How do you know when to replace the chain?

[kilabeez0]

My chain has been off for a few months now, and when I went to put it back on it was frigg'n IMPOSSIBLE to get the thing on it was so tight! I tried loosening the axle carrier and banging it closer to maybe slacken it up, but that barely worked. Am I missing something or is this a sign for a new chain?

[plkmonster2]

110 right? near the foot brake, there is this metal piece that looks as if it can slide. loosen the nut on it, then the chain tensioner loosens, allowing the chain to be put back on. hope that helps. you shouldn't need a new chain unless it is frozen, rusted, or when the metal pieces in the center wont move.

[kilabeez0]

Well the chain tensioner on my 85 110 seems kind of pointless. I mean it doesn't do anything unless u loosen up the entire axle carrier anyway, and even then it doesn't do much. I can take it completely off and nothing happens.

[sfynks]

if im not mistaken.....the bolt on the tensioner goes all the way through....and you have to loosen it on the other side to......or perhaps it was only on some models.....in anycase.....you could check ;)

[Falstaff]

Can't you just take out the removeable link in the chain and easily put in back on that way? Or is it a continuous chain...

[kilabeez0]

i dont know if it's continuous or if it has a removable link. so it would be possible for me to just add a link then? how do i recognize a removable link? thanks for the help btw.

[Falstaff]

Ever seen sesame street? Which one of these is not like the other? There will be one link that has a clip that snaps out with a needle nose pliers or whatever you like. Then there is a spacer and the link will pull right out. You will see...

[Falstaff]

Its actually called the master link. Try this link http://www.bunchobikes.com/chain.htm It doesnt have the snap like I was talking about but maybe its what you have.....

try these links too:

http://www.dansmc.com/clipdirection.jpg
http://www.dansmc.com/oneroller.jpg