Chain Question

[tlaing1]

So I wanna get a red chain for one of my bikes and I was curious if there is any specific size you need for a basic cruiser style. Most of the chains I've seen say 1/2 x 1/8 and 112 links, how many do you normally need?...... I know it's a dumb question so stop shaking your head at me.......


Thanks guys.

 

[Anonymous]

112 links=56"

Try to get a rough idea using a tape measure around the sprockets.

 

[roadmaster]

i believe there is no such thing as a dumb question. the above reply is good, just make sure you have a chainbreaker tool to add or remove links at will. this will make things alot easier and they are not too terribly expensive. park tools make the best (so i hear) or you can get a lower level version. and when you fit it on, its kinda trial and error. not all chainstays are the same length and the chain lenght also needs to take into account your gear ratio. buy a chaintool, buy plenty of chain, sit down and work with it.

 

[GodHatesCleveland]

Most, if not all retail-purchased chains will be of sufficient length for a cruiser bike. And in order to fit all the bikes, the chain you will buy will most likely have extra links in it that the seller assumes you will take out. There's too many variables for the chain manufacturer to take into account, like make, model, year, frame size, chain ring size, third party supplier chain ring size, manufacturer's rear cog size, third party rear cog size, etc, etc, etc. It's cheaper for the chain makers to send everyone a chain slightly longer than what they'll need rather than to produce 50 different offerings of what is essentially the same product.

So to answer your question, the chain you are looking at is probably the right length, and then some. For any of the adult framed bikes with 26 inch wheel sets I used to build before getting sick, the chains I bought from the LBS or from online sources always had to have out a couple of lengths removed to fit properly.

If you're going to be doing this a lot, get a good chain tool. A cheap one will not work as well.

 

[B607]

I bought a red chain at Wally World or K-Mart or some such place and it was too short. I was putting it on a bike with a 52T front and 22T rear. No problem, I'll buy another. When I went back, they didn't have anymore. When they got the next batch of red chains, they were different than the first I had bought. :x So I bought 2 the next time I had a red chain project. Now I have 2 extra red chains, each a little different that have had pieces cut off of them. If you need a short piece, I have some. Just PM me. 8) B607

 

[tlaing1]

ok, so now that I've got some answers I have more..... If I buy 2 chains and a good chain tool, I can pull links from a donor chain and put them on the bike chain without an issue? (I'm struggling with that verbage haha) I haven't messed with chains yet and I wanna start doing everything so that I dont have to go to my LBS to get that done. THanks

 

[Anonymous]

Sure you can add links.

TIPont push the pin all the way out of the chain.Just push it out enough to seperate the link.

Its an excersise in frustration to get a loose pin back in a chain.

 

[Markm]

just take your time...alot of "on and off" with the chain tool. Like Magic Rat said, dont push the pins all the way out. When you reconnect a link you may have to flip the chain tool to the other side of the chain to drive the pin out a little to free up tight spots.Practice on a junk chain. Its kinda fun!!

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah,chains are fun once ya get the feel for it.

I practiced by making the shortest complete chains possible...4 links

They are useless for anything,but good practice.

 

[tlaing1]

any suggestions on a chain tool?

I heart this place btw....

 

[Anonymous]

Park Tools makes a good one.

I've used cheap ones for a while and broke both of them.

I found a "chain link" for ya...

http://www.bikewebsite.com/chain.htm

 

[Markm]

go park...the walmart ones are good for about 2 chains then they break....

 

[october]

i have the $15 Park one... if i took all the money i spent on the cheap ones i broke, it would have paid for the good one to begin with :wink:

oct.

 

[Uncle Stretch]

Don't make the mistake I did. I tried to break a skiptooth chain and all I broke was the two decient chain breakers I had. Man they must be braded or riveted or something.

 

[CCR]

i have the $15 Park one... if i took all the money i spent on the cheap ones i broke, it would have paid for the good one to begin with :wink:

oct.

same here, gotta park now ?CT-7 maybe? money well spent

 

[user 135]

I have the park ct5. The pin is replaceable. The pin that came on mine is perfect for pushing the other pin all the way out. If your tool pin is too long, grind a little bit off so there is no guess work.

 

[xddorox]

I agree on the Park Tool chain breaker as well. Just a drop of lube on it once a year will keep it happy and good. I've had mine for 5 years now, no problems. I have an article on the subject and 2 videos. Check it out here: http://www.howtofixbikes.ca/2008/03/how-to-replace-derailleur-bicycle-chain.html