HDTutorial
EN
How to Size a Bicycle Chain

Playback starts YouTube’s embedded player (privacy-enhanced mode).

How to Size a Bicycle Chain

3,947,626 views November 7, 2017 8:10

Watch on YouTube
ChannelPark Tool

In brief

After watching, you’ll know how to measure a bike chain accurately—whether by matching an old chain, using the largest cog and chainring, or handling exceptions like rear suspension. This method works for any cyclist fitting a new chain, ensuring a proper, snug fit without excess slack or tension.

Key steps

  1. Gather tools: chain tool, master link pliers, marker, and a repair stand.
  2. Remove the old chain and check its length by wrapping it around the largest cog and chainring.
  3. If no old chain exists, measure the largest cog and chainring to determine the correct length.
  4. Account for exceptions like rear suspension or chain guides, which may require adjustments.
  5. Test the chain’s movement and tension before finalizing the master link.

Description from the creator

Replacement chains for bicycles are always longer than you need. This video will take you step by step through sizing a bike chain, including determining whether your old chain was correctly sized, sizing to an old chain, and the largest cog & chainring method, as well as some exceptions and considerations such as rear suspension and chain guides.

Questions or comments? Leave them below!

See all our chain videos in our chain repair help playlist ▶︎ youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGCTGpvdT04RFvpef1qI…

Video contents:
00:39 Tools Needed
00:57 Check & Remove Chain
02:57 Sizing to Original Chain
04:01 Sizing to Largest Cog & Largest Chainring
06:26 Exceptions & Considerations

➤ Tools & materials used:
• MLP-1.2 Master Link Pliers - parktool.com/product/master-link-pliers-mlp-1-2
• CT-3.2 Chain Tool - parktool.com/product/chain-tool-ct-3-2
• CT-4.3 Master Chain Tool With Peening Anvil - parktool.com/product/master-chain-tool-with-pee…
• New Chain
• Marker
• Repair Stand - parktool.com/category/repair-stands
• See all Park Tool chain products - parktool.com/category/chain


For a text-based walk-through of this process: parktool.com/blog/repair-help/chain-length-sizi…

➤ Subscribe: youtube.com/user/parktoolcompany?sub_confirmati…
➤ Like: facebook.com/parktool
➤ Follow: instagram.com/parktoolblue

➤ Fix It:
Did you know that Park Tool is the #1 resource for bicycle repair education?
• Visit our YouTube Channel: youtube.com/parktool
• Visit the Repair Help section of Parktool.com: parktool.com/blog/repair-help/
• Check out The Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair: parktool.com/product/big-blue-book-of-bicycle-r…

➤ About Park Tool:
Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our YouTube channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.

➤ More Chain Repair Help:
• The Park Tool Guide to Chains ▶︎ youtube.com/watch?v=vSLnA14hKkI
• How to Clean and Lube a Bicycle Chain with a Park Tool Chain Cleaner ▶︎ youtube.com/watch?v=MuwS_nSevy4
• When to Replace a Chain on a Bicycle ▶︎ youtube.com/watch?v=gXd-3UnqoaM
• How to Fix a Broken Bicycle Chain ▶︎ youtube.com/watch?v=HpUCCrgugQE
• How to Replace a Chain on a Bicycle - Sizing & Installation ▶︎ youtube.com/watch?v=VdUQKVMPF5I
• How to Replace a Chain on a Single Speed Bike - Sizing, Installation & Tensioning ▶︎ youtube.com/watch?v=88tDcVvS7mU
• How to Size a Campagnolo Bicycle Chain ▶︎ youtube.com/watch?v=s6TodcAH948

About this tutorial

Park Tool published this 8:10 video tutorial on November 7, 2017. It has been watched 3,947,626 times on YouTube.

Channel
Park Tool
Duration
8:10
Published
November 7, 2017
Views
3,947,626
Likes
51,426

Tags

Share

This tutorial in other languages