Broken Chain repairing ?

[Mike777]

Hi all

When a chain breaks is it normal to carry spare chain links to replace the broken chain or in an emergency can the chain be simply shorten.

I broke a chain yesterday and unfortunatley did not have a chain tool. I have now !!! but wondered if I need to buy some links to keep with the tool for next time ?

Many thanks

Mike

[hubgearfreak]

can the chain be simply shorten.

are you single speed, hubgeared, fixed or dérailleured?

[Mick F]

Hi Mike.

"...... the next time" ?
I've never broken a chain, and I understand from discussions on here that although people have broken chains, it's quite rare.

Having said that, when I go away for a time, I take a few spare links and a couple of Power Links too, so that by using my chain tool, I can chop out the damaged bits and replace them with a new section. This is only in case I do break a chain!

Spare links can be got easily. When you buy a new chain, it's invariably too long, so just save the excess for possible future use.

KMC do a range of Power Links, and my sort come in packs of two.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productde ... 0000000000

If your chain is too short and you unconsciously get into a big-cog/big-ring situation, you are going to wreak havoc with your rear mech! So, whatever you do, don't run a chain too short!

[Mike777]

can the chain be simply shorten.

are you single speed, hubgeared, fixed or dérailleured?

My bike is a GT Avalanche Expert with a derailleur

Many thanks

Mike

[hubgearfreak]

as mick says, save the excess when you fit a new chain. but as you're dérailleured i think you'd be fine missing a link

[Mick F]

Here's a good site to measure the chain length required:
http://www.epicidiot.com/sports/chain_l ... ulator.htm
(Sorry about the adverts about golf!!)

[Mike777]

Ok going to buy a new chain............for my bike the chain is a Shimano HG-53 9 speed.

Looking on google found the following two :

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Shima ... 300002614/

http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDeta ... ctID=10669

Are these the same or have I missed something as there is a big price difference !

In terms of chain length can I count the number of links on my old chain and cut the new one accordingly ?

Many thanks for the help.

Regards

Mike

[hubgearfreak]

In terms of chain length can I count the number of links on my old chain and cut the new one accordingly ?

if that length worked perfectly, then yes

[squeaker]

By 'cut' we hope you mean shorten (or break) with a chain tool.
And you do seem to have found a bargain (unless the P&P charge is really silly)

[patricktaylor]

I fitted a Shimano HG-53 9 speed chain recently. It was supplied with 114 links, the same as the previous chain (which came with the bike).

[Mike777]

I fitted a Shimano HG-53 9 speed chain recently. It was supplied with 114 links, the same as the previous chain (which came with the bike).

Is it ok just to change the chain or it it standard practice to change the cassette at the back too ?

I have done about 6000 miles from new

Regards

Mike

[patricktaylor]

I only fitted a new chain (2600 miles from new). It depends on how worn the cassette is. I'll be fitting a new chain more regularly in future, to save the cassette - I believe that is standard practice. If your new chain doesn't skip I would imagine yours will be okay.

[squeaker]

Is it ok just to change the chain or it it standard practice to change the cassette at the back too ?

Depends how worn the chain is.