huntleigh

i have recieved a 12+ year old bike from my uncle and it needs a new chain.
it is 2 speed at front and 9 speed at the rear but i do not know how to find the correct chain size.
if anyone could help iwould be cool thanks

CliffordK

If it has 9 sprockets in the rear, look for one that is marked "9-speed". The front sprockets are irrelevant for the sizing.

You will need a chain tool to cut the chain to length, then it will either need to be reattached with either a "missing link", or a special chain pin (normally supplied with the chain).

huntleigh

thanks for info

JoeTBM 

If you use the "missing Link" make sure it is also spec'ed as 9 speed as well!

dsbrantjr

A new chain should come with the appropriate missing link. I avoid using
chains which use the "special joining links".

Iride01 

If you buy the chain from a local bike shop, they'll probably be happy to put it on for a nominal fee if any. Perhaps you might want a tune up on the derailleurs. If you can't do it yourself, then let them do both. It's not just tweaking little adjustment screws till it works somewhat.

JoeTBM 

I agree with you but not all come with the "missing link" option thus my original comment. I prefer reinstalling a rivet to them after properly sizing but not all do.

dsbrantjr

Pushing the pin out worked fine on chains from the 5-speed era. The pin on a modern chain has the ends peened over to hold it in place. Pushing out the pin shears off the peened part and enlarges the hole, so pushing the rivet back in may not hold securely. The master link snaps shut and the joining pin is larger in diameter to hold securely. You may have gotten away with it but I wouldn't trust it to hold, especially if you shift under pressure due to the sideways force involved..

cpach

https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair...-length-sizing is a comprehensive article, and I generally recommend them as a resource on how to do things because they are precise and accurate, and combine videos with step-by-step instructions. You will need a chain tool at the minimum. For most bicycle drivetrains the correct length is essentially the shortest that will work without tearing the derailleur apart when the bike is shifted into both the large chainring and the large cog. This can be found by running the chain around the big chainring and big cog without going through the rear derailleur and finding the length that joins the chain, then add two links, or three if two links can't be joined.

https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-CT-...1&rps=1&sr=8-6 is a solid tool for general home use. Also if you only need to break a chain occasionally, breakers built into multi tools are usually serviceable. I did all my chain breaking as an amateur mechanic for years with https://www.amazon.com/CRANKBROTHERs...&rps=1&sr=8-11 and it was fine.

If you're sheltered at home now it's a great time to learn to wrench on your own bike.