Tech Tips

Tech Tips

When adjusting or replacing a drive chain, it’s easy to get the wheel to move rearward; turning the adjuster bolts literally forces it to slide in that direction, even against considerable resistance. But sometimes, moving the rear wheel forward can be difficult, either because of a tight fit or dirt and grime that has accumulated around the parts that have to slide against one another. The typical solution is to stand behind the bike and kick the rear tire with your foot, but I’ve seen people stub their toes and even knock their bikes off the stand by kicking too hard.

There’s an easier way. If the wheel is reluctant to slide forward, take any smallish wrench that is handy-the 10mm or 12mm combination wrench used to turn the adjuster bolts on some bikes is a good example-and stick it between the bottom run of the chain and the rear sprocket, just ahead of the sprocket. Then gently rotate the wheel forward, either with your hand or by rolling the bike. That will wedge the wrench between the chain and the sprocket, thereby tightening the chain enough to pull the wheel forward. Just don’t attempt to rotate the wheel all the way around with the wrench stuck in there; you’re liable to break the chain or snap a sprocket tooth.

-Paul Dean