My chain has come off, how do I put it back on?
HOW TO TAKE THE CHAIN OFF
To remove the chain, the easiest way to do it is to push the chain tensioner arm up, remove the chain from the chain tensioner arm jockey wheel (#04 in the diagram below). The chain tensioner arm will spring backwards, making the chain slack so that it is easy to remove.
Next, take the chain off the chain wheel (#02 below). Bring the chain over so that it comes off the motor sprocket (#01 below), but is still sitting on the third jockey wheel (#05 below). At this point you can let the chain rest on the ground, hanging from the third jockey wheel (#05 below).
HOW TO PUT THE CHAIN ON
To put the chain on, first wrap the chain around the third jockey wheel (#05), then around the motor sprocket (#01), then around the chain wheel (#02). Then, place the chain on top of the chain tensioner fixed jockey wheel (#03).
Pull the chain downwards to add some tension, then pull the chain tensioner back towards the motor and position the chain so that it’s underneath the chain tensioner arm jockey wheel (#04).
The chain should look like the diagram below:
The chain should wrap around:
01 – The sprocket on the rear wheel.
02 – The chainwheel.
03 – The chain tensioner fixed jockey wheel
04 – The chain tensioner arm jockey wheel, and
05 – The rear swing arm fixed jockey wheel.
It should make a ‘W’ shape when it is correctly in place.
The chain has been designed not to fall off but it is useful to remember how to set it up properly in case it does.
Excessive wear and chain stretch mean the chain will damage the teeth of the gears on the drive train, requiring an expensive replacement, so check chain wear regularly with a chain wear tool!
The chain should be replaced every 2,000 to 3,000 miles (or 3,200 km to 4,800 km).
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