Bike chain

hampshirebabe

can anyone tell me what bike chain I need for this bike? I took the old one off to take to a shop, but the shops are shut now. The old one is VERY rusty. 

Johnmcl7

Chains are sold based on the number of gears the bike has at the rear which I can't quite tell from your picture but I think that's a six speed you have.  If you still have the original chain if you look closely on the chain you might find a model number or spec engraved there which you could use to verify the correct chain.

Norman_Castle

surface rust is ok. does the chain still bend as it should

silverwhistle

Just to say that when I needed a chain after buying a second hand bike I got it from Wilkinsons who are still open. I already had a chain link  tool but they sell them as well.

hampshirebabe

Thank you, most of it bends, just in a couple of places is doesn't want to. I've got a chain link tool, so I got the chain off, I was thinking of taking it into Halford and asking them, but no good now. I might pop into Wilkinsons though and see if I can find one that looks the same. ☺️ 

hampshirebabe

So I cleaned up the old chain and thought I'd put it back on till I can get a new one, but I watched a video of putting it back in and it says I need a new pin, it has a tapered end to get it on in the first place, so I don't think I can do it just with the old chain? 

Norman_Castle

If you've pushed the old pin completely out you're unlikely to get it back in. A split link will work if you have one.

Some supermarkets sell chains. https://groceries.asda.com/product/bike-accessories/bell-link-500-speedy-chain/25555696

[Deleted User]

A new  standard road bike Shimano chain will be fine .Split link tool needed..Good tool to have anyway if you re going to be a regular cyclist.They are only a few pounds to buy ..Do not take out the old pin if you re going to have a go at a clean up on it. Press out the pin  in small sections, avoiding taking it out completely  until you can separate the chain.Be aware that a new chain is bedded into the gear cluster and may well slip or jump in some well used gears, so you would then need a small removal tool to get the gear cluster off..Maybe best to try and clean up the chain..Any stiff links use the centre of the chain removal tool to slightly free it , just a little nudge is all whats needed  ..Online Info on how to split the chain and more importantly install the new one and to get rid of the "stiff " link 

alembicbassman

Many new chains from SRAM and KMC come with a quick link. Once installed they can be unclipped for chain cleaning. A 6/7/8 speed 3/32 inch chain is what you require. Should be around £7 for a KMC or SRAM one.
Count the links on the old one, most new ones are a bit too long out of the box, you sometimes have to remove a few links to stop it flapping around.

pinkladyvenus

just a  word of warning regarding replacing the chain, the freewheel ( rear cogs) and chain tend to wear in together if you put a new chain on you may find it start skipping as the freewheel teeth will be worn as well.   General advice is to replace chain and freewheel at same time. have you tried soaking chain in oil to free it up.

fred246

pinkladyvenus said:

just a  word of warning regarding replacing the chain, the freewheel ( rear cogs) and chain tend to wear in together if you put a new chain on you may find it start skipping as the freewheel teeth will be worn as well.   General advice is to replace chain and freewheel at same time. have you tried soaking chain in oil to free it up.

If you neglect your chain this is true but if you keep an eye on your chain and replace it promptly you should find that a freewheel or cassette lasts a few chain changes.