SRAM Tech: Chain Sizing and Installation

SRAM TECH
16 Jan 202005:39

TLDRIn this informative video, Molly from SRAM guides viewers on how to size and install a new chain for a mountain bike, specifically for 1x, 2x, or 3x drivetrains. She emphasizes the importance of considering frame type and suspension when measuring, and demonstrates the correct use of tools like a chain breaker and master link pliers. Molly also explains the differences in chain length requirements for various drivetrains and provides detailed steps for cutting, routing, and securing the chain with a PowerLink or PowerLock, ensuring a proper fit and smooth operation for a full suspension bike with a 12-speed Eagle drivetrain.

Takeaways

  • 🛠️ Ensure you have a new chain with a master link, a chain breaker tool, and a master link plier if removing an old chain.
  • 📏 To size the chain, wrap it around the largest chainring and cog without routing through derailleurs.
  • 🚴‍♂️ Different drivetrains (1x, 2x, 3x, Eagle) require different chain lengths, consult the user manual for specifications.
  • 📐 For full suspension bikes with a 1x Eagle drivetrain, add two links (one inner and one outer) to the wrapped chain length.
  • 🔧 Use a compatible chain breaker tool and leave an inner link on both ends for connecting the PowerLock or PowerLink.
  • 🔄 Ensure the chain's overlap and extra links are in the middle of a link or on an outer link, and leave extra length if unsure.
  • 🚵‍♀️ Before installing, shift the rear derailleur to the smallest gear and route the chain correctly to avoid damage.
  • 🔄 For 2x or 3x systems, also route the chain through the front derailleur.
  • 🔐 Use PowerLinks for 7-9 speed chains and PowerLocks for 10-12 speed chains and e-bike chains, noting PowerLocks are one-time use.
  • 🏍 Install the PowerLock by aligning the arrow with the direction of chain travel and ensure it fully engages and clicks into place.
  • 🔄 After installation, shift through gears to confirm proper chain sizing and check rear derailleur's ability to move when the chain is in the largest chainring and cog.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is how to size and install a new chain for a mountain bike, specifically focusing on SRAM chains.

  • What tools are required for the chain sizing and installation process?

    -The required tools for this process include a new chain with a master link, a chain breaker tool, and a master link plier if an old chain is being removed.

  • How does the chain sizing procedure vary for different drivetrains?

    -The chain sizing procedure varies depending on whether the bike has a 1x, 2x, or 3x drivetrain, and also considers the type of frame (full suspension or hardtail).

  • Why is it important to compress the frame linkage on a full suspension bike when sizing the chain?

    -Compressing the frame linkage is important to ensure the chain is not sized too short, as a short chain can cause damage to the drivetrain or frame when the suspension is compressed, altering the chain stay length.

  • How do you compress the frame linkage on a full suspension bike?

    -To compress the frame linkage, you can either let all the air out of the shock after recording the pressure or remove the shock from the frame, allowing the linkages to move freely.

  • What is the specific chain length adjustment needed for an Eagle drivetrain on a full suspension frame?

    -For an Eagle drivetrain on a full suspension frame, you need to add two links, one inner and one outer, to the wrapped length of the chain.

  • Why is it important to use a chain breaker tool compatible with the chain?

    -Using a compatible chain breaker tool is crucial to ensure the chain can be cut correctly without causing damage to the chain or the tool.

  • How should the PowerLink or PowerLock be installed on the chain?

    -The PowerLink or PowerLock should be installed by connecting the outer half of the link first, with the arrow pointing in the direction of chain travel, and then the inner half of the link on the other end. The pins should align and be pulled together until they click into place.

  • What should you do after installing the PowerLock to ensure it's properly engaged?

    -After installing the PowerLock, you should rotate the cranks until the PowerLock is above the chain stay, pull the rear brake lever to hold the wheel in place, and press firmly on the pedals. You should hear and see the PowerLock engage.

  • How can you tell if the chain is properly sized on a full suspension bike?

    -The chain should be properly sized when, with the chain on the largest chainring and cassette cog, the rear derailleur cage still has the ability to move forward and is not fully extended.

