Stain13 Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 If anyone can assist a newbie with some advice I will appreciate it. Whilst cleaning my beauty on the weekend I noticed what seems like a very small crack on one of the links of the chain. The bike isn't that old (2008 Merida TFS700D with XT setup.) but I suspect being new to the sport I might have manhandled it a bit more than an experienced rider would. It seems like the general consensus is that if you notice a crack in your chain, DO NOT RIDE as it is almost guaranteed to snap.What I want to know is which is the quickest, most cost effective and best way to fix the chain (hope these aren't mutually exclusive). Do I need to replace it or is there another way? Seems the bike shops will charge me around R350 for a new XT chain plus R85 to fit it - is this reasonable?
Super_mil Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 Measure the chain to check it's not worn (serch for chain wear on this site). If the chain is still good (i.e. not 'stretched') buy yourself a quick-link, remove the damaged link with a chain tool and replace it with the quick-link (about R30 for the link - SRAM 9 speed) R85 to fit sounds like a rip off. If you do need a new chain, spend the R85 for 'fitting' on a chain tool (you should get one anyway) and fit it yourself.
AndreZA Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 Get a HG-53 chain and a quick link. The shop is scamming you by charging you R85 to fit. It will take 5 minutes to fit and that is just because the box is sealed with tape and the mechanic's hands are slippery from the grease.
Stain13 Posted October 20, 2009 Author Posted October 20, 2009 Can I just go into any cycling shop and ask for a quick-link or are they specific to the type of chain I have on at the moment? (Like any self respecting male I like to walk into my LBS looking and sounding like I know everything). I've read that they sometimes negatively affect the overall integrity of the chain - is this true? What will happen if I just take the "bad" link out and join the two links on either side?
AndreZA Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 Did not even think about removing the bad link. 10/10 for thinking of that. You will need a chain removal tool. Just get a Sram 9speed quicklink. A few actually and keep some in your tubby bag. I've never heard of a quicklink giving problems.
AndreZA Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 look here. http://bicycletutor.com/chain-wear/ http://bicycletutor.com/chain-tool/ http://bicycletutor.com/calculate-chain-length/ http://bicycletutor.com/quick-release-chain-link/ Mampara2009-10-20 07:33:20
Super_mil Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 Pretty much. I assume your bike is a 9 speed bike, then the link you are looking for is a SRAM 9 speed link (9 speed just relates to chain width). If you have an 8 speed, then you'll need an 8 speed link (I think they are slightly wider than the 9 speed version). If you just take the link out, you'll make your chain shorter which will cause problems in certain gear ratios (big front - big back). Check out http://bicycletutor.com/ for some nifty DIY tips. I think they even have a tutorial on quick links there.
Stain13 Posted October 20, 2009 Author Posted October 20, 2009 Thank you so much for your assitance Mampara and Super mil. I love this site but it's the fact that experienced guys such as yourselves are prepared to share knowledge that makes it so cool. Mampara, I presume you know for a fact that the SRAM 9 speed quick link will work on my chain?
Super_mil Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 Also the quick links do not affect the chain negatively at all. I think every chain should have one, to allow easy removal of the chain, for cleaning, maintenance etc. Also, like 'para says keep one spare in you spares pack while riding so you can sort out any chain nasties while out riding.
AndreZA Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 Mampara' date=' I presume you know for a fact that the SRAM 9 speed quick link will work on my chain? [/quote'] I'm more then 100% sure. Sram use to be the only quicklink manufacturer out there and everybody used it. I'm currently using YBN links that I got from Kiwi (http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=YABAN%20Y39-QR9%20QUICK%20LINK). They make re-usable 10spd links aswell.
Guest Big H Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 Did you by any chance bend your chain while changing gears at any time. If this happened the integrity of other links in the vicinity may have been affected. Check all links in the vicinity verrrry carefully. With a magnifying glass and good light if neccesary. Also thourougly check if your chain is still within wear specification. Search the Hub for topics. If you keep on using a worn chain you will destroy your cassette.
Stain13 Posted October 21, 2009 Author Posted October 21, 2009 Well I have to say I'm quite chuffed with what I managed to learn in just one day - thanks to all of you for sharing your knowledge. Here's what I did:First went and bought a chain tool and that SRAM link that Mampara suggested. Then took the chain off - got it right first time! Ie. didn't push the pin all the way out. Took some WD 40 and almost soaked it in the stuff to get the chain nice and shiny clean (I know the WD40 is a solvent, that's why I used it to clean it). Then washed it with sunlight liquid to get all the WD 40 off. Realised that I need to get it dry fast so proceeded to use the wife's hairdryer on it (low heat setting just in case). Then measured the chain as shown in the videos you guys suggested. It's still in excellent condition so proceeded to take the bad link out by removing it's pin completely. Thought I'd measure the chain to see if it's the correct length (also as seen in the videos) and realised that it was still almost an inch too long - even with the one link removed. So I took another link out. I think the too long chain will explain why it always slammed against the bottom chainstay as soon as the road got a little bit rough? Not enough tension on it? Oiled it PROPERLY with White Lightning and then put it back on using the SRAM quicklink - what a pleasure to use! I then also managed to set my gears perfectly again, also using what I've learned from the videos. All in all I reckon you guys saved me a whole lotta money and I now have some skills that will be mine forever! Thanks a lot - I owe you each a big box of smarties at least!
Cassie Posted October 21, 2009 Posted October 21, 2009 Well I have to say I'm quite chuffed with what I managed to learn in just one day - thanks to all of you for sharing your knowledge. Here's what I did:First went and bought a chain tool and that SRAM link that Mampara suggested. Then took the chain off - got it right first time! Ie. didn't push the pin all the way out. Took some WD 40 and almost soaked it in the stuff to get the chain nice and shiny clean (I know the WD40 is a solvent' date=' that's why I used it to clean it). Then washed it with sunlight liquid to get all the WD 40 off. Realised that I need to get it dry fast so proceeded to use the wife's hairdryer on it (low heat setting just in case). Then measured the chain as shown in the videos you guys suggested. It's still in excellent condition so proceeded to take the bad link out by removing it's pin completely. Thought I'd measure the chain to see if it's the correct length (also as seen in the videos) and realised that it was still almost an inch too long - even with the one link removed. So I took another link out. I think the too long chain will explain why it always slammed against the bottom chainstay as soon as the road got a little bit rough? Not enough tension on it? Oiled it PROPERLY with White Lightning and then put it back on using the SRAM quicklink - what a pleasure to use! I then also managed to set my gears perfectly again, also using what I've learned from the videos. All in all I reckon you guys saved me a whole lotta money and I now have some skills that will be mine forever! Thanks a lot - I owe you each a big box of smarties at least! [/quote'] Now YOU are the chain pro and will talk confidently while waiting at the start line-up in your next race!! Well done... the biggest advantage is that the link make cleaning the chain so much easier - just whip it off and into some solvent - soak /shake/ dry and lube.... voila Everyone can be a pro!!
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