Bicycles/Maintenance and Repair/Chains/Installing a new chain

Installing a new chain In general, a new chain comes with detailed mounting instructions. For Shimano 8-speed or more, the chain can be shipped: With a preinstalled pin used to close the chain. Without a preinstalled pin, but with a special reinforced connecting pin. Important to remember for Shimano chains, DO NOT reuse the original, preinstalled pin . It is explained here : On modern Shimano chains, you must push the original pin out entirely and replace it with a special replacement pin. Reinstalling the original pin may result in the chain breaking at that point. It’s important to buy the right type of chain for your bike. If you ride a geared bike, a multi-speed chain that is compatible with your drive train is the correct choice. It’s also important to make sure your chain is compatible with the brand of components you are using.