Broken chain - replace or add new links?

[danhoro]

Bit of a newbie question...

My chain snapped whilst I was pedalling out of the saddle uphill this evening. I managed to fix it at the roadside, but in addition to the link that's still somewhere on the road I also had to remove a further link to ensure I had the opposite connectors to link it all back up. So first question: is it a problem to have a chain that is now two links shorter than before?

If I want to revert to the original length, I assume I should replace the whole chain rather than adding two more links? And if so, is it a problem not to replace the cassette at the same time (I heard that it's ideal to replace both at the same time)? The bike has about 800 miles on it.

 

[HarryTheDog]

800 miles is generally nothing for a chain or cassette unless very badly mistreated. Are you very heavy or powerful ?. Myself I would just add 2 links as I have lots of bits of chains hanging around. As to changing cassette with a new chain I have usually worn out several chains ( 5 or 6 probably, not sure) before changing a cassette and only when I can see its worn or damaged. ( I am small though). Invest in a chain wear guage and change the chain when stretched.

 

[gbb]

You can do either....repair by inserting links to bring you back to the correct overall length (there is no real limit to how many quick links you can use...as many as you need )...or alternatively, you could play safe and replace a possibly weak chain.
And you shouldn't need to replace a cassette at 800 miles.

 

[mickle]

Take it back to the shop. Demand a new chain. End of thread.

 

[jonny jeez]

I had a fair few go on me and whilst ill repair at the road to get hone, ill always replace as soon as I see the lbs.

For 800 miles I wouldn't swap the block...hardly seems worth it.

J

 

[danhoro]

Cheers all. I don't have any spare links so I'll probably just replace the whole chain. Can't take it back to the shop as I live about 200 miles away

Will it do any damage to the bike to use it with the shortened chain for a few days whilst I wait for the replacement to arrive? I use the bike to get to work and back.

 

[adamhearn]

If it's a 7/8 speed then new chain - they're cheap. Probably would do same for 9 speed depending on price. If it's 10 or 11 then assuming the chain isn't in poor condition (it's a concern that you managed to break it after such a low mileage) I'd get some links if you cannot find a chain in the sale.

 

[HarryTheDog]

Cheers all. I don't have any spare links so I'll probably just replace the whole chain. Can't take it back to the shop as I live about 200 miles away

Will it do any damage to the bike to use it with the shortened chain for a few days whilst I wait for the replacement to arrive? I use the bike to get to work and back.

Just keep off big chain ring, big cog on the casette scenarios. It will make no difference then.

 

[mickle]

Ah, the pitfalls of long distance bike buying. Let's hope nothing else falls off..

 

[raleighnut]

I'd fit a new chain.

 

[danhoro]

Ah, the pitfalls of long distance bike buying. Let's hope nothing else falls off..

To be fair, I think the link that failed was one that I broke and re-linked previously. Not too worried about bits of my bike falling off.

 

[youngoldbloke]

To be fair, I think the link that failed was one that I broke and re-linked previously. Not too worried about bits of my bike falling off.

Do you mean you where you split the chain and then rejoined it? Asking for problems - use a quick link in future.

 

[danhoro]

Yep. I was changing my front derailleur, so had to split it. The chain has a SRAM powerlink but there was no way it was coming apart. I read that in theory some powerlinks aren't meant to be broken once attached, and it definitely was stuck fast. Didn't realise that splitting and rejoining is only recommended as a temporary fix until recently.

 

[adamhearn]

The chain has a SRAM powerlink but there was no way it was coming apart.

I expect the proper tool (or maybe even a pair of scissors as referred to another thread this week!) would have done the trick.