Shorteniing XT chain: possible without connecting pin?

Michael Falk
Michael Falk Posts: 169
edited November 2007 in Workshop
To cut a long story short, here touring in Argentina I've replaced my emergency 8.5pesos (less than 2 pounds) imported Chinese chain on my Thorn-Rohloff bike with a Shimano 9 speed XT'ish quality chain. It was rather difficult to find.

My concern is eventually I have to shorten the Shimano chain (the rotating bottom bracket will not take up all the slack when the chain stretches). The problem is that I cannot get the required replacement pins & the information I can find strongly recommends not pushing in & out the same pin to shorten the chain.

Should I just push out the original connector pin (in the opposite direction that it was just pushed in) until the side plate? This is what the bikeshop mechanic recommended but information on the web does not recommend it.

What's the best solution? I have to shorten it eventually.

Michael

Comments

  • olr1
    olr1 Posts: 2,674
    Michael, you can get away without using the special pin, despite what all the doom mongers will say. You just need a good quality chain tool and to take a bit of time over it.

    Chains are not usually stressed in a sideways direction, and assembling it with a bit of care and mechanical sympathy should mean it's ok.

    Shimano chains can be a bit tough though; take your time, take care to keep everything square on and you should be fine.

    Don't break the chain at the connecting link; use a new link and go easy.

    Best of luck, and if it doesn't work, sell the bike and next time have a proper holiday!
    <font size="1"> I am considerably more gorgeous than you </font id="size1">
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Firtly, try and get hold of some suitable chain quick links - SRAM, Connex, KMC or whatever. The link pin is only designed to be inserted once - if splitting the chain again, best to drive out a normal pin as each time the pin is reinserted it can potentiallly widen the hole in the side plate and weaken the chain.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Michael Falk
    Michael Falk Posts: 169
    The fact that I can't get replacement pins for the Shimano chain also relates to that I almost cetainly won't be able to get the quick links here either, Argentina is very anti-imports at the moment. Very bad for buying bike quality parts. If I do somehow get one, do they work on another brand's chain?

    I'll probably have to follow your advice, OLR1, although I'm concerned after shillacking a link today when I tried to put in a pin.

    Your final bit of advice isn't too positive!!!!! I'm intending to be around here for 1 or 2 years.

    thanks for your help!

    Michael

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