Chain replacement help please

[Fordulike]

Just over 2000 miles and my chain stretch tool indicates time for a change.

I've counted the links on the current chain at 110. I don't want to use any of those quick links, snap links or whatever they are called. I just want to feed the chain through the drivetrain and connect the ends together.

I've seen a chain from Wipperman, which I like the look of. The 8 speed 800, halfway down the page on this link:

http://www.hightidecycles.co.uk/accessories/wippermann.php
http://www.hightidecycles.co.uk/accessories/wippermann.php
It's 110 links without the snap on link thingy. The question is, what else do I need to buy to connect this chain together, without using their snap on link?

 

[Fordulike]

Just to add another question, are the snap link thingies likely to be a weak link if I decided to use one?

My system runs a boat load of torque through the chain.

 

[Steve UKLSRA]

I use the "snap-links" on all our chains (BBS02/10 speed) and have not had one fail...the last chain snap was on our Haibike All Mtn Pro nowhere near the quick link and all i did was use my mini Park chain tool to knock out two links and push the rivet back into the chain to join it...it's still going strong after 200+ miles (although the bike is now sold)...I use the same tool to take links out of my chain to make it fit when new too.

Hope that helps

http://www.parktool.com/product/mini-chain-brute-chain-tool-ct-5

 

[Alan Quay]

Just over 2000 miles and my chain stretch tool indicates time for a change.

I've counted the links on the current chain at 110. I don't want to use any of those quick links, snap links or whatever they are called. I just want to feed the chain through the drivetrain and connect the ends together.

I've seen a chain from Wipperman, which I like the look of. The 8 speed 800, halfway down the page on this link:

http://www.hightidecycles.co.uk/accessories/wippermann.php
http://www.hightidecycles.co.uk/accessories/wippermann.php
It's 110 links without the snap on link thingy. The question is, what else do I need to buy to connect this chain together, without using their snap on link?

All you need is a chain tool. If the chain comes with a quick/power/snap link (one you don't want to use it) throw it away, push out half a link and join the chain in the normal way.

If you are going to buy a new chain, you probably need a chain tool anyway. New chains are rarely the correct length.

Will dig out a link to the one I have in a bit. The really cheap ones break.

Edit:

This will do the job for £7. I have one, must have used it 20-30 times no problem.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=242558&productId=823289&storeId=10001

 

[Fordulike]

All you need is a chain tool. If the chain comes with a quick/power/snap link (one you don't want to use it) throw it away, push out half a link and join the chain in the normal way.

Does the tool in your link just remove the pin, or does it have a function to push a pin in too?

Excuse my noobiness when it comes to chains lol

 

[Kinninvie]

I use KMC X99 chain with a snap link on my BBS02 running at up to 1360W and never had a problem in 3000 miles including plenty of crunchy gearchanges in the early days.
I also had lots of problems with the chain skipping in the 2 top gears but the link held every time.
The skipping has been cured now thanks to Muc Off C3 ceramic chain lube, I can now even use full power on the 11 tooth sprocket!

 

[Alan Quay]

Does the tool in your link just remove the pin, or does it have a function to push a pin in too?

Excuse my noobiness when it comes to chains lol

Yup, it swings both ways.

Edit: I have one here. Give me a minute I'll show you....

 

[craiggor]

Does the tool in your link just remove the pin, or does it have a function to push a pin in too?

Excuse my noobiness when it comes to chains lol

Put the chain in push pin out but not right out.Reposition 180 degrees push pin back in. Practice on old chain,you can push to much sometimes.The link will be stiff just re position to push pin out slightly.Motorcyclist say never put a split link in anything above 250cc.

 

[Alan Quay]

Push a pin out like this:

Don't push it all the way out, let it sit in the outer plate:

Then put it the other way, push it back in....

Easy.

This tool even comes with a little clip to make life easy when you reconnect, and it stores neatly in the handle.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

 

[Fordulike]

Big thank you to everyone who has contributed tonight. I now feel I have the confidence to go ahead and replace my chain.

Luckily Halfords have both the KMC X8-99 chain that kinninvie uses, plus the chain tool that Alan uses

 

[cyberdyne_systems]

Good thread with some useful information

 

[Nealh]

I use KMC - X 9 sp chains and buy 2 or 3 at a time when I see them on offer. Also carry a spare chain in my kit as well as a multi tool which incorporates a very neat chain splitter.

 

[D8ve]

My (very) minor disagreement is don't throw the snap link away. It weighs nothing and fits into your traveling spares kit. You can fix yours or someone else's chain with it. I carry two each of 1,7/8,9,10 spd in my tailbox.
But my chain is around 300 links

 

[anotherkiwi]

I just installed Wipperman chain yesterday with the quick link very well made chain much better than the bulk KMCs I was using.

 

[Fordulike]

The chain I've plumped for is a KMC X8-99. After looking at this chain installation guide, I noticed the bit in section 2 that says some chain rivets are peened and cannot be reused. In fact it actually creates a weak link at that point:

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/chain-installation-derailleur-bikes#article-section-1

Apparently the KMC X8-99 has 'unique KMC bulls-eye pin riveting'.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/kmc-x8-99-8-speed-chain/rp-prod25655

Does this mean I will have to use a KMC missing link thingy to connect?

 

[soundwave]

yes it comes with the quick link

 

[Fordulike]

yes it comes with the quick link

Ok quick link it is then

 

[soundwave]

mine has same sort of thing and has never broken and change gears going 25mph.

 

[Fordulike]

yes it comes with the quick link

What chain are you using on your bike mate?

 

[soundwave]

mine is 11 speed mind

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sram-x1-11-speed-chain/rp-prod122544