How to Change the Shimano Ultegra Chain Ring

A Shimano Ultegra bicycle crank employs a set of rings to help turn the chain. Each ring is a different size and is lined with a series of teeth, which engage the chain when it rotates. Generally, chain rings are changed once the teeth have become too worn to effectively engage the chain any longer.





A bicycle chain ring is a sprocket attached the bicycle's drive-side pedal crank. The chain is used to rotate the chain and help propel the bicycle. Shimano Ultegra chain rings come in more than one size (references 1). Each size creates a different gear ratio, allowing the cyclist to customize gearing to suite personal preference. Consequently one chain ring may be swapped out for another. In time, from use, chain rings wear and may no longer interface effectively with the chain, causing the chain to skip. Such chain rings are typically replaced.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 mm Allen wrench
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Instructions

  1. Ultegra Chain Ring Disassembly

    • 1

      Use a 5 mm Allen wrench to loosen and remove each of the five chain-ring fixing bolts from the backside of the larger of the two Ultegra chain rings.

    • 2

      Slide the large Shimano Ultegra chain ring down the side of the crank and past the pedal.

    • 3

      Remove the small Shimano Ultegra chain ring, sliding it off the side of the crank and past the pedal.

    Ultegra Chain Ring Assembly

    • 4

      Fit the small chain ring over the pedal crank so the surface with Shimano brand marking faces in toward the bicycle.

    • 5

      Fit the large chain ring over the pedal crank so the smooth side faces away from the bicycle.

    • 6

      Align the large Shimano Ultegra chain ring with the holes in the pedal crank so the chain drop prevention pin is lined up with the pedal crank. The prevention pin is a protrusion on the face of the large chain ring that catches the chain if ever it slips.

    • 7

      Align the small chain ring with the holes in the large chain ring with the arrow on the backside of the small chain ring lining up with the pedal crank.

    • 8

      Reinstall each of the five chain-ring fixing bolts one at a time. Use the 5 mm Allen wrench to tighten the bolts.