  • What should you do if the rear derailleur cage is fully extended when the chain is on the largest chainring and cassette cog?

    -If the rear derailleur cage is fully extended, you may need to add additional chain using multiple PowerLocks to prevent damage to the drivetrain.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Sizing and Installing a New Chain for Mountain Bikes

This paragraph outlines the process of sizing and installing a new chain on a mountain bike, specifically for a 1x Eagle drivetrain on a full suspension frame. It begins by listing the necessary tools: a new chain with a master link, a chain breaker tool, and a master link plier. The procedure involves wrapping the chain around the largest chainring and cog without routing it through the derailleurs. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of considering the bike's suspension when sizing the chain to prevent damage. It provides detailed instructions on how to compress the frame linkage, cut the chain to the correct length, and install the PowerLock. The paragraph also includes tips on routing the chain through the derailleurs and ensuring proper installation of the PowerLink or PowerLock. Finally, it advises checking the rear derailleur's movement and offers guidance on what to do if additional chain length is needed.

05:01

🚴‍♂️ Post-Installation and Maintenance Tips

The second paragraph focuses on the post-installation steps and maintenance tips for the newly installed SRAM chain. It starts by instructing the viewer to shift the rear derailleur into the smallest gear before installing the chain. After cutting and routing the chain, the paragraph provides a step-by-step guide on installing the PowerLock for a 12-speed Eagle drivetrain, including the correct orientation of the arrow on the PowerLock. The paragraph then explains how to confirm the successful installation of the PowerLock by using the rear brake lever and pedals. It concludes with advice on checking the rear derailleur's range of motion and suggests consulting the user manual for fine-tuning the drivetrain. Additionally, it mentions a drivetrain cleaning video for further maintenance guidance and ends with a prompt to enjoy the ride with the new chain.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Sizing a chain

Sizing a chain refers to the process of determining the correct length of a bicycle chain to fit a specific bike and drivetrain setup. In the context of the video, it is crucial for ensuring smooth and efficient gear shifting and preventing damage to the drivetrain components. Molly explains that the chain should be wrapped around the largest chainring and cog without routing it through the derailleurs, and different drivetrains like 1x, 2x, 3x, and Eagle require varying chain lengths. For a full suspension bike with a 1x Eagle drivetrain, two additional links are added to the wrapped length of the chain to account for the bike's suspension movement.

💡Master link

A master link is a special quick-connect and disconnect link used in bicycle chains, which allows for the easy installation and removal of the chain without the need for any tools. It is essential for the chain installation and removal process, as it provides a secure connection point that can be quickly assembled or disassembled. In the video, Molly mentions the need for a new chain with a master link, which is later used to connect the two ends of the chain using the PowerLink or PowerLock.

💡Chain breaker tool

A chain breaker tool is a specialized tool used to break or open the master link in a bicycle chain to facilitate the resizing or removal of the chain. It is an essential tool for the chain installation process, as it allows for precise and controlled cutting of the chain to achieve the desired length. Molly emphasizes the importance of using a chain breaker tool that is compatible with the specific type of chain being used.

💡Master link plier

Master link pliers are a type of plier specifically designed to assist in the installation and removal of master links in bicycle chains. They provide the necessary grip and leverage to securely open and close the master link, ensuring a reliable connection. In the video, Molly mentions that a master link plier might be needed if one is removing an old chain to replace it with a new one.

💡Drivetrain

A drivetrain in a bicycle refers to the system of components that transmit power from the rider's effort at the pedals to the rear wheel, propelling the bike forward. This includes the chainrings, chain, cassette, and derailleurs. The video focuses on the chain sizing and installation process, which is an integral part of maintaining the efficiency and performance of the drivetrain, especially for different types of drivetrains like 1x, 2x, 3x, and Eagle systems.

💡Full suspension frame

A full suspension frame is a type of bicycle frame design that incorporates front and rear suspension systems, allowing for greater comfort and control while riding, particularly on rough or uneven terrain. The video script highlights the unique considerations for sizing a chain on a full suspension frame, such as the need to compress the frame linkage to its full-travel position to account for the change in chain length when the suspension is compressed.

