My chain broke :(

[Matt1705]

Cycling home on Wednesday the chain slipped off the front derailleur.
Stopped to check why and, well see for yourself in the picture.
Kinda explains the noise that's been bugging me for a few days now.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Hmm, looks like a new chain is in order. Or do I mean on order?

The chain looks very dry and - it may be a trick of the light - rusty in places.

 

[Matt1705]

Apparently my father in law has a spare one for me
Maybe he can teach me a thing or 2 about bike maintenance
Though I've been picking up a few tips since joining this forum

 

[smokeysmoo]

What chain is it? (10 speed, 9 speed etc). Has it been split and re-connected for any reason recently?

 

[fossyant]

Noise, days. Now you know why.

Whoops

Next time find out why. LOL

 

[Matt1705]

What chain is it? (10 speed, 9 speed etc). Has it been split and re-connected for any reason recently?

This probably sounds really bad but without going out to the shed to check I don't know, I think it's a 9.
I only bought it second hand a few weeks ago, and certainly haven't removed the chain myself...

 

[smokeysmoo]

I'm only asking as some chains, (defo 10 speed), must never be re-connected by using the same pin that was removed. This was how I discovered the info

I re-connected my chain with the old pin, and very quickly noticed a clicking type of noise. Turned out to be the chain plate hitting the front mech as it had worked loose, and it looked very much like the link in your picture.

Chains are bit like car timing belts IME. If you can't quantify it's history, for instance when you buy second hand, just stick a new chain on for peace of mind. Mind you then you might discover you need new rings and a cassette too

What ever your chain is I'd recommend you replace it with a KMC X chain. Don't buy a Shimano chain, they're crap.

 

[Matt1705]

Got my new chain on (I think )
It's a 8 (16) speed
Oh and KMC, not shimano

Noticed I might need a new cassette as it looks worn - ill put a pic up when my phone is charged.

 

[the snail]

If the chain was badly worn, chances are the cassette is worn out too. Best to change it now, otherwise the new chain will wear out in no time running on the worn cassette. it's best to use a chain-wear tool or a ruler to measure the chain and replace the chain before it's totally knackered, that way there's more chance you can delay having to replace the cassette, and avoid excessive wear on the chainrings. At least 8 speed stuff is cheap compared to 9/10 speed

 

[Matt1705]

Just been looking on the intwrweb, never knew there'd be different cassettes for different chains and different ratios :/

Will go and see what my current one is when it stops raining.

Any recommendations as to make / model? Fairly tight budget so don't want to be spending a fortune but don't want cheapy rubbish quality....

 

[actonblue]

Shimano or SRAM.

 

[Matt1705]

Promise ill look after the new one