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O.K I know its kind of a noobie question, but how do you take the chain off? All it says in the manual is "1. Remove the master link retaining clip (1) with pliers. Do not bend or twist the clip. Remove the master link (2). Remove the drive chain." What kind of pliers, and how the heck do you get it off without bending/twisting it!!!
Also, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get a 52-tooth rear sprocket, and probably get a Renthal 13 or 15 (whatever size came on the bike) tooth counter shaft sprocket. Will I need a chain with more links or will the D.I.D or Renthal 120 links be fine?

Thanks everyone
Mike

There is a link in the chain that is ment to be taken apart, it is labeled the Master Link. To take it off, I use chanel lock players. I put one end against the nearest link and the other at the opening of the cilppy thing on the side of the master link. You don't have to take the chain off to put on new sprockets. Just loosen the rear wheel, slide the chain off the rear sprocket and it should be loose enough to slide the countersprocket in up front.

O.K thanks woodsman, I think I get it. Anyone else got any tips?
And I know I don't have to take off the chain to get to the sprockets, but since I'll probably get a new chain also, I figured I might as well take this one off and clean it up good so that if I ever need it.. its ready.

Mike

grinder

No! Don't use a grinder. It will wreck any chain. Use a real chain punch if you have to break the chain somewhere besides the masterlink.(Also take a chain punch while riding! It is very handy for when a chain snaps. )

O.K, but I don't need to break the chain! I just want to get it off! Calling, uh, anyone that has pics of how to get the friggen thing off!

Thanks all
Mike

If you have a masterlink, find it and remove it by following Woodsman's directions. If you have an "endless" chain, then you will have to have a chain breaker/press in order to break it and then press it back together. You would also need a new pressable link for that purpose.

As a rule, you never mix old parts with new. So putting an old chain on new sprockets, or new chain on old sprockets isn't a good practice. It will accelerate the wear and you will need new much sooner.

If you are going to change your sprockets and also change the number of teeth, then you will probably need a new chain anyway.
Joe

My bike doesn't have 100 miles on it yet. Would it still need a new chain if I change sprockets?