Quick question about chains

Jamey

Do you need to replace the cassette at the same time as the chain or not?

My chain is at the 12 1/8" mark where they say you should replace it but my sprockets all look like they've got plenty of teeth left.

dennisn

No, not unless you just want to spend money. I've changed plenty of chains without
buying new cassettes or chainrings. Although, everything eventually wears out.

Dennis Noward

e999sam

If your chain jumps then yes if not no.

Jamey

Cheers.

Jamey

Next question... I've currently got a Shimano chain but I like the look of the SRAM chains because you've got that powerlink thing that allows you to just unclip the chain and take it off without tools. Has anyone used one? Is it really as easy as that?

nicklouse

it does require a knack to undoing them.

snooks

Jamey wrote:

Next question... I've currently got a Shimano chain but I like the look of the SRAM chains because you've got that powerlink thing that allows you to just unclip the chain and take it off without tools. Has anyone used one? Is it really as easy as that?

You still need a chain link tool to get it to the right length, but yep it's really that easy, just read the info and away you go :0)

Just remember to take out the correct link so the other one can link into it...The first time I undid the wrong one and had to put 1/2 a link back...hey, it had been a long time alright?!

Jamey

Hmmm... I think I might get an SRAM chain but just use normal rivets actually. It's still easier than all that Shimano faff with the special pin (which I'm bound to lose).

Ok, another question now... Is the chain splitter on my multitool going to be up to the job or should I buy a Park Tool job? And do I need a special Shimano chain splitter to remove the Shimano chain currently on the bike?

Random Vince

if you don't care about the shimarno chain thats on your bike then bolt croppers will do the job,

failing that, just push one of the pins out with the splitter you have (ignore the pin shimano have)

i've fitted sram chains both ways, with and without the power link, your multi tool splitter should be fine.

snooks

Use the powerlink, stops you getting sticky links as well :0)...all you do (if I remember correctly) is push the sides together and then push the chain together (as if you're shortening it) and it pops apart

Simple really

niblue

The powerlink is great - I use them with SRAM chains and Shimano ones.

Gambatte

niblue wrote:

The powerlink is great - I use them with SRAM chains and Shimano ones.

Ditto

Jamey

Thanks again.

Now I've had a chance to think about it, I'm actually quite keen to replace the cassette and perhaps even the chainwheels as well because to tell the truth, I've been terrible at looking after my bike up until now, sometimes even going a month or more without lubing it (commuting 25 miles per day) so I think it might be nice to just make a fresh start with all new drivetrain parts and vow to look after it/them properly from now onwards.

The trouble is, being a noob, I've not done anything that complex before and I'm a bit scared I might f*** it up. It's times like this I really wish one of my mates was into bike maintenance so I could get them to keep a watchful eye over me while I did it, to make sure I don't do any damage.

Jamey

Just called Evans, who are my nearest bike shop (well, the nearest one I trust anyway) and they're quoting £25 labour to fit a new cassette, chain and chainrings.

If I was to buy the tools myself (don't currently have everything I'd need) it would be a similar price on top of the parts themselves.

What do people think about this? Should I do it myself or not?

Pros of doing it myself:
- Sense of achievement.
- Know how to do it for next time.
- Cheaper in the long run.

Cons of doing it myself:
- I'm a total newbie, never done anything this complex before.
- Might make a mess of it and have no-one to help me but a book and the net.
- If I use the bike shop, I've got someone to take it back to if things go wrong.

I'm not sure... On the one hand I'm quite a fast learner and I'd like to do it myself, on the other hand I need the bike for the daily commute and don't want to balls it up.

Jamey

Well I'm sure you're all bored of my questions by now but just to round off the thread I've decided to go the bike shop route but I've found a better place to take it than Evans. It's slightly further away but probably worth it. And cheaper too.

e999sam

I recently replaced my Shimano Ultegra chain with an SRAM PC1070 10sp Hollow Pin which came with a power lock connecting link this cannot be used again like the power link and needs a chain tool to remove it which I think defeats the object.
I have replaced this link with on from Decathlon that can be reopened.
Also I don’t think them the SRAM chain shifts as quickly as the Shimano.

tardington

Sorry, really dumb, but, you can use SRAM (are they the ones from campagnolo) chains on shimano gears/cogs?

Or am I just thinking of how you can't mix the gears up?

cee

tardie wrote:

Sorry, really dumb, but, you can use SRAM (are they the ones from campagnolo) chains on shimano gears/cogs?

Or am I just thinking of how you can't mix the gears up?

SRAM are owned by Rockshox now, used to be Sachs. Campagnolo are based in Vicenza, Italy, so don't think they are the same company (I love the internet ).

I'm Pretty sure you can run an SRAM chain on a shimano drivetrain, but don't quote me.

I use a shimano xtr/dura-ace 9-speed chain and got the link connector made by KMC (its the same as the powerlink), and its a doddle to disconnect and reconnect.

Much easier than faffing about with rivets (especially shimano's fancy guided rivet thing!) unless obviously a chain snaps, also, remember to keep any extra links and stick on your keyring for when the worst happens (although to be fair Iv'e only ever had a chain snap riding off-road).