Help, I've fitted a new chain but.....

[SoulOnIce]

So I finally had my first go at fitting a new chain and managed to turn a 20 min job into a 90 min job!!

I think I've done it ok but I have a question. As suggested by Cubist I bought some of those SRAM Powerlink thingies to carry with me to use for emergency repairs and and I thought I might try to fit them to my new chain.

My old chain had one on so I was able to break the chain easily. But my new chain would not work with new Powerlinks as they would not snap in right. I used the old chain with te old Powerlinks to compare and the new setup just didn't work cos the Powerlinks would not slide and snap shut. I also tried the new chain with the old Powerlinks and they didn't work either.

My new chain was a Shimano HG50 7/8 Speed Chain and the Powerlink was an SRAM 8 speed.

Is this an incompatible setup or am I doing something else wrong? Is there a trick to getting the Powerlinks to connect up properly?

 

[HLaB]

I don't know what you're doing wrong but I replaced a Shimano 7/8 sp chain with SRAM 8 sps on two of my bikes. You also shouldn't need to add a Powerlink to the SRAM chain, it should already have one.

 

[cheadle hulme]

Its Sram yeah? (the 2 links should be a mirror image of each other) and not Taya (one side has a plate and 2 pins, the other is just a plate).

If Sram, its probably just a bit tight. Make sure its properly lined up and apply a little pedal pressure - that should help seat it.

 

[SoulOnIce]

I don't know what you're doing wrong but I replaced a Shimano 7/8 sp chain with SRAM 8 sps on two of my bikes. You also shouldn't need to add a Powerlink to the SRAM chain, it should already have one.

I think this is where I was going wrong.

My new chain was a Shimano and I wanted to add a Powerlink to it to make it easier to remove later on if I wanted to do some "propah" nerdy chain cleaning.

Am I right in assuming the Powerlink only works on SRAM chains. And if so when I replace my chain in future am I ok to use a SRAM 8 speed as a straight replacement for a Shimano 8 speed?

 

[andrew_s]

It may be that an HG50 chain is marginally wider than a SRAM PC850 chain. It wouldn't take much of a difference. Powerlinks are OK on Shimano 9 and 10 speed chains, but I expect fewer people use them on 8-speed chains because they can be joined using a chain tool in the traditional manner.
A SRAM 8-speed chain can be used on any 6/7/8 speed system.

 

[Mr Pig]

The SRAM link should work fine with a Shimano chain, as long as it's the right 'speed'. Probably just tight.

 

[gbb]

Probably just slight powerlink / chain ...incompatability wouldnt be the right word, but slightly poor compatability.
My winter bike has got two quick / powerlinks in it. One of them (i cant remember which right now)...is a barsteward to undo...the other just unclips.

As andrews states, your chains probably marginally wider than sram chain.

 

[Joe24]

The power links that are on my chains took abit of getting used to at first.
I took the chain off my folder one time(saw it had a quick link so thought i would test it) and couldnt get it back on.
It sometimes take abit of fiddling to get it right.
I used to find it easier to take off when it was on the chainring, but put on when it was off the chain ring.
Might have been the other way around though, cant remember.

 

[Cubist]

The links will work on Shimano chains. They can be a bit tight to start with, but being a big strong lad I just put on a pair of vinyl gloves and took hold of t he chain either side of the link and pulled till it snapped into place.

 

[Mr Pig]

I've used both SRAM and KMC links on Shimano chains with no issues. I don't know what the problem is.

 

[Joe24]

The links will work on Shimano chains. They can be a bit tight to start with, but being a big strong lad I just put on a pair of vinyl gloves and took hold of t he chain either side of the link and pulled till it snapped into place.

Big strong lad that doesnt want to get his hands dirty

 

[Cubist]

Big strong lad that doesnt want to get his hands dirty

Well, I was going to change into a white uniform shirt at the end of the ride, and i don't have any swarfega in the office. Want to take the piss? Then come along and see what sort of a beating a 16 stone 45 yr old cop can deliver, yer little tosser Sorry, I mean see how far you can stumble down the station steps your worships........