Q&A for How to Put On a Bicycle Chain

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Question

Can I put a 12-speed sprocket on a BMX bike?

Ikaika Cox
Bicycle Mechanic
Ikaika Cox is the Shop Director at the Salt Lake City branch Bicycle Collective in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a bike mechanic since 2012, beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective.

Ikaika Cox

Bicycle Mechanic

Expert Answer

It's possible, but difficult, and usually it's more expensive than buying a 20" bike with gears already installed.

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Question

I have a loop in the chain after it came off. How do I straighten it out?

Ikaika Cox
Bicycle Mechanic
Ikaika Cox is the Shop Director at the Salt Lake City branch Bicycle Collective in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a bike mechanic since 2012, beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective.

Ikaika Cox

Bicycle Mechanic

Expert Answer

The chain needs to be carefully untangled before you try to ride it again. Consult the article on untangling a bike chain.

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Question

What kinds of tools do I need to replace the chain?

Ikaika Cox
Bicycle Mechanic
Ikaika Cox is the Shop Director at the Salt Lake City branch Bicycle Collective in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a bike mechanic since 2012, beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective.

Ikaika Cox

Bicycle Mechanic

Expert Answer

You will need a bicycle chain tool to remove and install the bicycle chain.

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Question

How do I put a new chain on a 20 inch BMX boy's bike?

Ikaika Cox
Bicycle Mechanic
Ikaika Cox is the Shop Director at the Salt Lake City branch Bicycle Collective in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a bike mechanic since 2012, beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective.

Ikaika Cox

Bicycle Mechanic

Expert Answer

The instructions in this article for single speed or "fixie" bikes apply to BMX bikes as well.

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Question

I took of the transmission gears off the back end of the bike, I took off the rusty chain, and I put on a new wheel that is big for the bike. Now the transmission doesn't fit. What can I do?

Ikaika Cox
Bicycle Mechanic
Ikaika Cox is the Shop Director at the Salt Lake City branch Bicycle Collective in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a bike mechanic since 2012, beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective.

Ikaika Cox

Bicycle Mechanic

Expert Answer

It could be that the wheel you selected as a replacement takes a different type of drivetrain than your old wheel. Consult a bike shop for further advice.

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Question

My chain came off. If I'm just putting it back on any of the rear cogs, how do I know I'm in the right gear now? Will it just right itself?

Ikaika Cox
Bicycle Mechanic
Ikaika Cox is the Shop Director at the Salt Lake City branch Bicycle Collective in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a bike mechanic since 2012, beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective.

Ikaika Cox

Bicycle Mechanic

Expert Answer

Typically a chain will return to whichever gear the derailleur is trying to shift it into after a couple of pedal strokes.

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Question

When I try to change from first gear to second, it goes to third. How can I fix that?

Community Answer

Check your shifter cable tension. It is likely to be over-tight. Rotate the barrel adjuster on the shifter inward by half a turn or so to reduce cable tension, then try switching gears again. Repeat if needed.

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Question

My chain is off both the front and back sprockets, and is between the back wheel and sprockets. There is no tension release. What can I do?

Community Answer

Unscrew the rear wheel and pull it out. The chain should easily come off.

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Question

What do I do if the chain comes right out?

Community Answer

Put the chain on the rear spike, then on the paddle spike, and rotate the paddle to have the chain back on track.

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