How to Tighten a Bike Chain – Easiest Way for Different Gears
How to Tighten a Bike Chain – It’s normal for your bike’s chain to detach and come loose occasionally, especially if you regularly ride your bike. It’s nothing to be concerned about and doesn’t mean that your bike is broken. It can be easily fixed if you have the necessary tools.
The chain is a major component of all bicycles. It is what gives the wheels their power as you pedal, letting you move forward. A loose chain causes the transfer of power to decrease, making you unable to move the bike.
Bike chains can sometimes fall off, but mostly your bike chain will just become loose. If you feel your bike chain becoming loose as you cycle, you can wait until you reach your destination to tighten it.
Below, we’ll guide you through tightening a bike chain on a bike with a single gear, as well as how to tighten a chain on a bike with gears. Let’s get started!
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Tightening A Single Gear Bike Chain
If you’re new to the world of cycling, you may be unfamiliar with single-gear bikes.
As the name would suggest, a single gear bike with just one gear, and has a cog in the rear wheel rather than a freewheel mechanism. The cog turns as you cycle which then causes the wheels to rotate. A single gear bike is also referred to as a fixie.
Fixies are great for those who are into cycling for the fitness benefits. This is because each inch of ground you cover is a real workout for your legs.
To tighten the bike chain on a single gear bike you’ll need a socket wrench, a bike stand (or somewhere you can stand your bike upside down), bike lubricant, a rag, and a pair of gloves.
If you want something fast and easy to provide maximum rust protection for your bicycle chain, you can try using this Finish Line 1-Step Cleaner & Lubricant
Step 1: Correctly Positioning Your Bike
If you have some experience with tightening a bike chain you can begin the tightening process with the bike right-side-up. However, we recommend turning the bike upside down, so you have better access to the parts.
Position your bike upside-down on a bike stand. The wheels should be facing up, and the saddle should be resting on the stand.
You can lay the bike down somewhere soft if you don’t have a bike stand, such as a piece of cardboard or sheets of newspaper. This makes sure the saddle doesn’t get scratched.
Step 2: Make Sure The Rear Axle Is Loose
This step involves removing the nuts that hold the tire to the bike to adjust the chain. For this grab your socket wrench, carefully turning the nuts anti-clockwise until the rear axle loosens.
Step 3: Pull Back The Rear Tire
In this step, you’re increasing the chain’s tension. You can do this by carefully pulling back the rear tire to achieve the tension you need.
You need to do this very slowly and carefully, as quick movements will cause the chain to snap. Check the tension as you pull the rear tire back and keep going until you have the required tightness.
You can tell if it’s tight enough if you’re able to move the chain in both directions by a minimum of half an inch. Ensure the tire stays in the middle of the wishbone. This is so you can tighten it again with ease.
Step 4: Ensure You Have The Correct Chain Tension
We’ve already talked about being able to move the chain about half an inch both ways, but it is very important.
When the tire is pulled back it will alter the tension. If the chain moves too far in either direction then it’s still too loose.
However, the pedals will be immovable if it’s too tight, so it’s crucial to find the balance.
Step 5: Tighten Up The Rear Tire And Put It Back In Place
If you’re pleased with the tension of the chain you can put the rear tire in place, as well as replace the axle nuts. Replace all of them and use your socket wrench to tighten them sufficiently.
The tire also needs to be fitted properly to the frame. Once secure it shouldn’t come into contact with the chain or the bike frame.
Step 6: Try Out The Chain And Tire
You can now see if the chain is tight by moving it slightly in both directions. The chain should move easily half an inch in both directions.
You should also give the tire a spin to see if it’s moving correctly and doesn’t touch the chain or frame whilst moving. If it comes into contact with these two components, it has been fitted incorrectly, and you will have to start again.
Otherwise, your fixie can now go back on the road!
Tightening The Chain On A Multi-Gear Bike
If a chain becomes loose and falls off a single-gear bike, it will be suspended but won’t be too dangerous.
However, when a chain of a multi-gear bike becomes too loose, it can be dangerous, as your foot can get stuck in the chain and might cause you to get seriously hurt.
If you’re cycling your multi-gear bike and realize the chain has become loose, you need to stop riding immediately and walk your bike to somewhere you can fix it.
Step 1: Correctly Position Your Bike
Turn the bike upside down, making sure that you can easily reach the tire and derailleur.
Again, if you don’t can’t place your bike on a bike stand then place the bike upside down somewhere soft where the handlebars and saddles won’t get damaged.
If you notice a damaged and overused bicycle chain, consider purchasing a new Speed Bike Chain
Step 2: Find The Derailleur Screw
Behind a derailleur, on multi-gear bikes, you should find a screw. You should see the letter B, and then the screw beside it.
To get more tension on the bike chain, turn the screw clockwise, and you should feel it getting tighter.
Step 3: Find And Fix The Rear Tire
The brakes from the cable need to be disconnected to do this. Lift the brake lever before raising it, so you can access the rear tyre.
Slide the wheel axle toward the rear dropouts to increase the chain’s tension, and only make minor adjustments as you do this. Remember, the chain shouldn’t be too tight.
Every time you adjust the rear tyre, bring the brake lever down and see if there is enough tension on the chain. If you don’t, raise the lever and keep adjusting it until you’re satisfied.
Step 4: Reassemble Everything
Now that you have the right amount of chain tension, reassemble everything like it was, making sure the screw for the derailleur is fitted correctly and is tight enough.
Give the tire a spin to make sure it is spinning correctly and doesn’t touch the chain or the frame. If the tension still doesn’t feel right, start again.
While this may sound time-consuming and tedious, it will soon become second nature with more practice. To keep your fingers clean and safe from injury, always wear gloves and have a rag ready to clean up any bike lubricant.
Get this CycloSpirit Derailleur Hanger Alignment Gauge if you want to do your own bicycle maintenance and repairs.
Final Thoughts
Don’t panic if you notice your chain become loose or if it falls off, it is normal wear and tears. It can be easily fixed by adjusting the tension.
Also, remember that tightening a bike chain on a single-gear bike differs from tightening a bike chain on a multi-gear bike.
This is because different types of bikes are designed differently. If you’re ever unsure what to do, check your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer directly, so they can assist you with the tightening process for your particular bike.
Or, you can take the bike to a reliable bike repair store that has experience working with your bike to get the chain tightened.
