Spare Chain

jndb72
jndb72 Posts: 629
edited October 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi Guys,

I've heard some right horror stories recently about chains breaking while out on the trail. I think I read somewhere that after a puncture, a broken chain was the next most common occurance of something going wrong. I'm therefore considering carrying a spare chain in with all my other spare bits. My question is basically should I carry a spare chain or do I just need spare parts such as chain links?

The chain currently on my bike is a KMC X9 w/ reusable Missing Link chain (it's a Specialized Rockhopper Disc).

I'm not that clever when it comes to the mechanical aspects of the bike so I'm wondering if it would be easier to just carry a spare chain and if the worse comes to the worse out on the trail just replace the chain as oppsed to trying to change a link? Also, what tools would I require.

Sorry if this is a basic question but I'm failry new to the MTB'ing scene.

Any help/general pointers greatly received.

Cheers

Justin
2011 Canyon Nerve AM 5.0
2009 Specialized Rockhopper Disc

I might have alzheimer's but atleast I don't have alzheimer's

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    well if you take parts you will also need a chain tool.

    a complete chain (sized) will not need a chain tool. ( Using a power link).
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • also being a newbie.....what is a 'power link'?
    I have a Kmc Z72 Chain, I checked it today and couldnt see where you split it to remove it.....help?! :?
    Unlike my credit card im currently carrying a low level of interest- Peter Griffin


    Saracen Trace 1
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    When you next put a fresh chain on, keep the excess and stick it in a ziploc bag with a couple of power-links then you can fix most problems, but only if you have a chain tool.


    Generally a chain-tool and master-links/powerlink are enough as it is usually the outer plates that go.
  • :oops:
    right.....lol
    how do you fit that? do you need a tool?
    Unlike my credit card im currently carrying a low level of interest- Peter Griffin


    Saracen Trace 1
  • I've never snapped a chain. In fact in all my years of riding I don't know anyone who has, but if you feel the need to carry a heavy lump of metal around with you then be my guest :)

    I chain tool and a power link should get you out of most chain related breakdowns I'd imagine, providing of course that you find the broken chain when it comes off.
  • bails87
    bails87 Posts: 12,998
    I snapped my chain on the forum ride at Cannock Chase at the weekend (thanks for being patient guys!).

    Somehow it broke cleanly so didn't even need a tool to put a new powerlink on. That was a SRAM chain with 500 miles on it, always kept clean and lubed, and less than 0.75% wear. I'm not particularly powerful, I'm definitely not lardy, and I'm always wary of keeping the chainline as straight as possible, so don't have a clue how/why it failed when I was rolling up a shallow slope at 5 mph in a low gear.

    Anyway, if you've got a few powerlinks, and a chain tool you should be fine (there's plenty of multitools with a mini chain tool built in). If a few links get mangled then you can remove them, rejoin with a powerlink and stay off the bigger rings until you can replace the chain. It's not really worth carrying a whole chain, I think the scenario where you lose your chain is pretty rare. If you carry a spare chain you'll end up carrying spare pedals, bars and chainrings with you too.
    MTB/CX

    "As I said last time, it won't happen again."
  • rhyko7
    rhyko7 Posts: 781
    i take a power link and a small section of chain and yes also a chain tool-these things live in my camelbak-powerlinks are much easier to put on than they are to get off (theyre bar stwards to get off when new)
    Dont look at it-ride it! they are tools not f*cking ornaments

    my riding:
    http://www.youtube.com/user/rhyspect

    Some of my Rides Data/maps:
    http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/Users/527337
  • JimboM
    JimboM Posts: 380
    Can the Powerlink be used on any chain or only SRAM ones ?

    Cheers
    Cannondale Synapse 105
    Giant FCR3
    GT Avalanche 3.0
    Canyon Nerve AM 6.0
  • micken
    micken Posts: 275
    Coming down the north side of Tatham Fell (Lancs) a few weeks ago I met a guy walking his MTB up the hill and asked if he was OK. Said he'd broke his chain and had 9 miles to walk. When asked where his chain was he'd thrown it away in disgust about 1/4 mile back down the road. :shock:

    ..... but said he could find it.

    Took him back down the hill, found the chain, took an Alien II out, wasted the bent outer plates and used a 9 speed pin to mend the chain for him.

    Then showed him the KMC 10 speed missing link I would have used to fix my chain (I was on my road bike at the time). Mentioned that he'd need a 9 speed one.

    Advised him to get an appropriate tool and whichever parts he felt happiest with to fix a chain.

    Broken chains do happen, also had a colleague who broke one on a MTB within the last few weeks, cost him a 2 mile walk.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    edited October 2009
    I've never snapped a chain.
    Really? You must live a charmed life. I haven't snapped a chain since I switched to KMC and Wipperman, but I regulrly see riders with broken chains - usually without any tools so I gladly offer to fix it for them.
  • rhyko7
    rhyko7 Posts: 781
    JimboM wrote:
    Can the Powerlink be used on any chain or only SRAM ones ?

    Cheers

    can use it on any chain so long as its the same width !
    Dont look at it-ride it! they are tools not f*cking ornaments

    my riding:
    http://www.youtube.com/user/rhyspect

    Some of my Rides Data/maps:
    http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/Users/527337
  • Buckled_Rims
    Buckled_Rims Posts: 1,648
    I've never snapped a chain. In fact in all my years of riding I don't know anyone who has, but if you feel the need to carry a heavy lump of metal around with you then be my guest :)

    I chain tool and a power link should get you out of most chain related breakdowns I'd imagine, providing of course that you find the broken chain when it comes off.

    I broke my Shimano HG93 after a couple of red runs. I was so pi$$ed of I threw it in the bushes and walked off. When I cooled down I realised:

    1. I might have been able to repair it.
    2. They're damn expensive
    3. I felt guilty at throwing rubbish in an area of natural beauty.
    4. I didn't have it as a template for cutting the new one's lenght :x

    Learnt a lesson I now carry spare links and chain tool.
    CAAD9
    Kona Jake the Snake
    Merlin Malt 4
  • XxxBFGxxX
    XxxBFGxxX Posts: 1,355
    I've never snapped a chain. In fact in all my years of riding I don't know anyone who has,
    .

    i have gone thro 2 shimano ones. both give out but then i put it down to me being a bit bigger than ya avarage bear
  • yoohoo999
    yoohoo999 Posts: 940
    it may just be me, but i always end up swearing at my 991 when i try to open up the powerlink, sometimes its a nightmare to get open. tried all the tricks, wire, neeedle nosed pliers etc. sometimes it just opens, other times i'm left kicking trees after 20 mins of trying!

    i've got 991's on both my bikes so its not the actual chain, its just my inability to make it work!

    any tips??