How To Put A Bike Chain Back On-EASY Tutorial, by Helpful DIY on YouTube. 2 min 12 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 12 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Stop riding and move off the road. Shift the rear derailleur to the smallest cog so the chain has the most slack.
Turn the bike upside down on the saddle and bars, or put it in a stand, so you can turn the pedals by hand.
Lift the chain off the frame and place the top run onto the front chainring teeth, starting at the top.
Pull the chain back over the rear cassette and route it through the derailleur cage, over the top jockey wheel and under the bottom one.
Turn the pedals slowly forward by hand while guiding the chain with your fingers until it seats on the teeth.
Check the chain sits fully on the front chainring and the rear cog, with no links trapped or twisted.
Spin the cranks and shift through a few gears to confirm the chain runs smoothly and does not fall off again.
If the chain keeps dropping, check for a bent chainring, a worn chain or a loose derailleur limit screw before riding far.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep your fingers clear of the chainring teeth and the rear wheel while turning the pedals.
A chain that drops often is usually worn or too loose, so check it with a chain wear tool.
Carry a small rag or disposable gloves so you do not get grease on your hands mid-ride.
Questions
Do I need tools to put a chain back on?
No. On most bikes you can lift the chain back on by hand. Tools are only needed if the chain is jammed or a link is broken.
Why does my chain keep coming off?
Common causes are a worn or stretched chain, a bent chainring, or derailleur limit screws set too far. Have a shop check it if it happens often.
Can I ride with the chain on the wrong gear?
No. Make sure the chain sits fully on the teeth of both the front chainring and rear cog before you pedal hard.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
