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CHAIN
Inspection
The chain must be kept clean, rust free and frequently lubricated in
order to extend its life as long as possible. It will require replacement
if it stretches, breaks, or causes inefficient gear shifting. Make sure
that there are no stiff links, they must all move freely.
Lubrication
The chain should be lubricated with light oil at least every month, or after use in wet, muddy, or dusty conditions.
Take care to wipe off excess oil, and not to get oil on the tires or rim braking surfaces.
Adjustment and Replacement
On derailleur geared bicycles the rear derailleur automatically tensions the chain.
To adjust the chain on single speed freewheel, coaster hub braked or 3-speed hub geared bicycles:
1. Loosen the rear axle nuts (and coaster brake arm clip if fitted) and move the wheel forward to loosen, or backward to
tighten, in the frame.
2. When correctly adjusted, the chain should have approximately 10mm of vertical movement when checked in the center
between the chainwheel and rear sprocket. Center the wheel in the frame and re-tighten the axle nuts after any
adjustment. Bicycles which have a single speed freewheel, coaster hub brake or 3-speed hub, generally use a wider
type chain than derailleur geared bicycles. These chains can be disconnected by way of a special U-shape joining link,
that can be pried off of the master link with a screwdriver. To replace, feed the chain around the chainwheel and rear
sprocket, fit the master link into the rollers into each end of the chain, position the master link side plate, and slip on the
U-shaped snap-on plate. Make sure the open end of the U-shaped plate is trailing as the link approaches the
chainwheel when pedaling forward.
Straightedge
10 mm
Rear Sprocket
Front Chainwheel
Pull up
