chain disaster

amircp
amircp Posts: 132
edited July 2007 in Workshop
Is it such a problem not to use the special shimano links when breaking and reconnecting a shimano 8-speed?
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Comments

  • JustRidecp
    JustRidecp Posts: 302
    Yes. The links are narrow in the middle and wider at the edges. When you push the link out you enlarge the hole in the chain. The black shimano replacement links account for this. If you reuse the old link you'll most likely create a weak spot in the chain and it may fail there again.

    If you're needing to break the chain often for whatever reason, you could use an SRAM or Wipperman. These have quick release links.
    Real Ultimate Power

    "If I weren't a professional cyclist, I'd be a porn star" - Super Mario
  • pliptrot
    pliptrot Posts: 582
    Has anyone ever managed to get one of the SRAM quick release links open, even slowly?
  • whyamihere
    whyamihere Posts: 7,717
    Yeah, they're easy. Push the plates together, then release.
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    OK guys what about replacing Shimano 8 speed chain with SRAM equivalent? Easy enough or requiring special tool?
  • JustRidecp
    JustRidecp Posts: 302
    As the man said, squeeze together and pull.

    Switching chain is easy. Just ask your LBS for an 8 speed SRAM chain. You'll need a chain spillter to get the old Shimano chain off and you might need to shorten the new chain. Also, depending on the wear to your sprockets, you may need to replace the rear cassette at the same time.
    Real Ultimate Power

    "If I weren't a professional cyclist, I'd be a porn star" - Super Mario
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Yes i realise about the sprockets of course and i will replace both at same time, and thanks for the info about chain. My first attempt so didn't want to fudge it! :lol:
  • pieinthesky
    pieinthesky Posts: 417
    SRAM quick releases - how to open

    Fold the chain so that you can get to both ends of the quick link.

    With a pair of pliers squeeze across opposite corners. You have to get the correct corners as it wont work otherwise. (It is fairly obvious which ones)
  • Uranus
    Uranus Posts: 887
    SRAM quick releases - I wouldn't recommend pliers, really I wouldn't. Thumb pressure is enough if you squeeze and slide at the same time. It's just a knack, and it gets easier once the link has been apart a couple of times.

    The Connex/Wipperman/Mavic link is much easier to undo - but that might not be such a good idea, mine came undone while I was riding a couple of weeks ago. As far as I recall I was in mid gearchange and either backpedalled slightly or at least took the pressure off the pedals, as someone stepped off the kerb just as I was changing gear.

    Ping! And the chain was off. Not a normal situation, but not a completely freak one either.

    I've never had a problem like that with an SRAM link.

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