Chains - probably one for Guru Paul.

[Andrew G]

Re Stu’s broken chain, and MrPVT’s comment about not fixing them properly, what’s the score with a 10 speed chain?

Only had one chain split and that was when I fitted a triple to a bike and got the length wrong. Ended up splitting the chain 3 times before I got it right. Although I’m sure I had it together properly, with all the pins even, it pulled a rivet from a plate on the first hill.

The 10 speed chains are very narrow and the manufacturers say to use a specific tool, I’ve always treated this as just trying to con you out of some cash, and used my normal chain splitters.

What’s the score?

[richv]

Don't waste your money on Shi*ano or Campag chains they're far too expensive.

Buy a cheap KMC 10speed chain. Comes with a sram-type link so you can fix it easily (and remove and replace it easily when you clean it properly which I'm sure you do ).

If you're worried about the extra weight just drink one less pint on a Friday and then you're saving money on the chain and the beer

[Andrew G]

Let's not start again

Will probably get KMC chains next time as they have a quick link and are supposed to be extremely smooth running and long lasting.

I think a lot of it is weight weenieness gone mad. The latest chains have drilled plates and hollow rivets! How much weight is that going to save , just blow your nose before the ride, save the same amount and keep the chain stronger.

[Andrew G]

We obviously crossed posts, but glad to have my thoughts confirmed by a KMC user.

[Mike I]

I use a Record chain. Guy in GBs effectively refused to sell me the special Campag tool and told me just to be really careful with a £10 Park Tool chain remover. Seems to work ok (and has for 4 or 5 chains now) and saves you the bother of fiddling about with that crazy little link rivet.

It is a fact though - supported by extensive research which I just made up - that chains with a quick link get cleaned up to 4.7 times as often as those without.

[Dominic]

Have to agree with RichV. I buy two cheap chains (KMC or SRAM) and then replace the chains every 1000 miles or so dependant on weather etc. Also saves having to replace the cassette every time.

[Dominic]

Sean,

It you run a chain on a cassette for too many miles they become meshed (if that is the right word) ie they wear in together. What happens when you then put a new chain on is that the chain will not grip and slip on the sprockets or certain sprockets, usually the mains ones you use.

It can also happned with the front rings but is not so common.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

I put a record chain together with a Park tool, and it was fiddly, but possible.

I have also used the KMC chains and would recommend them particularly with the easy to use connector. [/code]

[Elliot M]

you can get a device for a few quid which measures chain stretch and tells you when to replace.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Got one

[Andrew G]

[quote="Elliot M"]you can get a device for a few quid which measures chain stretch and tells you when to replace.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Got one of them as well

[quote="Andrew G"][quote="Elliot M"]you can get a device for a few quid which measures chain stretch and tells you when to replace.

[Jon H]

[Pedantic Mechanical Engineer mode on ]

Chains don't stretch, they wear.

Stretching implies that there is permanent plastic deformation happening, which is not the case. What actually happens is that material gradually gets worn away from the pivots and bushes in each link, making them a slightly looser fit. So even though the parts are getting smaller, the chain as a whole gets longer.

[Pedantic Mechanical Engineer mode off ]

[Andrew G]

So it doesn't stretch then