💡PowerLink

PowerLink is a type of master link used in SRAM's chain, specifically designed for 7, 8, and 9-speed chains. It is a reusable connection point that allows for quick and easy installation and removal of the chain. In the video, Molly explains that after cutting the chain to the correct length and routing it through the derailleurs, the PowerLink is used to connect the two ends of the chain securely.

💡PowerLock

PowerLock is a quick-connect and disconnect link used in SRAM's higher-speed chains, such as 10, 11, and 12-speed systems, as well as on 8-speed e-bike chains. Unlike the PowerLink, the PowerLock is a one-time use item, meaning that if it is removed, a new PowerLock must be used to reconnect the chain. Molly demonstrates in the video how to install a 12-speed Eagle PowerLock, ensuring that the chain is securely connected and the arrows on the PowerLock point in the direction of chain travel.

💡Rear derailleur

The rear derailleur is a component of the bicycle drivetrain that shifts the chain between the different cogs on the cassette, allowing the rider to change gears. In the video, Molly explains the importance of routing the chain correctly through the rear derailleur cage and pulleys, ensuring that the chain is behind the pulley cage tab to prevent damage to the derailleur and ensure smooth and quiet operation while pedaling.

💡Chainring

A chainring is a gear component located on the front wheel of a bicycle, which works in conjunction with the chain and cassette to transmit power from the pedals to the rear wheel. The size of the chainring, along with the cassette cogs, plays a significant role in determining the appropriate chain length for a bicycle. In the video, Molly wraps the chain around the largest chainring and cog to size it correctly for the bike's drivetrain.

💡Cassette

A cassette is a set of sprockets mounted on a freewheel body, which is attached to the rear wheel hub of a bicycle. The cassette provides a range of gear ratios for the rider to choose from, and its size and configuration, along with the chainring, influence the necessary length of the chain. In the video, Molly emphasizes the importance of sizing the chain by wrapping it around the largest chainring and the largest cog on the cassette, without routing it through the derailleurs.

💡Suspension compression

Suspension compression refers to the mechanism by which a bicycle's suspension system, particularly on full suspension frames, compresses to accommodate changes in terrain and riding conditions. In the context of the video, Molly explains that when sizing a chain on a full suspension bike, it is important to compress the frame linkage to its full-travel position to ensure that the chain is not sized too short, which could lead to damage to the drivetrain or frame when the suspension compresses.

Highlights

Sizing a new chain for a mountain bike with a master link is crucial for optimal performance.

A chain breaker tool and master link plier are essential tools for chain installation and removal.

Different drivetrains (1x, 2x, 3x, and Eagle) require unique chain lengths, as per the SRAM User Manual.

For 1x Eagle drivetrains on full suspension frames, account for frame compression to avoid sizing the chain too short.

When the frame is compressed, add two links (one inner and one outer) to the wrapped chain length for proper sizing.

Ensure chain breaker tool compatibility with the chain before cutting to prevent damage.

Leave an inner link on both ends after cutting for connecting the PowerLock or PowerLink.

Avoid sizing the chain too short by adding extra length if the overlap lands on an outer link.

Shift the rear derailleur to the smallest gear before installing the new chain.

Route the chain correctly through the rear derailleur cage and pulleys to prevent damage to the derailleur.

For 2x or 3x systems, the chain should also be routed through the front derailleur.

PowerLinks are reusable and used on 7, 8, and 9 speed chains, while PowerLocks are for 10, 11, and 12 speed drivetrains and ebike chains.

PowerLocks are one-time use and must be replaced with a new one if removed.

The arrow on the PowerLock indicates the direction of chain travel and should be positioned correctly during installation.

Engage the PowerLock by pulling the link halves together and aligning the pins before confirming proper installation.

Check the rear derailleur's ability to move when the chain is in the largest chainring and cassette cog.

Consult the User Manual for specific derailleur instructions and fine-tuning your drivetrain.

After installing the new SRAM chain, shift through gears to ensure proper sizing and functionality.

Maintaining the chain involves regular cleaning and replacing it when necessary, as covered in SRAM's drivetrain cleaning video.

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