Replacing chain

[Dave Carey]

I'm still just a beginner so bear with me when I try to describe this. The other day my chain snapped mid ride fell out and completely disappeared never to be seen again (how I dont know?) Meaning for the first time I need to replace it.

I have a Boardman Comp road bike http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/road_comp.html . I bought this chain http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sram-pc1051-10-speed-chain-with-powerlock/ as I assumed a Sram chain would be compatible. I have tried to fit it by using a technique I saw online my placing the chain on the big chainring and largest sprocket (hope I'm right with these terms). When I do this it is too long so as I understand I need to remove some links. However when I put the chain through the derailleur it is too short? Is this chain compatible with this bike? How would I best fit it if it is correct?

I'd much rather sort it myself than take it into a shop so any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Si_]

when you put it through the derallier what gears are you placing the chain round?

i usually fit my chains through the derailliers with the bike in high range front (big ring) and smallest sprocket on the rear. you can set the length by using a bit of bent coat hanger to hold the chain in place..(between the ends inthe bottom run of the chain.) with the bike inthis gear (its highest) the rear mechs bottom pulley should be more or less vertially in line with the top.

the wire holds the chain in the right place temporarily so you can join it without out tension on the links to be joined..

you should never ride with the chain on the big ring front and big gear at the back, and having it on this gear whilst threaded through the meach (if thats what youre doing) will mean the chains too short.

hope that helps.

other possibilities are that the chain is for a short cage rear mech (like the road ones) and you according to spec sheet have a long cage. (so it takes up the slack from a wider range of sprocket sizes on the rear. ) the chain is recommended for use with sram force, which appears to have a short cage mech so this may be your issue.

 

[spacecat]

It should be plenty long enough.

Thread the chain around the smallest chainring and smallest sprocket, ensuringthat the shifters are adjusted to suit. Thread the chain around the derailleur ensuring the correct line that the chain would normally run on. Then at the bottom of the chain, with the top taught, take out just enough links so that the derailleur will take up the slack in the bottom of the chain

You can always remove another link or two if too slack. This should then ensure your big big chain line works fine

 

[Peteaud]

Big to big + 2 links is the length you need (ignore the rear mech) to get this length.


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBv97hqqd0o

 

[Si_]

Correcting myself here. the two jockey wheel of the mech are actually not vertical. in top gear the back of the rear mechs cage is vertically inline with the back edge of the rear drop out

 

[02GF74]

there are two methods to get the correct chain link - one is as described above - biggest ring on front and rear + 2 links. The other - I forget details - requires chain to be placed on specific rings and through the rear mech so that the two jockey wheels are in line vertically.

Anyway, go with the first method - the jockey wheels move relative to one another as the mech changes position to take up the slack in the chain.

apologies if you know this, but for example, the two extremes - you should not be using those gears

 

[Dave Carey]

Thanks for all your advice, I managed to fit the chain but it didnt look right so took it to the bike shop and it turns out the freehub body is knackered so as the bike is only 5 months old im hoping it will still be under warranty with Halfords.

 

[Si_]

Should be i would have thought. What bike is it you have?

 

[Cycleops]

Certainly take it straight back to Halfords and let them take care of it under warranty.

 

[Dave Carey]

Should be i would have thought. What bike is it you have?

Its a Boardman Comp

I rang them this afternoon and they told me it should be covered under the warranty however I need to take it in for the manger to inspect it beforehand. I havn't done anything to the bike other than ride it so I cannot see why the wouldn't sort it for me.

 

[Si_]

let me know if they start getting picky, i may be of some help. (shh dont say i said anything)

 

[Dave Carey]

Finally found the time to get to Halfords. In the end they replaced the entire back wheel and put a new chain on for me, all under the warranty.

 

[billy1561]

Good to hear its sorted Dave. Also that the customer service was so good. Nice change to hear something positive about Halfords.

 

[Dave Carey]

Good to hear its sorted Dave. Also that the customer service was so good. Nice change to hear something positive about Halfords.

Unfortunately my praise was premature. Tried riding my bike today and its doesn't feel right, I have to put a lot more pressure on the pedals to get everything to turn. When I push my bike the pedals turn which im pretty sure is not right? I've given up with Halfords now and am going to take it to a proper bike shop even though it means paying for it. Customer service wise Halfords have always been very good but the level of skill and knowledge is terrible.

 

[Dave Carey]

They also fiddled with my brakes without asking me, I was perfectly happy with how the brakes were working before?