Campag Ultra Narrow Chain - special tool needed?

Unknown

I was going to change my chain (Campag 2006 10Spd Ultra Drive, Compact) and I have seen special 10 speed chain tool for sale (œ45). Does anyone know if it is essential to use this tool? Or will my old chain link tool (it has two 'widths') probably do the job ok?

Thanks in advance everyone! [:)]

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piedwagtail91

i've always used an ordinary chain tool and joined it with a connex link or one of the sram power lock links.though have to admit i inherited a campag chain tool from a clubmate who emigrated and they are a dream to use, though i'd never buy one at that price.

simmocp

I changed a record chain for a mate using an ordinary chain tool and although it was possible it was a right pain to do and I never felt that it was a good job. Tha chain has been fine but I did recommend a KMC chain to him at the time and having just fitted one I would say they are a dream to fit compared to the Campag. The record chain is pretty pricey too, so I can't see any reason not to switch.

simmo

meenaghman

Ditto the KMC. My record chain broke on me.. wasn't worn according to wear indicator but I did use an ordinary tool to fit it. It never shifted that smoothly and I believe breakage was due to using wrong tool for the job... Fitted the KMC, real easy to do.. and it shifts smoother than a babys behind.. plus got the quick link for undoing it also.
Best price I could find was on dotbike.

pedalrog

I haven't yet experienced a narrow chain breakage but I have recently fitted one on my audax bike. I wasn't too impressed with the instructions which told you to join the chain with the megabucks chain tool, then break the chain opposite and fit the campag extra pins at a further œ14. So I just shortened the chain at the initial break, can't see any mechanical reason why you can't do this and joined it with a good old chain tool and it seems fine, and has been for 6 months so far.
I have to say the chain runs very smoothly and quietly but when I replace it, it will be with the KMC mentioned above or a Wipperman chain.

Unknown

Thanks for the replies. I didn't even know I had the option of not buying a Campag!!! I'll look up the KMC... [:)]

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Pedalling through Devon, trying to avoid the tourists...
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<font size="1"><font color="green"><b>My Tour de France Stage 1 Charity Ride: http://www.justgiving.com/tomsharpe</b></font id="green"></font id="size1">

pbiggs

Campag Ultra Narrow chain is high quality and nice and narrow (for minimal noise), and not toooo expensive.

Simply break it with any decent ordinary chain tool, and join it with a SHIMANO VERSION of the Wipperman Connex link. (Ensure link is correct way up if top cog is 12 or 11t).

<i>~Pete</i>

normanp

I'll second pbiggs: the 6.0mm (Shimano) Connex link has been fine for me on the ultra-narrow Record chain - no probs whatsoever including last year's etape. I just shortened the chain using an ordinary chain tool first.