Replacement Chain and Chain Tool

imnotjohn

Hi

I have a GT Aggressor XC2

I need to get a new chain as mine has just snapped!

I wanted to know if it was OK to fit a SRAM PC-951 chain to replace a Shimano HG53? It has an HG50 cassette, andTruvativ iso flow chain rings with Shimano Deore derailleurs. All 9 speed.

Also I take it I need a chain tool to fit the new chain. I was going to get the Bikehut Precision Chain Tool as Halfords is open on Sundays. Is it any good?

Thanks for your help.

peter413

You will need to rplace the cassette since it will be worn to the old chain. As long as it is the same speed then it should be fine

imnotjohn

Oh, I didn't know that, Ive only done around 800 miles (on the road) Is that still the case?

supersonic

How many miles on the cassette?

PC951 is a good choice.

imnotjohn

About 800 miles Sonic, on the road.

peter413

The cassette will be worn to the cassette so you will need to replace.

You could try it though and if doesn't work then you know you definatly need a new cassette

supersonic

Just to disagree as usual, Peter ;-) ;-)

I think you will be fine with just a new chain.

BUT! If you want to play safe, go for a new cassette. And chainrings.

I'd start with chain. You will notice straight away if something else is worn.

PC951 are very good. But you may be able to repair the old with a powerlink.

supersonic

Oh, we do agree!

lol

;-)

peter413

Right. You have now officially confused me.

My brain hurts and I am so tired but can't be bothered going to bed (never sleep well anyway )

Don't take advantage of me or I will do the same to you when you are drunk or sumin

imnotjohn

Thanks, I saw the price mounting up there!!!

I guess I could repair the old chain but I figured as it hasn't lasted very long I would take the opportunity to try a different chain, but only if its a good idea.

supersonic

I'm always drunk.

You are going to need a chain tool either way. So get one.

Try removing the damaged link and reconnecting with a 9 speed SRAM powerlink.

peter413

Maybe you were shifting badly or you had a crash and that caused the chain to snap.

I crashed and that caused a stiff link (landed on drivtrain and slightly bent chain) and then a few hours later it snapped. Not that I didn't know it was going to do that, it had been ghost shifting horribly that whole time

imnotjohn

Thanks.

I wanted to change the chain as I could hear it clicking every now and then. I was trying to work out which link etc. when it snapped!

I didn't think the cassette would matter as I hadn't done many miles.

But if you think its best to stick with the same chain then I will.

Think I need a beer to!!!!

peter413

Sram chains are better than shimano chains though.

Ahhhhhhhh. my brain hurts. I'm going to leave this one to sonic......

imnotjohn

LOL. I haven't got much faith in the Shimano chain!

The gears shift nice and I haven't crashed it or anything. But there was defiantly something wrong.

Thanks for your help Peter and Sonic.

imnotjohn

Also it didn't snap on a rivet just clean though the link.

Anyway, repair the chain or replace?

I had read that replacing the chain regularly extends the life of the cassette (hence the confusion). The old chain is not stretched etc. So I thought just a new chain would be OK.

I would rather fit the SRAM chain if its possible without replacing the cassette, or would it be best to repair the old one?

Thanks.

mrfmilo

I would just replace the broken link first with a powerlink, if you have any more problems replace the chain, and then, if it's slipping then get a new cassette too