"Main" chain link. Important or not?

evil_breakfast
evil_breakfast Posts: 471
edited September 2010 in Workshop
Stripped, degreased and lubed the bikes drivetrain yesterday.
When it came to putting the chain back on (using the main link) the outer plates kinda buckled a bit when putting the pin back in. (prob the angle)
you can see where this is going can't you?
Set off for work this morning and the chain broke, destroying the rear crud roadracer in the process.
So, can i remove the main link from the chain?
Surely 1 less won't have an adverse effect?
Or would it be best to buy and fit one of those powerlink thingys?
You're the light wiping out my batteries; You're the cream in my airport coffee's.

Comments

  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    It won't be a problem unless you accidentally get into the two big sprockets front and rear. Assuming the chain was the correct length to begin with of course.

    The quick links are worth getting. I usually have some quick links around anyway. You can get them for a bit cheaper on the old eBay if you look around a bit.
    - - - - - - - - - -
    On Strava.{/url}
  • sheffsimon
    sheffsimon Posts: 1,282
    evil_breakfast wrote:
    Stripped, degreased and lubed the bikes drivetrain yesterday.
    When it came to putting the chain back on (using the main link) the outer plates kinda buckled a bit when putting the pin back in. (prob the angle)
    you can see where this is going can't you?
    Set off for work this morning and the chain broke, destroying the rear crud roadracer in the process.
    So, can i remove the main link from the chain?
    Surely 1 less won't have an adverse effect?
    Or would it be best to buy and fit one of those powerlink thingys?

    Whats the "main" link?
  • evil_breakfast
    evil_breakfast Posts: 471
    y'know, the link that has the pin that is slightly different to all the others.
    You're the light wiping out my batteries; You're the cream in my airport coffee's.
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    evil_breakfast wrote:
    ..........
    Or would it be best to buy and fit one of those powerlink thingys?

    I think you're on the right track with that last statement. :wink:
  • evil_breakfast
    evil_breakfast Posts: 471
    i've now bought and fitted one of those KMC link doodahs.
    Is it just me, or does it "feel" not as secure as the master pin link it replaces?
    You're the light wiping out my batteries; You're the cream in my airport coffee's.
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    You should never break and re-join the chain at the joining pin (I guess this is what you mean by main link). This is a one use only item. Always break at a fresh point and use a new joining pin. Or better a KMC quick link. They are just as secure as a pin. Just make sure it is fitted correctly but it is difficult to get it wrong.
    My Fleet.
  • jgsi
    jgsi Posts: 5,062
    evil_breakfast wrote:
    i've now bought and fitted one of those KMC link doodahs.
    Is it just me, or does it "feel" not as secure as the master pin link it replaces?

    No.... fear not.... KMC quick links (or alternative) are one of the best things to have .
    If Spesh are now using KMC chains with quicklink as oem instead of shoite Shimano chains (dare anyone to have a good thing to say about Shimano chains), then you can rest and ride easy.
  • evil_breakfast
    evil_breakfast Posts: 471
    John.T wrote:
    You should never break and re-join the chain at the joining pin (I guess this is what you mean by main link). This is a one use only item. Always break at a fresh point and use a new joining pin. Or better a KMC quick link. They are just as secure as a pin. Just make sure it is fitted correctly but it is difficult to get it wrong.

    You learn something new everyday i guess. i always assumed that you were meant to use that joining pin
    *facepalm*

    I shall put my faith into the KMC powerlink!
    You're the light wiping out my batteries; You're the cream in my airport coffee's.
  • nmcgann
    nmcgann Posts: 1,780
    JGSI wrote:
    evil_breakfast wrote:
    i've now bought and fitted one of those KMC link doodahs.
    Is it just me, or does it "feel" not as secure as the master pin link it replaces?

    No.... fear not.... KMC quick links (or alternative) are one of the best things to have .
    If Spesh are now using KMC chains with quicklink as oem instead of shoite Shimano chains (dare anyone to have a good thing to say about Shimano chains), then you can rest and ride easy.

    Sorry, but I never have any trouble with shimano chains. HOWEVER, I always use KMC or Connex links, never the stupid snap-off pin which I just chuck straight in the bin.
    --
    "Because the cycling is pain. The cycling is soul crushing pain."
  • evil_breakfast
    evil_breakfast Posts: 471
    Just gotten in from my usual Sunday 30miler and any fears that i had have evaporated, although the indexing does seem to be a little off now?
    You're the light wiping out my batteries; You're the cream in my airport coffee's.

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