have i just wrecked my chain?

neilus
neilus Posts: 245
edited June 2013 in MTB workshop & tech
Hiya
Ive got a Scott Spark 60 2011 which im really pleased with, except that ive been getting an awful lot of chain slap on my descents which is really, really bugging me...even though i know what it is, i just cant relax with this rattling and clanging going on...
So ive just shortened my chain a few links, all seems well except that i just noticed on the chain that theres one pin that is clearly different, the ends of all the other pins have a tiny indent in the end but this flat and from a much darker metal...
Im thinking surely this is where any link removal should be? Ive watched a few tutorials and nowhere have i heard that you have to find a specific link/pin to remove...its a Shimano CN-HG53 by the way...
Many thanks chaps
Neil

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Shimano are prone to snap at the join unless you use their special joining pin, and even then they're marginal, IMHO.
    I’d get a KMC or Sram master link and use that.
    But I would be more worried about ripping the mech and/or hanger off if the chain is too short.
    How did you measure it?
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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    Parktools
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    The specific link pin is to join not remove.

    Size the chain correctly (big biog without the rear mech plus one link) not through trial and error (big error if it pulls the rear mech into the cassette and chews it up!)

    Fit a a chainstay protector and MTFU!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    neilus wrote:
    i just noticed on the chain that theres one pin that is clearly different, the ends of all the other pins have a tiny indent in the end but this flat and from a much darker metal...
    Im thinking surely this is where any link removal should be?
    that is the pin NOT to remove.

    why do people keep watching videos? read the manual.

    and as above chain length is not guess work there is math behind it. and you also need to compensate for any chain grow.
    i would be checking the length is correct now. as you dont want to be putting the mech in the spokes now do you?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • neilus
    neilus Posts: 245
    Cheers, i broke the chain then fed it round largest front chainring, largest rear bypassing the mech/hanger, two more links from where they met and binned the rest...i read that method on here somewhere!
    I guess i need to get into the habit of shifting up the gears before descending to take up the slack...
    thanks
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    And by up you mean down.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Nope - I think it means up to a bigger chainring or sprocket ;-)
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    A bigger chainring is up, a bigger sprocket is down. Do try to keep up. And stop confusing the issue.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • neilus
    neilus Posts: 245
    Ok, well i mean up the chainrings (to biggest) and down the rear cogs (to biggest)....you know what i mean!
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    No we didn't, which is why we tried to be helpful by making sure!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • neilus
    neilus Posts: 245
    thanks for the replies, i appreciate it!

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