Is there a "best way" to reattach the mtb chain? I very rarely remove my rear wheel. I think when I've done it in the past I've taken a random approach. It seems like the best way might be for me to drop my gripshift to its lowest setting and then attach the chain to the smallest chainring on the cassette. Does this seem like the best approach? Are there any tips, tricks or best practices that you would recommend?
best way to reattach chain?
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Undo the quick link to take chain off, redo the quick link to put chain back on.
If no quick link, then you are using a chain tool to push pins in and out.
If no quick link, then you are using a chain tool to push pins in and out.
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Wait, are you talking about removing the chain, or removing the wheel?
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Does your chain have a quick link? (master link if you have a motocross background)
First, you realize you can remove your rear wheel without removing the chain. Generally puttting it in the smallest cog is a good idea to "decompress" the derailleur. If you have a "lockout" on the derailleur cage, that's handy.
Then you can remove the link and the chain at your leisure and replace it at your leisure.
Or you can remove the chain without removing the wheel, and, again smallest cog is a good idea to decompress the derailleur.
Then you can remove the link and the chain at your leisure and replace it at your leisure.
Or you can remove the chain without removing the wheel, and, again smallest cog is a good idea to decompress the derailleur.
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If your gonna remove both, removing the chain first makes it 1.257% easier to then remove the wheel.
0.678% easier if you have the derailleur lock thingy.
0.678% easier if you have the derailleur lock thingy.
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Hold on.... move the decimal point over, yep that’s exactly right.
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OP, yes, shift to the smallest COG on the cassette, then remove wheel, if you have a SRAM RD, it most likely has a lock to lock the cage open to make it easier, if you have a Shimano with clutch, turn it off. Shifting to the smalest cog, also makes it easier when re-installing the wheel.
As to removing the chain, why do you want to do this? If it's for cleaning not really necessary, can easily do a good clean on the bike with a tooth brush. Also, what speed is your drivetrain? If it's anything over 10spd, a lot of the quick links aren't sposed to be re-used, but you can once you keep a spare, you will need quick link pliers to get them undone. If you're running 10spd, KMC make reusable quick links that undo by hand.
Best advice I can give is to head to the Park Tool Youtube channel and check out their repair and maintenance videos, then search YT if you want more info, loads of stuff out there to watch and learn.
As to removing the chain, why do you want to do this? If it's for cleaning not really necessary, can easily do a good clean on the bike with a tooth brush. Also, what speed is your drivetrain? If it's anything over 10spd, a lot of the quick links aren't sposed to be re-used, but you can once you keep a spare, you will need quick link pliers to get them undone. If you're running 10spd, KMC make reusable quick links that undo by hand.
Best advice I can give is to head to the Park Tool Youtube channel and check out their repair and maintenance videos, then search YT if you want more info, loads of stuff out there to watch and learn.
Guys he does not want to remove his chain, he just considers removing the wheel 'removing the chain' because the chain comes off the cassette.
OP - Shift to the smallest cog, swing the derailleur arm forward and engage the little lock thingy (if you have it), then drop the wheel out while holding the chain and derailleur out of the way. Then to put the wheel back in you bring the wheel up to the dropouts, place the chain over the smallest cog, pop the wheel into the dropouts while keeping the chain and derailleur out of the way again.
OP - Shift to the smallest cog, swing the derailleur arm forward and engage the little lock thingy (if you have it), then drop the wheel out while holding the chain and derailleur out of the way. Then to put the wheel back in you bring the wheel up to the dropouts, place the chain over the smallest cog, pop the wheel into the dropouts while keeping the chain and derailleur out of the way again.
I work at a shop, you'd be surprised how many seasoned riders can't do basic maintenance...
"What do you do if you get a flat?"
"Call for a ride."
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To clarify, Titus, are you removing the chain from the bike? Why? Is sounds like you are removing the rear wheel only. Shifting to the smallest cog for install/ removal is the easiest way, as it's a pain to line up the chain with a different cog. If that's still confusing, you'll need to find a video of that or watch someone do it in person.
Removing the chain from the bike is unnecessary unless you are replacing the chain or cleaning an extremely dirty chain.
Removing the chain from the bike is unnecessary unless you are replacing the chain or cleaning an extremely dirty chain.
I think he's talking about the chain he uses to lock his bike up.
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I find it easiest to remove the cranks and rear triangle to get the chain off.
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Screw that, I just buy a new bike, much easier.
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Just in case this is a serious inquiry:
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this thread is hilarious... I actually think removing the chain to remove the wheel is a great idea... i mean it gives you more time to tinker and drink beer in your shop/back yard...
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