How to Replace a Bike's Chain Rings

If your chain is slipping on the chain rings, it may be time for new rings. These directions apply to standard cranks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Remove your drive-side crank. See related eHow "Remove Bike Cranks."

2. 

   Clean off your cranks and chain rings with a rag.

3. 

   Loosen the chain-ring bolts with a 5mm allen wrench. This may take a bit of force. Be careful, and think about what you are doing - chain rings are very sharp.

4. 

   Remove the chain rings from the spider. [DEFINE SPIDER HERE OR IN GLOSSARY. - KF]

5. 

   Seat the new chain rings on the spider.

6. Get all the chain ring bolts snug before you tighten any one of them all the way.

7. 

   Tighten each bolt securely. After you tighten one bolt, tighten the one across from it, not the one next to it.

8. Consider replacing your chain when you put on new chain rings.

Tips & Warnings

• Some high-end cranks use different methods to attach the chain rings. If you have non-standard cranks, check with the manufacturer or your local bike shop before removal.
• Some low-end cranks don't have removable chain rings, or have chain rings that are riveted to each other.

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on 11/22/2005 If you put on new chain rings it is almost a waste of money to not get a new chain. If you use an old, worn chain it will greatly speed up the wear on your brand new (and probably not cheap) chain rings. Also, a new chain is not a huge investment compared to new chain rings. It will also make the bike ride nicer.