Kreidler chain and sprockets: wear, tension and gearing
Published on 7 October 2026 · 2 min read
The chain is the cheapest part of your drive and at the same time the part that destroys everything else if you neglect it. A stretched chain eats your sprockets; new sprockets on an old chain will not last a season.
When is a chain worn out
Two simple checks:
The lift test. Grip a link on the rear sprocket and pull it backwards. If it lifts far enough that you can see half a tooth, the chain is finished.
The stretch measurement. Measure across ten links and compare with the nominal length. More than two per cent stretch means replace it.
Look at the chain itself too: stiff or seized links will not free up with lubrication, and they cause that characteristic jerky drive.
Judging sprockets
Teeth should be symmetrical. If they are hooked on one side and look like shark fins, the sprocket is done. Always replace front and rear sprocket together with the chain — a new part running on worn mating parts wears out in record time.
The right tension
A Kreidler chain should have roughly one to two centimetres of free play, measured in the middle of the top run.
Important: measure with the bike loaded as it would be when ridden, because free play changes as the swingarm compresses. Too tight is worse than too loose: a tight chain pulls on the output shaft and destroys the bearing.
Adjusting
The chain adjusters sit either side of the rear spindle. Loosen the spindle nut, adjust both sides equally, then check that the wheel runs true. The marks on the adjusters are a guide, not a guarantee — measure spindle-to-swingarm on both sides.
Lubrication
A clean, lubricated chain lasts twice as long. Clean it with a brush and paraffin, let it dry, then apply chain lube to the inside of the chain so centrifugal force works it outwards.
Changing the gearing
Tooth count sets the character:
- Fewer teeth at the rear (or more at the front): higher top speed, lazier acceleration, harder work uphill.
- More teeth at the rear: brisker pull-away, lower top speed, higher revs at cruising speed.
A two-tooth change is clearly noticeable. Bear in mind that chain length may need to change, and that the legal design speed must still be respected.
What you need
For a replacement: a chain with the correct number of links and pitch, front sprocket, rear sprocket and usually a new lock washer for the front sprocket. Look up the pitch for your model in the parts book.
Parts for this article
- KREIDLER Beugel voor indirecte overbrenging RVS 15.50.09 - €5.00
- Ketting bus op achterbrug nylon kreidler - €4.00
- KREIDLER 1e Versnelling Tandwiel 3 Versnelling - €20.00
- KREIDLER Achtertandwiel 35 T 1/2x1/4 67.94.04 TANDWIEL KETTINGWIEL 35t - €15.00
- KREIDLER Achtertandwiel 38T 1/2x1/4 5 67.94.01 TANDWIEL KETTINGWIEL 38 tands - €13.00
- BROMFIETS KREIDLER TOMOS PUCH MAXI Ketting 415H 1/2x3/16 122 SCH. YBN - €10.00