going to take my bike to my local bike shop but came across this video and fitted and sized the chain myself. Excellent content
Thanks for the clarity on full suspension bike
I disagree that replacement chains are ALWAYS longer, than we need. Typical off the shelf chains are 114 or 116 links long. In my touring bike I have pretty standard 48-26-26 triple crankset with 11-34 cassette and pretty long chainstays - 460mm. That configuration requires exactly 116 links of chain, so no cutting needed. Actually I need to be careful not to buy the too short, 114 links version.
Good point. There are exceptions to every rule, including this one.
Same situation on my wife’s bike.
Mark Holm well, we all know about her !
This video is so much better than the others I've seen on the topic. Kudos! I'll keep buying park tools to support great content like this.
This is an example of hight quality presentation. I love the way details are visualized at @5:16.
Thank you for showing this procedure, good details.
These videos are a master class in how to do a good instructional video. Keep them coming!
Also a master class in how to service your bike!
Thank you so much! I realized my chain was a link to long (chain was rubbing derailleur on smallest sprockets) and was able to get it fixed!
Thanks so much!
Your videos are the best bike repair videos hand down. Thank you!
brilliant, made it so simple to understand and then implement on my bike ,wont bother following anyone else for my bike instruction . thanks
Followed the recipe for a 1x12 drive train. It worked well. Thanks Park Tool for this content.
Very good explanation!
Especially the inserted coloured arrows were helpful.
Now I am no longer concerned to size my new chain. Thank you!
One of the best videos I've seen. I have a Sram 1x12 full suspension and the end of this video helps a lot. Thanks Park Tool!
Calvin, my 1980 Raleigh racer started jumping its chain in 1st gear. Chain was factory fitted. I split a link, removed it, added a master link in place, then measured it using your system. I know your method works as I have already used it on other bikes. So, when I measured my racer's chain, I found it was fitted 2 links too long. This is crazy, since it's a factory mistake. And Raleigh built it, in Halesowen, Birmingham, UK.
I repair my road and mtb always at my own, but if i am not sure about something, i watch Calvin 😎. Better than any teacher.
Thank you so much! I am new to the bike maintenance world, and lately I was having my new chain slipping on an old bike. I changed the shifting cable, rear derailleur, I straightened my bent derailleur hanger (it was bent to the point that the derailleur touched the spokes while on the biggest gear), washed the chain, re-lubed it, changed both front and rear sprocket, adjusted the derailleur multiple times (it worked fine before, silent gear shifting when coasting) - it didn't work. Then I thought maybe I should actually size the chain -> I removed about ~6 rivet-lengths -> it worked! I feel kinda stupid now, but those upgrades were cheap and I like to learn so in the end it was fine.
Park tool videos are indeed great! One note on this video however! Make sure you watch it ALL they way before cutting. I was just about to cut, but fortunately decided to watch the video all the way through. There are a number of exceptions, which are mentioned only at the end. Most notably full sus and hardtails with SRAM 11/12 spd.
I have a Deore mullet groupset inbound to throw on my son’s 24” bike. I’ve only ever sized chains based off the old ones so this was the right information at the right time. 👍
Totally gonna start buying Park Tools, just because of these amazing videos. These instructions save me tons of money.
Thank you!!! Well done especially for us not so familiar with these people powered bikes. Trying to set up new bike for handicapped adult daughter. Others were stolen just struggling with chain
It becomes easier after having such explation above, especially for 1x12 speed bike with rear suspension. Thanks alot.
did the sizing largest cog vs largest chainring and it worked nicely!
The guy is just great. Just focused on the relevant stuff. No unnecessary talk. I only watch park tool videos - and then buy their tools :-)
Park Tools video always well done, very clear and helpful!
Very precise instruction, size my chain on my 2015 Stumpjumper following the simple steps on this video, thank you.
Top notch how-to video. Professionally presented.
This channel comes in very handy from time to time.
These videos are SO GOOD. I'm a park tool fan now.
Thank you Calvin, I've successfully changed my chain and crank thanks to your tutorials.
I'm so glad you have produced these videos they are so useful thank yo u
Great video. Super clear and helped me do the job easily. Thank you
This was way better than I expected. Much expertise
Thank you, Park Tool! I'll never worry about the size of my chain again!
so helpful and informative with clear and concise visual guide's excellent video as always thanks park tools
The clearest of the clear. Many thanks for this.
I just replaced a worn chain and instinctively used my old chain as the reference, but this is good information if I ever need to replace my chain and don't have the original to compare it with.
Thanks for your help with different systems!
Great video - I use this as a reminder every time I swap chains