11 speed chain repairs on the road

terongi
terongi Posts: 318
edited February 2009 in Workshop
I am building up a frame with an 11 speed Campag set-up.

I know I have to use the ridiculously expensive (but beautifully designed) Campag chain tool to fit the chain.

BUT

This tool is a large and heavy thing which I cannot carry around with me on a ride.

SO

what should I take out on the road with me to get myself home if the chain snaps?

EG Has anyone tried splitting an 11 speed chain with a multitool chain breaker and then fitting a 10 speed KMC or SRAM quicklink?

Comments

  • magliaceleste
    magliaceleste Posts: 748
    I reckon you'd be able to get away with splitting the chain with a regular job. The problem will be rejoining.

    To be honest I'm really hoping KMC or someone like that start producing 11 speed joining links. It's a bit of an oversight on Campag's part IMO.

    I reckon at a push you could get away with a 10 speed link.

    I'm also in the same boat (well when the gruppo FINALLY arrives). You're right about the Campag chain tool, it's far to big (and nice) to take out.
  • James_London
    James_London Posts: 530
    A mobile phone! In the scheme of things, how likely is this to happen with proper maintenance? I've broken one chain in about 22,000km so I'm prepared to take the risk.

    You could try bodging it on the road with a regular chain tool but you won't be able to peen the end of the joining pin and Campag say only to join the chain at the special link with the special joining pin so it would be a dubious repair. Apparently as you mention a SRAM quicklink will work (according to a reliable mechanic) but I can't vouch for it myself.

    There'll be more flexible aftermarket alternatives soon (complete chains or 11 speed quickllinks) but in the meantime your options are limited unless you want to carry £140/ 600g of spares.
  • padonbike
    padonbike Posts: 46
    Mmmmm .... the problems of being an early adaptor.

    Didn't Abraham Olano snap one of the first Campag 10 speed chain during an early season time trial a few season back?

    Go steady lads.
    aspra nella virtu', dolce nel sacrificio
  • James_London
    James_London Posts: 530
    Chains snap now and again... Millar snapped a Dura-Ace chain in the Giro last year and was no early adopter:
    http://www.slipstreamsports.com/2008/05 ... n-reaction
  • terongi
    terongi Posts: 318
    Maybe I'm just unlucky. I have snapped 5 9-speed chains (4 shimano - 1 campag) in the last 4-5 years.

    I am not intending to snap my new 11 speed chain. I just think it's sensible to go out reasonably prepared if (as I do) you plan to go out for a few hours and be several miles from home and you don't have a willing car driver on the other end of a mobile phone.

    Obviously you can't be prepared for ANY mechanical problem, but carrying a quicklink and multitool (with chainbreaker) is not too much weight or hassle, if it works.

    That's why I asked.
  • Kléber
    Kléber Posts: 6,842
    Visit the weightweenies forum, someone is using the SRAM 10 speed link on an 11 speed chain no problem. I'd certainly suggest you can get home using this and a small chain tool.

    As said, it is ridiculous of Campagnolo to make an expensive chain tool compulsory, this is not user-friendly design.

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