If you have ever had an issue with your bike chain then you know how important it is to replace it so your bike can work properly. Sometimes it may fall off or you need a new one so I put together this guide to show you how to successfully replace it.

How to replace a chain on your beach cruiser? Here are the steps you need to follow:

Determine if you actually need a chain replacement
Determine the correct size bike chain you need
Remove the bad bike chain
Fit the new bike chain to your cruiser

Without a chain, your cruiser would not work. It connects the power you generate from your legs into the pedals. This is common so do not worry if it happens to you.

Let’s start by determining if you actually need a bike chain replacement.

Do You Need a Replacement?

How do you tell if you need a bike chain replacement? Upon first glance at your bike chain, it might not be obvious that you need to get a replacement.

Here’s how to tell if your bike chain is worn out. There are two different ways to do this.

Simply use this bike chain checker to determine how much stretch your chain has experienced.
Measure the overall length of the chain with a ruler. If you place the beginning of the ruler on the center of a pin, the 12-inch mark on that ruler should align directly with the center of another pin. If it does not, that means your chain has stretched.

Note that just because your chain has stretched a little does not necessarily mean it is bad. You need to measure how much stretch has occurred in order to know if you need a replacement chain.

Here are a few measurements to help you know when it’s time to buy a new chain:

If your chain has stretched about 1/16th of an inch or less, this means it is still in relatively good condition, so replacement is not needed at this time. Anything over that stretched distance is displaying increasing signs of wear and tear. Therefore, you should monitor or consider replacing.
If the stretch of your bike chain is over ⅛ of an inch, you should replace ASAP. Riding your bike with a worn chain can be dangerous and become challenging to ride. A stretched chain can also damage the gears of your cruiser, which may cost you more later down the road.

Why does a bike chain stretch?

Every time you pedal the chain undergoes tension. The tension you generate from riding causes your bike chain to stretch. The pins that hold each chain link together become worn after pedaling, especially if dirt collects on the chain.

What Size Bike Chain Do You Need?

For the most part, bike chains are manufactured in standard sizes. This makes it very easy when trying to find the right size chain for your cruiser.

The only variation is the width of the chain. You need to make sure you buy a bike chain with the correct size width or else it will not fit and allow your gears to function properly. There are different sized chains required for single speed and multi-speed bikes. Below I have listed the two different standard size chains:

Single speed cruiser bikes, bikes that only have one gear, use a ⅛ inch wide chain. This size will fit perfectly.
Multi-speed cruisers require a narrower bike chain to fit in between the cogs of the gears. For bikes that have a derailer, you will most likely need a chain that is 3/32 inches wide. The speed of the chain also impacts the type of chain needed for your cruiser. For bikes with multiple gears, you need to do a little more research. You should be able to search chains by speeds, which is helpful when purchasing online.

Where To Find A Bike Chain

You can find a variety of different bike chains online at Amazon. If you look at the Cycling section, you will be able to view pages of chains along with reviews.

You will easily be able to view the width of each chain and specifications so you can choose the correct one. There is a lot of detailed information about each product to help guide you in your decision process. I like the KMC Z410 chain because it is affordable, fits my single speed cruiser, and you can choose from multiple colors to add style to your bike.

You can also Google for a specific chain if you had one in mind. It will bring up your exact search results if there are any in stock. If there are no matches, your search will generate similar options to the chain you are seeking.

There is no need to hesitate about buying on Amazon because they have the best customer service on the planet. Their return policy is very simple and straightforward. My experience purchasing via Amazon has been stellar.

How To Remove Your Bike Chain

If your bike does not have a quick release link or derailer to release the chain, you will need a bike chain tool to remove your cruiser chain. It functions similar to a vice where it holds the chain link steady while extracting the pin.

You simply turn the screw and the pin will slowly come out so you can remove the chain. You want to avoid fully extracting the pin because it can be difficult to place back in the link.

How To Fit Your New Bike Chain

When you purchase a new chain it will be longer than the original chain that is currently on your bike. This is intentional because all new chains are made in one standard size. Therefore you will have to shorten the new bike chain to fit your cruiser.

How To Shorten A Bike Chain

Shortening your bike chain is very simple. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to shorten a bike chain:

Count the number of links in your old chain. This is how many links need to be in your new chain.
Extract the pin that connects the last link to the rest of the chain with your bike chain tool. This will remove the extra links you don’t need.
Thread the new chain over the gears on your cruiser to mimic how your old chain was set.
When you have the new chain aligned on the gears, take the bike chain tool and reconnect the links on the end of the chain.
Apply some Teflon bicycle chain oil for a smoother performance.
Test pedal to make sure it is working properly.

Final Thoughts

A working bicycle chain is essential for your riding safety and the overall performance of your cruiser. This is one of the most important pieces of your bike because it ties everything together.

In this post, I have shown you how to determine if you need a new chain, where to buy one, and how to put on a replacement. A bike chain is very affordable and easy to fix and maintain. Before buying your next chain, make sure you get the right size because different widths are required if you have a multi-speed cruiser.