at wit's end

[ajay]

I have now broken 3 different chains 5 times  - started by breaking 2 ultegra chains twice each and broke a new Dura Ace chain today, with 20 km's to go in the 94.7 . I am extra carefull in the way that i switch from the big to the small front ring ansd all gear changes on the back chainring.

 

I really need to hear if somebody can help me - I have new Ultegra compact cranks with matching gears - have a Powertap hub at the back, built into a Mavic Opne Pro wheel  - I am now at the point where i want to take a 10 pound hammer to my bike and forget all about cycling!

 

Is there anybody that have had similar experiences? + I need help desperately to solve this problem!

[Canaris]

Your problem seems to be shimano.  Try campy with a wipperman chain..................

[ajay]

the Shimano groupset is brand new - really need to make it work, can't afford to buy campy now...

[IanJ]

I doubt that your chainrings or cassette could cause it. I have done many thousands of km's on 105/Ultegra/DuraAce Shimano chains with no problems.

 

Where are they breaking is it at the link pin? If so check your joining to make sure the pin protrudes properly the same amount on either side. Alternatively use a quicklink to join the chain which also allows you to remove it easier for cleaning etc.

 

 

[linnega]

 

Maybe some details as to when it happens may help?

 

Could be your cassette/chainring is catching the chain.  Try recall which gear you were in when the chain broke.  Could be your bikeshop doesn't put your chains together right? 

 

linnega2007-11-18 13:26:41

[IanJ]

Could be your cassette/chainring is catching the chain. 

 

Hi linnega, do you think that could break a chain? As you said though more info about how it breaks would help.

 

[Canaris]

Okay with ten speed chains they are very sensitive to stretch and sometime's if you are a big lad with powerful legs, you can cause real damage.

 

Obviously things like chain cleaning, crossed chains ext can also contribute.

 

Finally, wipperman and sram make very good chains that can be used on both shimano and campy.

[ajay]

Today the chain broke in the middle of the climb,as  we came off the N14 - but could have been damaged before that.

 

I watched everytime as the new chain were joined and can attest to it being done properly. Will have a look tomorrow exactly where it broke - if i get close to the bike today, it is going to end up in a dustbin.

[ajay]

Konafan - will the wipperman / sram chains be readily available at bike shops?

[Canaris]

yes, and the joining link uses two plates, almost unbreakable, unlike the shimano, special joining pin.  Wipperman 's link is reuseable, sram does not recommend using the joining link twice, (but I do on my MTB without ill effects), ideal when cleaning the chain.....