Chain

[fisherbikefreak]

I installed a new chain on my bike last weekend. After running to the LBS a couple times to purchase the chain and needed tools/parts I am wondering, how do you guys link your chains back together?
The bike shops want us to buy the quick-link thingies (two pieces that fit together - slide together- to join the two ends of a chain). I remember on my old BMX bike I had a masterlink that could be taken off and put back on. Is there something like that for MTBs?

I bought a chain tool for the job, damn is that handy. Is there a way to put the chain back together using the tool? Can I take the pins off of one link, remove the link and use the pins to join the chain back together w/o using a quick link thingie? Eriks charged $6 per quickie and to me that is rediculous for what you get.

As always, thanks for the help.

wrench-turner in training, Sean

[Trevize1138]

Sounds like they're recommending a SRAM chain, which has locking links. They seem to be all the rage these days and everyone sings SRAM's praises.

You can change SRAM links with a chain tool, too. The locking link sounds like it's used for convenience, but not essential.

So, to answer all your questions ... yes! :crazy:

I installed a new chain on my bike last weekend. After running to the LBS a couple times to purchase the chain and needed tools/parts I am wondering, how do you guys link your chains back together?
The bike shops want us to buy the quick-link thingies (two pieces that fit together - slide together- to join the two ends of a chain). I remember on my old BMX bike I had a masterlink that could be taken off and put back on. Is there something like that for MTBs?

I bought a chain tool for the job, damn is that handy. Is there a way to put the chain back together using the tool? Can I take the pins off of one link, remove the link and use the pins to join the chain back together w/o using a quick link thingie? Eriks charged $6 per quickie and to me that is rediculous for what you get.

As always, thanks for the help.

wrench-turner in training, Sean

[Aaroneous]

If you wanna re-use the pin you pushed out, make sure ya don't push it out all the way. Then when ya put it back together, you can just flip yer chain tool around and push it back in.

If the link is all stiff once you get it together, just push the pin in or out a tiny bit more... drop some lube on it and wiggle it around and you should be good to go...

Wrench on, brother man!

[soupboy]

...work great. I've broken too many ****mano chains in my life. The Powerlink takes all the know-how out of properly putting a pinned masterlink chain back together.

I've never had a failure and have used the SRAM products extensively for both geared and SS riding. My big arse is certainly a good test for the torque these chains will take in the context of SSing. Been using a PC-58 (for shifting bikes) on my SS for >1yr after the same chain was on my gearie for 18mths.

I've got a new Wipperman SS/BMX chain in waiting for the SS. Burly and uses something similar to SRAM's Powerlink. And it's Kraut-built for all you Teutonic engineering pundits.

Sean

[fisherbikefreak]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their helpful advice and such. Maybe I can learn a thing or two at doug's class. Rep points for the lot of ya. ;)