SRAM’s power links make installation a snap. The same goes for SRAM chains that do use a master link and will need to be a half-link shorter than a Shimano chain. Keep in mind that if it is a Shimano chain there is no master link so you need to take this into account in your measurements. Essentially, you are trying to make the chain as long as possible without the chain dragging on the derailleur or sagging because the derailleur can’t pull it taught. Pull the ends together until the chain no longer drags on the derailleur cage and mark or take a mental note how many links have to be removed in order to have a joined chain that puts the derailleur cage in this position. This is the gear combo that you will need to be in to determine the right chain length and will ensure that there is no unnecessary drag on the drivetrain when you are in the big ring and at the larger end of the cassette.Īfter removing the old chain with the proper tool, lay the new chain on these smallest gears and feed it through the derailleur so that both ends of the chain are underneath the chainstay. On a road bike you need to shift the bike into the small cog and the small chainring before removing the old chain. As you mentioned you could match the old chain but sometimes that is not an option if you are changing chainrings or cranks, or if you broke the chain and it had to be shortened, etc. Determining the correct chain length is easy. Make your chain the wrong length and you play the fool. Mountain bikes are primarily designed for bike trails, and won’t perform nearly as well when ridden on the road, but you can definitely do it.Copying your old chain length might not be an option if you are switching to a new crank with different sized rings.Ĭhain, chain, chain. The quick and simple answer is: Yes, you can ride your mountain bike on the street.
Is it bad to ride a mountain bike on the road? The purpose of a mountain bike is to ride off road and not on the road. Mountain bike riders body position is not as aerodynamic, more shock absorption makes you slower, and the gear ratio causes lower top speed. Mountain bikes are slower than road bikes because they are heavier, the tires are thicker and have knobs. How often should a bike chain be replaced?Įvery 2,000 miles How many miles do bike chains last?ģ,000 miles Why are mountain bikes so slow? A new chain will glide along the cogs on your rear cassette and derailleur pulleys with a sweet hum! Old worn out chains feel sluggish as they have a high slugocity factor. There are few things worse on a bike than having a chain jumping about on the cassette, especially when putting the power down or climbing. That makes you less stable in the saddle, and you can’t push maximum power into your pedals to go fast. Why am I not getting faster at cycling?Ĭore training should be like pumping your tires, something you do several times a week to keep from getting flat! Because when your core gets weak, you lose power transfer from your upper body to your lower body. For mountain bikes, there is a balance that needs to be found between traction and rolling resistance, though many prefer traction. Low tire pressure: This increases rolling resistance. It could be anything from low tire pressure to dry bearings, either in the hub or bottom bracket, but it could also be tight bearings. The cause of friction can be brake pads rubbing against the rim or disc, insufficient chain lubrication or low tire pressure. Changing to a smaller gear or reducing the friction makes riding easier. Why is pedaling so hard?Ī bike is hard to pedal because it’s in the incorrect gear for the terrain or because of excessive friction. Longer crank arms make it more difficult to pedal at low speeds, particularly when you first start, but are easier to pedal at high speeds because your legs have more leverage.
Of all the things you can do to make a single speed bicycle easier to pedal, this is the most important.