Last updated: July 25, 2023
Once you’re done screaming into the sky and whacking the nearest tree trunk with the biggest stick you can find, let’s help you get that chain back on. And once that’s out of the way, we can offer a few pointers to keep it from falling off again. We at Jans absolutely advise that all your bicycle maintenance is performed or overseen by an experienced bicycle mechanic—but here’s some info to carry you through until you get back to the bike shop.
Step 1: Before putting your chain back on, you first want to make sure that it’s still in working order. If your chain has been damaged, you’ll need to replace all the affected links. Simply reassembling a broken chain with the same links that broke in the first place puts you in prime position to break it again. Unless you have spare links available and are well-versed in chain maintenance, seek the help of a qualified bicycle mechanic to remedy or replace your chain if it is damaged.
Step 2: If your chain is in good working order, next, shift your rear derailleur into the highest gear. If you have a front derailleur, shift it into the lowest gear. This means that both your derailleurs are hovering over the smallest rings in your drivetrain. This position puts the least amount of tension on your derailleur cables and chain.
Step 3: Starting with your rear derailleur, pull the chain back like you’d pull an arrow in a bow, guiding it with the upper pulley as needed. When the chain is over the highest (smallest) gear, slowly lay it over the teeth, from rear to front, on the top of the cog.
Step 4: Once the chain is sitting properly on your rear cassette, pull the slack from under your front chainring. Lay the links over the the top of the chainring until several teeth are engaged.
Step 5: Once teeth are securely engaged, pedal through a few strokes to assure the drivetrain is pedaling smoothly. Be sure to keep your fingers clear of the drivetrain while the chain is in motion.
Step 6: Before you hit the trail, you may want to shift out of the gears you used to get the chain back on. Shift into a moderate gear, and take a spin.
Hopefully some of these pointers have helped quell your frustration and get you back on the trail. If something in your drivetrain is still amiss, consult with a professional bicycle mechanic as needed to fully resolve your mechanical issue.
This post was updated on July 8, 2022.