How to Replace a Chain on a Single Speed Bike - Sizing, Installation & Tensioning

Learning how to replace a chain is a staple of bike maintenance. This video focuses specifically on bikes with two sprockets, and it covers the whole replacement process including sizing, installation, and setting tension.

Questions or comments? Leave them below!


Video contents:
00:22 Tools Needed
00:46 Removal - Master Link
01:35 Sizing & Installation
04:11 Chain Tension
07:45 Removal - Connecting Rivet

➤ Tools & materials used:
• New Chain


➤ Fix It:
Did you know that Park Tool is the #1 resource for bicycle repair education?

➤ 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:

[bernhardtabert]

Very well explained. The blue chain was very helpful, often black components are displayed on black backround and the presenter from other canals wear black hand gloves.

[handyboy]

This is a superb video. informative, succinct and to the point. No wasted time, well written, edited and filmed. Simple excellent work.
Thanks for your efforts.

[JohnPaul-vlss]

Got my answer, loose and tight spots in chain while turning cranks is common due to imperfect chainrings.
Adjust so tight spots have 1/4" slack and your good to go.
Thank you Park Tools

[oxforddon]

A lot of thought and preparation must have gone into the making of this video. It contains a lot of very helpful clear guidance. I had to size a new chain from scratch and preferred to join the two ends at the bottom of where the chain goes rather than on the chain wheel.

[jordimeyer]

really the best video for Dirt bikes, Single speed and fixed gears.

[girishchand]

absolute gem video for bicycle lovers and how to check your chain tension. Information given adequately wirhout any further ado

[plastikbertrand]

These videos are very informational when put across by a professional like this chap, thumbs up from me!

[xarptwin]

This is very informative. Gonna use this info to tighten my son's bike chain tension. It wasn't fun trying to fix the derailed chain roadside.

[ferdiansahgg]

Thank you Park Tool Channel, Greetings from indonesia

[nigeljohnson]

Cheers Ben, Love the look on your face when your inflated glove pinkie got stuck in the chain ring, just like my boss ! when I tell him I'm going home

[fabrizioffgmail]

Definitive how-to-tight-a-bike-chain tutorial. Tough beard too!! 😉👍 - Greetings from Italy

[eduardoeleonora]

Great video. Helped me greatly even though not very mechanically inclined!

[georgemcmullan]

Best explanation. Concise and thorough. Thanks.

[susiefairfield]

Trying to figure this out on a three wheel trike, no axle adjustment room, but I think I got it! Thanks! Had to do it twice, too long first time Thank You for your help

[felixmadison]

EXCELLENT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO!! Just what I needed to fix chain length on an old 5-speed bike.

[cancelchristmas]

Got damn man thank you so much. I been perplexed with this back tire for 4 days now and soon as I watched your video taking the chain off, BAM I got it.

[greensboroughcycles]

I got my pinkie stuck between the front chainring and the chain when I was 7. I’m now 13 and still got the scar. Learnt from that mistake pretty quickly.

[leestimson]

Really good video Ben very helpful. Keep them coming. Thanks.

[iamx]

Thanks a lot needed explanation for a great tension, greetings from France !!

[tugboat]

That axle bolt tool looks good. Wish Park tools did a BMX home tool kit.