Which chain

nonameuser
nonameuser Posts: 55
edited July 2011 in Workshop
I have a Trek 1.2 Compact and I am doing LEJOG in August. As such I want to get a new chain. What size do I need, I would also like something that is easy to take off and put on like a quick link. It is standard Shimano Sora gearset.

Comments

  • phy2sll2
    phy2sll2 Posts: 680
    How many gears?

    On my 10 speed, I have a KMC x10L on at the moment and it's wearing in very nicely. Comes with a missing link (you squeeze the outer plates together they come apart straight away).

    You can even get it in Gold if you are so inclined.

    You'll need a chain tool to remove some of the links before you put in on though as they come with 112(?) links. On a compact you probably only need 104 or so - check how many your old chain had.

    EDIT: If your old chain was worn, there's a good chance it's also worn the cassette (and maybe the chain rings too). You'll be able to tell if this is the case if the chain slips as you move off.

    A new Sora cassette won't set you back much but you'll also need a Shimano cassette removal tool and a chain-whip to get the thing off.
  • schweiz
    schweiz Posts: 1,644
    You want to get a new chain just because you are doing LEJOG?

    Is the on that's on their worn? If not leave the one that's on there in place. I've sen more than enough people changing stuff just before a big ride (tubes, chains, cables) just to be on the 'safe' side only for them to fail because they ended up rushing the job at the last minute.

    If you are going to change anything, do it a few hundred training miles in advance, especially with the drive chain so it can bed in and you can do any tweaking. You don't want to spend your first day constantly stopping.

    Anyway, if you do need a chain, Sora is 8 speed so a KMC X8 will be just the job and has a quick link.

    As to changing the cassette or chain rings, unless you've ridden the drive train to death, then I would usually expect to get change my cassette every 4th chain or so and chain rings every 5-10(?) cassettes but it really does depend on how clean you keep everything, riding style (grinding/spinning, cross chaining).
    VN BMC Cube SS
    http://app.strava.com/athletes/30000
  • explosifpete
    explosifpete Posts: 1,327
    Sora comes in 9 speed so you want to check that before buying one.
    If you put a new chain on a worn cassette it will stretch the chain within a couple rides.
    if its not broke dont fix it but if it is kmc chain and a shimano cassette
    http://www.iwaxstudio.co.uk/
  • nonameuser
    nonameuser Posts: 55
    sorry should have been clearer. My current chain is fine and still within its tolerences. I want to take a spare chain with me incase the one I have busts. Yes its a 9 speed sora cassette. They cassette and sprockets are all fine, its really just one of those just in case items I want to take with me.
  • explosifpete
    explosifpete Posts: 1,327
    just get a speed link

    3004965055494040_1.jpg

    small so you can just leave it in your pocket/saddle bag if the worst happens
    http://www.iwaxstudio.co.uk/
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Bugger that for a lark. just take a chain tool and a KMC 9 speed (shimano) missing link.
  • Twostage
    Twostage Posts: 987
    schweiz wrote:
    You want to get a new chain just because you are doing LEJOG?

    Is the on that's on their worn? If not leave the one that's on there in place. I've sen more than enough people changing stuff just before a big ride (tubes, chains, cables) just to be on the 'safe' side only for them to fail because they ended up rushing the job at the last minute.
    I did that :oops: . Changed a chain the day before a C2C. The cassette was worn and the highest three cogs wouldn't engage properly - 'clunk, clunk, clunk'. I ended up doing the C2C on what as essentially a 15 speed bike instead of 24.
  • centimani
    centimani Posts: 467
    Twostage wrote:
    schweiz wrote:
    You want to get a new chain just because you are doing LEJOG?

    Is the on that's on their worn? If not leave the one that's on there in place. I've sen more than enough people changing stuff just before a big ride (tubes, chains, cables) just to be on the 'safe' side only for them to fail because they ended up rushing the job at the last minute.
    I did that :oops: . Changed a chain the day before a C2C. The cassette was worn and the highest three cogs wouldn't engage properly - 'clunk, clunk, clunk'. I ended up doing the C2C on what as essentially a 15 speed bike instead of 24.

    I guess we've all been there, i was giving my bike a once over the day before a charity ride and found the rear hub was in reaal need of adjustment. 9pm the night before...with the wheel in bits..
    We all live and learn. Nowadays everythings gets checked regularly so it never gets to a frantic 'day before' job.

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