Change bike chain - it's that easy

In this practical tip, we explain how to change a bicycle chain professionally step by step.

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Step 1: removal - change bicycle chain

A bicycle chain is comparable to a V-belt in a car and must be replaced after a certain period of time due to wear and tear. Before you install a new chain, you must first remove the old one. We'll show you how this works with a derailleur here.

1. Stabilize your bike or jack it up on a work stand before you start removing the old bike chain.
2. Look for the chain lock on your chain in order to open the chain with the aid of a chain link link pliers. To do this, insert the ends of the pliers into the chain link once to the left and once to the right of the chain lock and then carefully open the chain.
3. If you do not have a chain lock in the chain, use a bicycle chain riveter to push a rivet out of a chain link.

Step 2: Installation - change the bicycle chain

Attention: Depending on the manufacturer, individual bicycle chains are tied to the direction of travel. You can find information about this on the chain itself. Also take into account the number of gears on your bike. With a derailleur system with 21 gears you need a 5- / 6- / 7-speed chain and with a derailleur system with 27 gears you need a 9-speed chain.

1. Shift the largest sprocket at the front and rear before snaking the chain and carefully guiding it through the bike frame.
2. First place the chain on the front and rear of the largest sprocket. However, the chain itself must not yet be threaded into the rear derailleur.
3. Bring both chain ends together below to adjust the correct length. Place the chain ends on top of each other. If you can lay several chain links on top of each other, you should shorten the chain. Note that the chain must not be absolutely tight because the rear derailleur still has to be tensioned. Alternatively, you can simply transfer the length of your old chain to the new chain. Please note, however, that the old chain has lengthened somewhat depending on mileage and age. Therefore make the new chain one chain link shorter.
4. To shorten the chain you need a bicycle chain tool. Clamp the wheel chain in the chain rivet and then push out the desired chain link pin to shorten the chain to the correct length.
5. Before you close the chain again, you must properly guide the rear end of the chain through the shift cage. To do this, place the chain on the smallest sprocket at the front and rear so that the chain can be closed with the least tension.
6. Now press the chain rivet pin with the bicycle chain riveter into the ends of the two chain links. Make sure that you use the correct chain rivet pin - this is usually included with the new chain.
7. Tip: Use a chain lock to be able to replace or clean the chain faster next time.