1. Disconnect the current drive belt: Locate the drive belt at the front of your bike, it's usually a circular black rubber band. Follow your stationary bike's user manual for instructions to unlock the belt; it might be held in place by a twist knob. Gently pry it off the wheels and remove it entirely.
2. Attach one end: With the drive belt removed, locate the left pedal of the bike. Most bikes have a right-hand thread, which means to turn clockwise to tighten and anti-clockwise to loosen. Turn the pedal clockwise while facing the bike. While doing this, hold one end of the chain up to align it with the small teeth. As the pedal turns, the chain should naturally seat itself on the teeth. Continue twisting the pedal until you have about 2 inches of chain length dangling off the bottom of the pedal.
3. Attach the other end: Next, rotate the pedal counter-clockwise to reverse its movement and pull the chain off of it. Now, hold the loose chain end and locate the front wheel. With the same right-hand thread convention, turn the wheel clockwise while aligning the chain with its bottom-facing teeth. Continue pushing the chain on as the wheel turns until you have about 2 inches of chain hanging off the bottom of the wheel.
4. Connect both ends: Hold both ends dangling off the bike at the bottom and overlap them by a few chain links. The ends of the chain usually have a quick release mechanism - a metal clip that can be easily slid in and out. Push one end into this clip and use your other hand to close the clip shut completely.
5. Check for tension: Once the chain is connected, sit on the bike, place one foot on a pedal, and push down slowly. If the chain is properly tensioned, the pedal should rotate smoothly without any skipping. If it skips or makes a noise, the chain is too tight or too loose, accordingly.
6. Adjust as required: If the chain needs adjustment, release the quick connect clip, turn the pedal and the wheel to release tension. Push the chain together or pull it apart to either stretch it out or close it up, respectively. Ensure that there is about an inch of play in the chain and then reconnect the quick release clip.
7. Test ride: Once the chain is connected and tensioned, get on the bike and take it for a short test ride. Make sure the pedals rotate smoothly and the chain does not make any unusual sounds or skip.
You have successfully installed a stationary bike chain!
