What chain do i need?

Tony1976

Afternoon everyone,

This may be a stupid question but how can i tell what chain i need for my bike?

The reason i ask this is ive just taken delivery of a bike from a mate who never used it and for some reason decided to try to take it to bits and rebuild it, needs new gear and brake cables etc as they are all frayed.

Problem is he took the chain off but couldnt find it again.

It has Shimano 105 on it, ive had a search on the internet but i cant see what chain i need as there seems to be quite a few.

Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

bobtbuilder

I assume that the bike has a nine speed cassette?

If so, then any Shimano 9 speed cassette will do.

Here's one for £12 http://www.shinybikes.com/product.php?productid=16679[/quote]

sicknote

Its not a stupid question if you dont know but the easy way is to look at the back gears and see how many there are e,g 7/8/9 or 10.

This will be what chain you need.
So if it has 8, you will need an 8 speed chain.

Hope that helps.

Mister W

TBH I'd fit a KMC chain, rather than a Shimano one, because they use a quick link instead of requiring a special joining pin. This one would do the job if you're on 9 speed - http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25423

Tony1976

Thanks for the speedy replies!! :shock:

Yes its a nine speed bike, its going to be my winter bike, so another question is is it better to spend a bit of money on one which will last, if i look after it, or buy a cheapish one, will it do same job?

Also is it easy to fit a chain?

Many thanks for your help

Mister W

If it's for winter riding buy a cheap one and change it at the end of the year (or sooner if you're doing lots of miles).

Yes, dead easy. Get over to the Park Tools website and find the section on fitting a chain.

Tony1976

Thats great, thanks again for your help

rake

frenchfighter

I have just tried fitting a 10 spd Miche Chain and it is about 10 links too long - is this normal?!

Also, what is the difference between 8,9.10 spd chains?

andy_wrx

frenchfighter wrote:

I have just tried fitting a 10 spd Miche Chain and it is about 10 links too long - is this normal?!

Yes. It may be 10 links too long for you, 6 links long for someone else, 12 links for a third person, depending on their bike.
They are intended to be too long and you crop down to the size you need.

frenchfighter wrote:

Also, what is the difference between 8,9.10 spd chains?

Each one gets progressively narrower, as the cogs on a cassette are closer together so the chain needs to be narrower.
This also makes them more fragile, 8sp chains last longer than 9sp, in-turn than 10sp

sungod

frenchfighter wrote:

I have just tried fitting a 10 spd Miche Chain and it is about 10 links too long - is this normal?!

Also, what is the difference between 8,9.10 spd chains?

chains are supplied long, you need to remove links to make it the correct length for your bike and drivetrain

8/9/10 speed - different chain width to match the spacing of chainrings and cassette

frenchfighter

Thanks guys.

Another thing you may be able to help me with:
The chain's 'quick link' was basically a link you attach with tiny screws. I have tightened these to the max but there is still a little play in them (about 0.5mm) - does this render the chain unsafe? Is it going to work its way loose? I will not buy a oneof these chains again but am stuck with two of these chains...

fnegroni

frenchfighter wrote:

Thanks guys.

Another thing you may be able to help me with:
The chain's 'quick link' was basically a link you attach with tiny screws.

:shock:

Get rid of that 'quick link' and buy a proper one, like the KMC.

Is this is the chain you are looking at:

http://www.miche.it/scheda.php?id=501&idCat=250

frenchfighter

It is this one. It appears to be a pretty good chain, it's just the fixing.

frenchfighter

Ah I've just realised what you mean - I can buy the links seperately. That is a great idea as it means I can actually use the chain without doubts!