Chain Change London Help!

Hey guys,

At Lydden yesterday, Sir Sid of Squid pointed out that my chain needs replacing as the o-rings are falling out.

He mentioned a place in SW London to go to (which being prone to absent mindism, I promptly forgot).

However, I figure I need to get to know chain DIY, so I figure I should change it myself.

Is there anyone out there that could help - basically watching me do it & piving pointers? Have bike can travel - I don't have a clue what tools I'll need & I don't have a paddock stand.

Anyone out there & able to help?

Ta

Dirk

This is an easy job if you have a heavy duty chain splitter / breaker and an angle grinder. You don't need paddock stands although they are handy.
If the old chain has a removable link take that off with a small screwdriver and a pair of needlenose pliers. The chain should then be easy to separate.
If there is no removable link use the angle grinder to flatten the protruding end of one of the pins which hold the individual plates on. Then use the chain splitter to drive out the pin.
Now that the chain has been broken link the end of the new chain to the old one, and with the bike in neutral, feed the new chain onto the front sprocket. When the new chain is round the front sprocket place it over the rear sprocket - you want to have moved the rear axle all the way forward at this stage. Depending on the chain you've bought you may have to remove links to get it to the correct length - again use the chain splitter. To attach the two ends of the new chain together you can either use a removable link (check instructions with the new chain for the direction it faces) or, more securely, a non-removable link where you use the chain splitter to flatten the ends of the two pins that go through the link plate. With the second option don't go crazy with the amount of pressure you use or the link won't be able move at all. Then tension the chain in the normal way and lend the bike to someone you don't like very much to take it for a test drive.
Oh, and most people replace sprockets at the same time but if they don't seem worn I think it's OK to leave them.
Cheers,
Ewan

Originally Posted by drefraser

Oh, and most people replace sprockets at the same time but if they don't seem worn I think it's OK to leave them.

This should be a picture to help tell the difference. Oh, and an image of a chain splitter.

[Sid Squid]

Replace the sprockets at the same time - worn sprockets will junk a new chain in no time.
The place I said you might like to try is Essential Rubber, Downham Road N1.

I would reccomend doing it yourself under guidence and buy a Chain and sprocket set from B&C. I would help as im only in Reading but I have a dead busy week ahead of me. Good luck though mate.