Think I am an idiot - Installing a chain

iknowgungfu

Hi all,

I am installing a new chain for the first time. My previuos chain was the corect length so I sized the new one up to that. I worked out that I needed to remove 4 links. The chain I have for my bike comes with a quick link to join the chain together.

For some reason I thought that I should break the chain near to where the ch=uick link will be installed so broke the chain a bit further down the line. However, like a fool I pushed the pin too far with the chain tool and now I can't replace the pin. Is there a nifty trick anyone can suggest or do I suck it up and spend £20 or so on another one?

nicklouse

buy a sram power link.

also you should not reuse pins.

also not too sure what the problem is other than you shortened it from the wrong end?

iknowgungfu

Hi guys,

Can anyone tell me what the difference would be between these chsains?

http://www.langsettcycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s260p4055

http://www.langsettcycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s260p4053

Cheers!

topsey_turvey

Quality.

Depends on your requirements. One is more expensive for a reason - it's supposedly better built, better quality parts, better quality finish etc. Only you can decide if you want to pay the extra. Depends on what you want it for. Bumming about on the local loop on a bike that gets little love and attention? Go for the cheaper one. On you best bike for "proper" rides then get the more expensive one. Both will work.

Mrs Turvey always says "Buy cheap and you buy twice", but that's when she's using my credit card.

iknowgungfu

Cheers Topsey.

Think you may need to change the pin on that card though :twisted: :P

Chaz.Harding

iknowgungfu, you could just shorten the chain by a link (remember, thin bit AND thick bit, so the chain will fit back together again). However, this time, be extra special carefull.

And yes, you shouldn't really re-use pins. You can get the SRAM power link and the Shimano Chain Pins for next to nothing. Worth having as spares, so buy a few.

Unless it's a SS bike, then get the BEAST chain, like I have. I don't think it'll ever wear out, or break, but it is quite heavy

iknowgungfu

Cheers for the response. I actually picked up another chain today as my GF's dad wanted my dud one for his air pump contraption (he can't be bothered to manually pump his car tyres up!).

The chain is on, fine and dandy now. Just need to get my gear shifts sorted now....they seem a bit sluggish at times. It is a 24 speed bike and sometimes when I shift from 6 to 7 or 8 to 7 it just doesn't change. Perhaps it is to do with indexing? It was a problem I had before the chain was replaced, interestingly I had to adjust the front derailleur as the chain was rubbing slightly.

The bike pedals smoothly now, just need the gears sorting.

Andy B

Gear problems, clean or replace your cables, cures a lot of problems.

scottgeniusltd2005

why can't you use re use pins? i've always re used pins and not had any problems.

iknowgungfu

I couldn't put the pin/rivet back in. The book I have told me not to completely ping it out, but as it was the first time I had done it I pushed too far.

Never mind, it is a good learning experience as I am not mechanically minded at all.

scottgeniusltd2005

if i push em out i just use a pair of pliers to push it in enough to get the pin to stay in position, then put it back in the chain tool and screw to push it back in.

Chaz.Harding

Because the ends are damaged when you push them out, and back through, making it easier for the pins to 'walk' out again, opening up your chain on the trail... :evil:

And the pins are only £1 anyway... Or a re-usable link for £2. Makes sense really...!

Although, I re-use my SS chain pins, becuase the chain is massively wide, and the pins are like bollards. They are huge. My Park chain tool struggles to remove them...

scottgeniusltd2005

cheers chaz, i have done my method my whole life, think i will buy some links to carry on the trail, i wouldn't even know which links i did it on, there was quite few during experiments on ss chain length.

cheers

anjs

yep found out the hard way on the trail that skimping on a new connector pin is not the way forward. Chain when 15 miles form home and I had forgotten both my chain tool and spare powerlinks.

Chaz.Harding

Like I mentioned, you can re-use connector pins. It's not wise as they *may* walk out of the links, but it's not likely. Untill your miles from home with no tools or spares. In the rain... Etc etc.

It makes sense for your peace of mind that the pins aren't going to abandon ship halfway up a mega climb, and leave your nuts to bear your weight, as you inevitably slip and crack 'em on the top tube...

And a couple of spare pins and powerlinks weigh NOTHING, cost almost nothing, and take up no space in your Camelback / saddlebag / whatever.