Powerlink question

aba2005 · July 2007

I added a powerlink to my HG 73 chain which works fine.

I got a used cassette with the used chain which was also a HG 73, however on this chain the powerlink seems loose on the chain (chain seems thinner than). I think this chain is older than the chain i've got although it doesn't look old. So have shimano made changes in their chains that would mean a powerlink would fit better on the newer versions?

nicklouse · July 2007

what colour power link is it?

for 9 spd it should be gold. 8/7/6 are sliver.

aba2005 · July 2007

they are both 9 speed chains with gold powerlinks. Thats why i don't understand the difference in fit.

Woody2 · July 2007

It could be that Powerlinks are part of the Sram set-up and not Shimano. They fit both makes - but perhaps Shimano changed their chain dimensions rather than the Powerink having variations. Or it could be that the older chain has worn itself thinner.

buddha · July 2007

I find that chains wear faster than powerlinks.
So after a couple of months the powerlink is a bit loose (side-to-side movement).
Then a few weeks later it's time to replace the chain as it's stretched :-(
So maybe that's what's happened to your chain. See http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html (Measuring Chain Wear section) to check if this is the case.

If anything, I've found shimano chains to be slightly wider than sram. As I've struggled to get powerlinks on them.

whyamihere · July 2007

There's supposed to be some lateral movement, it's what allows gear changing. As long as it's not excessive, don't worry.

wwjjtt · July 2007

aren't hg73 chains thinner than the hg53? i'm not 100% with chains but that may be something to do with it.

aba2005 · July 2007

problem solved! The chain had a dodgy link pin so that was what was causing the problem. Got the pin posted and it works fine now.

Thanks for your help everyone.

Powerlink question

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