New Chain - Stiff Link

ajkerr73
ajkerr73 Posts: 318
edited December 2013 in Workshop
I've just given my bike the full works. Strip down, clean, new cassette, new chain.

The link where I have joined the chain is stiff and isn't smooth through the read derailleur.

Is this a common problem or have I done something wrong??

Used chain tool and standard Shimano pin

Comments

  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    Ajkerr73 wrote:
    I've just given my bike the full works. Strip down, clean, new cassette, new chain.

    The link where I have joined the chain is stiff and isn't smooth through the read derailleur.

    Is this a common problem or have I done something wrong??

    Used chain tool and standard Shimano pin

    The key words here are "...link where I have joined the chain is stiff...."
    In answer to your question - yes, you have done something wrong.
    FWIW always use master links instead of pins. Chance of error is almost nil.
  • ajkerr73
    ajkerr73 Posts: 318
    dennisn wrote:
    Ajkerr73 wrote:
    I've just given my bike the full works. Strip down, clean, new cassette, new chain.

    The link where I have joined the chain is stiff and isn't smooth through the read derailleur.

    Is this a common problem or have I done something wrong??

    Used chain tool and standard Shimano pin

    The key words here are "...link where I have joined the chain is stiff...."
    In answer to your question - yes, you have done something wrong.
    FWIW always use master links instead of pins. Chance of error is almost nil.

    Intrerested to know what it might be that I've done wrong?? Don't want to do the same again.

    So would the advice be, pop that link out and replace with a KMC type thingy?
  • wishitwasallflat
    wishitwasallflat Posts: 2,927
    Yes
  • Semantik
    Semantik Posts: 537
    You haven't done anything wrong and it is not a problem.Common misconception seems to be that you must use a quick link on modern chains, this is not the case. The tight link can be put right using the chain removal tool- it has a cradle for correcting tight links- see here:

    http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-hel ... leur-bikes

    FWIW the (one use only) factory rivet that comes with Shimano chains will give you as good a join as any quick link ever will- you will have a seamless chain, which I imagine will be marginally stronger than the quick link which involves using what are effectively two loose fit rivets to make the join.
  • ajkerr73
    ajkerr73 Posts: 318
    Fixed it. Turned out the pin needed to go a further "Midgies Baw Hair" in (apologies to our American posters who will have no idea what I'm talking about)

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