Broken Chain

DoodleUK

After months of use and neglect it seems that i have some broken links on a Shimano Deore chain. How do i go about fixing this; is a new chain the best way? If so what would you recommend for a 9 speed cassette?

Thanks.

bennett_346

New chain dude, KMC X9 is pretty highly rated with that cassette

DoodleUK

Thanks for that. There are quite a few different KMC X9 chains, any in particular you would recommend? Also would you recommend either of these:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=9760
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=35057

Both seem highly rated and heavily discounted. Am i right in thinking any 9 speed chain will do just as long as i use the same number of links as the original?

Thanks.

Monkeypump

Go for the KMC X9SL if you want lightweight (in sensible silver or gold if you want bling), or the SRAM chain in your link.

Powerlink/Missing Link makes breaking/linking the chain simple and effort-free.

cavegiant

I have to say that is a little over enthusiastic advice to replace.

Though 100% KMC x9 is the best chain (for reasonable money), I would not care about the weight (it is just a chain), silver/grey is rust prone, silver/silver, is good with rust, gold is effectively rust proof.

If the chain is worn there is a good chance the cassette is too.
A new chain on a worn cassette will wear the chain faster and occasionally slip.

yu are correct any 9 speed chain will work
shimano makes lousy mid/low range chains, same with SRAM. KMC X9 is very similar to the SRAM 991 cross step, but lasts longer and is cheaper. XTR is supposed to be good, but I have not used.

If you do buy a fancy chain, you want a hard wearing cassette. So I would upgrade to SLX or XT. A deore cassette will just wear quickly shortening the life of an expensive chain.

hope that helps


oh forgot the key thing.
if the chain just has a few broken links (not sure what you mean by that) You can just shorten the chain using a chain tool and powerlink it back together (this may reduce gear range, but is a free repair).

if the links are just stiff/rusted get some plus gas (eff industrial WD40) and leave to soak overnight, then wipe down, leave to dry and reoil.