I just fitted my first SRAM chain with PowerLink

prj45

Now normally with a Shimano chain I spend about half an hour making sure the chain is travelling in the right direction, double checking I've looped it right and then sealing it with the connector pin, being very careful to push the pin back a little after so that the link bends freely.

Once I did all my checks and after pushing the pin home found I'd looped the chain throught he top of the hole in the front mech, dur.

So, I put my first SRAM chain on today, looped it up, pushed the connecting links through the holes (not caring which way the chain was going to go round), and then pulled the chain apart to set the pins.

Is it that easy? Something that easy has to be too good to be true? Am I going to go out tomorrow and end up with my chain laid out in a line behind me whilst I kiss the tarmac after careening over the handlebars?

andyrr

If you examine the link and make sure it seems properly seated then that's it : I had the same with the first KMC I fitted with a quick link, couldn't believe it was secure. It would even start to come apart when the chain was loose but they have been fine for me.

iain_j

prj45 wrote:

Now normally with a Shimano chain I spend about half an hour making sure the chain is travelling in the right direction, double checking I've looped it right and then sealing it with the connector pin, being very careful to push the pin back a little after so that the link bends freely.

Never knew there was a right and wrong way for the chain ... :oops:

I've got a couple of KMC links waiting to be fitted into my Shimano chain, but like so many things this year, I've "not got round to it".

prj45

iain_j wrote:

Never knew there was a right and wrong way for the chain ... :oops:

The shimano instructions say the two plates dangling off the chain should point away from the direction of travel, and the connecting pin should lead into the gears, or is it the other way round?

Try doing that with the bike upside down!

*bike workstand for xmas?*

itboffin

Those links are great have you tried to undo it yet

I would give it ago after a ride, they seem to wedge themselves pretty tight, it's always better to know who before you need to for real.

Saves me a good 30 mins of swearing by the side of the road.

prj45

itboffin wrote:

Those links are great have you tried to undo it yet

No, and I put quite a lot of power down, I swear the road outside my house has ripplies on it (always forget to change down when I cruise up to home, so normally always leave in lowest gear ratio, and the start's up a hill).

Just went out for a quick spin and it seemed to hold up.

I read that if you take the powerlink off you should chuck it and put a fresh one on?

philbill1973

Don't undo and redo too often without replacing the powerlink, mine broke threw the chain and me, did my back in and was off for 3 weeks. Still think they're great tho !

prj45

philbill1973 wrote:

Don't undo and redo too often without replacing the powerlink, mine broke threw the chain and me, did my back in and was off for 3 weeks. Still think they're great tho !

Who didn't read the intructions!?

Failure to shorten the chain properly or to lock it exactly into place may
cause damage to the chain and eventually total chain failure, material damage or the rider to fall off his [like Yorkies, it seems powerlinks are not for girls] bicycle resulting in injury.

Now I'm just nervous, I might wear a cricket box for my ride round RP tomorrow... Still kill or cure, if those hill's don't snap it nothing will.

philbill1973

Ha ha ! Almost got me there ! I read the instructions, honestly, just undid the chain too often for cleaning without replacing the link.

I also go up a mofo of a hill and kept going up it in 19/20 gear,just to be "double 'ard", don't do that any more !

prj45

(are we geeks or what?)

itboffin

I ditched all my SRAM kit including the chain which loved to rust given even a hint of water, the powerlink seemed okay, why don't they make the chains out of the same material

Yes we I mean YOU are all geeks