Links in chain

[MrFixed]

I've had a quick search but nothing seemed to line up with my situation.

I'm gearing down on my fixed from 46:18 to 46:19, not much I know, but I was wondering how to find the power link on a Sram PC1 chain.

I installed it fine, but I didn't plan on gearing down initially.

Also, is it fine to add links because it's a struggle removing my rear wheel as it is due to the number of links I left on.

 

[Citius]

The link is there - usually a different plate colour, or the pins on that link will look different. Adding links depends on a) whether you need to and b) what kind of frame you have (ie track ends or vertical dropouts with tensioner)

 

[MrFixed]

The link is once you snap in laterally and it looks the same as all the other plates that's why I'm asking. There wasn't anything distinguishing about the power link.

It's horizontal dropouts. Fuji Classic Track.

 

[Citius]

I can't help with the link - it's there somewhere, you just have to either find it, or break the chain in a different place and fit a new link. If the bike has track ends, you can make the chain longer, provided you have enough adjustment on the ends to maintain correct chain slack.

 

[Smokin Joe]

You shouldn't be using a power link with a fixed wheel, surely? Back pressure on the pedals could open the link.

 

[Globalti]

No, why should it? The chain will still be under tension.

 

[Smokin Joe]

No, why should it? The chain will still be under tension.

If the link is on the top run it will be under compression when you put back pressure on the pedals.

 

[Citius]

I doubt it's a power link as such. Probably a plate which clips over the pins.

 

[Globalti]

How can a chain be "under compression"? Have you ever tried to compress a chain? It will just become slack.

 

[MrFixed]

I doubt it's a power link as such. Probably a plate which clips over the pins.

That's how it works.

This is the chain anyway. It's designed for single speeds.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sram-pc1-18-nickel-single-speed-chain/

 

[Tim Hall]

The one on my fixer looks different on one side compared to the other, if you see what I mean.

 

[TheDoctor]

How can a chain be "under compression"? Have you ever tried to compress a chain? It will just become slack.

^^That. Putting back pressure on the pedals puts the bottom run of chain under tension, but a chain won't work under compression. It's like trying to push something with a rope

 

[MrFixed]

I've just managed to get the new sprocket on there without messing with the chain. It was a bit of a tight fit, but it's on and everything is tight.

Also damaged the bits where the tool goes in on the lockring but managed to get that off with mole grips because my lockring tool is crap

 

[Citius]

How are you setting chain slack?

 

[Davidc]

Not important now but those links shouldn't be reused. They distort during removal and can fail afterwards. it's worth spending 5p on a replacement one. I just break the chain and put a new extra link in 'cos I'm too lazy to find the original one.