Would you break your chain?

Cumm1ngs

Would you break your chain for a split link for more effective and easier cleaning?

Or wait until you need to use one?

cooldad

Unless it's a Shimano chain it will already have one. And pretty much every new chain needs sizing on the bike anyway, so again, it will have one (unless the stupid Shimano pin has been used).
But no, I don't clean chains, just use Squirt until they die.

Although I only use KMC chains, so mine all have one anyway.

gazman428

I use a breaker but never take them off till the chain is shot. I have a chain cleaning device that you fill with degreaser and it clips over the chain.
Well recommended.

jon1993

Don't break them unless you absolutely have too buy a chain cleaner you can get them for £8 on eBay also buy a big 2.5l (can get smaller) engine degreasant for about £9 it will last forever and cleans them like new removing every bit of grit and crud.

thistle_

I use SRAM chains so they come with the split link and I take the chain off to clean it.

I have a second split in the chain so I can remove as section to allow me to run single speed in case I bust my rear mech. It has come in useful many times.

I've never had a chain fail at the quick link, it's always been elsewhere so I don't have any doubts regarding their strength.

stubs

Yes Quick links or whatever the brand is called are one of the great MTB inventions. I wouldnt use a chain without one if you paid me those nasty pins are the worst POS.

Cumm1ngs

Thanks guys.

Engine de-greaser?? Is this a common solution?

cooldad

Don't use grease and you don't need degreaser.

I can't recommend Squirt enough - read the instructions, apply properly and you'll never have gunky chains again.

jon1993

its stronger than chain degreaser and get in massive amounts for little cost compared to the bike specific ones which comes in tiny quantity and is weaker plus it often costs more.

Kowalski675

cooldad wrote:

Don't use grease and you don't need degreaser.

I can't recommend Squirt enough - read the instructions, apply properly and you'll never have gunky chains again.

Another vote for Squirt here too.

02gf74

no. i squirt a bit of lube onto the chain whcilst on the bike, then wipe of excess. chain gets split when it is worn.

invest in a chain wear gauge.

D4V1D

I wash mine with soapy water & brush to remove the mud and grit, Then carefully clean the side gaps between the plates with a wire brush if there is still a lot of mud & grit in there. Then cover with a fine oil lube over night to soak in. The day of the ride, (clean off oily lube if any is left) use dry or wet lube depending on weather conditions.

I use to take my chains off and clean them in jam jars of solutions but found it just as easy to wash them on the bike.

drlodge

cooldad wrote:

Unless it's a Shimano chain it will already have one. And pretty much every new chain needs sizing on the bike anyway, so again, it will have one (unless the stupid Shimano pin has been used).

Or if its a campagnolo chain...like my 11sp I fitted over the weekend. Of course, I had to shorten the chain to length but instead of using the stupid fiddly pin you're supposed to use, I just fitted an 11sp quicklink. Been using one for ages and never had a problem.

So to answer to OPs question, yes, I would fit one from day 1 since you have to connect the chain up somehow and a quicklink is a lot less faff than a pin. Plus its a doddle to remove the chain for cleaning (if thats your thing)

Chunkers1980

Thanks roadie.