need a new chain

gateleg

Sorry if this has been asked before but I couldn't find on a search.

My Ultegra 10 speed chain broke yesterday (only 18 miles from home!). I've noticed there are non-Shimano chains available - very expensive some of them - with "quick links". Any ideas which is best to use, without breaking the bank?

Are they stronger than Shimano?

If you have a chain with a "quick link" do you still need a chain breaker to shorten the chain when you first get it?

Thanks for any help / opinions

morrisje

I have got SRAM chains on both bikes, one has 9 speed Ultegra. They work fine. The Powerlink is fairly easy to undo. It needs a bit of practice. The best bit is when you have a filthy chain just undo the Powerlink and put in a pot of white spirit. Cleans it up nicely although don't forget to oil it afterwards or it squeaks loudly.
You do need a chain tool to shorten the chain to the correct length initially but after that you can just use the Powerlink. I have no mechanical knowledge and managed to do it all myself.

I guess the one you would need is:-

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... ed%20Chain

andrewgturnbull

gateleg wrote:

Sorry if this has been asked before but I couldn't find on a search.

My Ultegra 10 speed chain broke yesterday (only 18 miles from home!). I've noticed there are non-Shimano chains available - very expensive some of them - with "quick links". Any ideas which is best to use, without breaking the bank?

Are they stronger than Shimano?

If you have a chain with a "quick link" do you still need a chain breaker to shorten the chain when you first get it?

Thanks for any help / opinions

Hi there.

No they're not stronger than Shimano, but the joining system is more idiot proof.

My last shimano chain broke at the joining pin because this idiot let the idiot in my lbs fit the thing. The resulting crash cost me a new helmet, 2 weeks of physio and 2 weeks out of training at a critical time!

I replaced the offending chain with an SRAM one myself, and will not be going back to shimano chains!

Cheers, Andy

spasypaddy

i recommend this one:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... ed%20Chain

alfablue

bl**dy hell - I didn't know it was possible to spend that much on a chain!!!

As far as I know the 10 speed SRAM's have the Powerlock link, but they are not designed for refitting

gateleg

I hope they come in packs of ten in case I need the odd spare!

Sram seems the favourite unless anyone recommends Wipperman (although their stainless chain is pretty dear, too).

veryslowtwitch

KMC chains have a quick link which really is quick. I have seperated and fixed a chain in winter on a ride with no problems.

It seems to be the same link on their chains from about seven quid to fifty quid.

Great "squeeze and pull" technique, highly recommended. I have no idea why Shimano is so fiddly with special pins.

regards

Alan

Smokin Joe

I've got a KMC chain on a Campag setup. Good value for money and the quicklink means that you do not need to force a rivet in when you fit the chain. This in my experience is the biggest cause of subsequent breakages, where someone is a bit ham-fisted with the chain tool.

gateleg

I have now gone for a KMC X10-93 from DH Cycles eBay shop - cheapest I've found at £14.95 + £3.99 post.

If I have trouble, I'll be back!

Thanks for replies.

Monty Dog

I'm pleased wit the KMC chain I fitted earlier in the year to my best bike - the X10-SL or whatever, gold with hollow pins. IME the KMC and Connex quick-links are far easier to seperate than the SRAM Powerlinks which can be a pain at times - despite having over 10 years practise with the little blighters.

solocp

You can use the SRAM powerlinks on Shimano chains. I've had my Shimano chain with two powerlinks (don't ask) running on my commuter for 6 months (about two thousand miles). The advice that it was ok came from the old forum and was, as always, spot on.