Power links - how many can I use at once?

[ColinJ]

Running a chain made entirely from powerlinks and inner links has been done.
Presumably someone who worked somewhere they didn't have to be paid for.

I used to get mine for nowt, from a mechanic who did not like them and who joined chains the conventional way.

 

[Chrisz]

Confession time;

Last year, at the end of all the bad weather I put my winter hack to one side and forgot about it. At the start of this year's bad weather I got it back out, dusted it off and prepared it for becoming my main steed during the winter months. Unfortunately I had neglected it a little bit and so a section of the chain had seized solid!

I removed the offending section and replaced it with part of another (9spd) chain I had from a couple of years before (cleaned, oiled and well stored) - joining the 4" section in with a KIMC Powerlink at both ends.

It has remained in this condition throughout this winter (from late October onwards) and is still running perfectly fine! It does get a little bit more care and attention after each ride but that's mostly due to the fact that the roads seem to be permanently wet/full of puddles this winter.

At the end of this winter (?) I will replace the whole chain with a nice shiny new one ready for the end of the year (and some new crud catcher mudguards too!).

 

[lejogger]

Update:
Commute this AM was grand. No chainy issues at all.

On the PM commute however, 2 mins after leaving the office I slowed for some lights, which subsequently changed, I stamped down to get a quick getaway and next thing I know I'm still in the same place and my chain is getting acquainted with Tarmac.

Surprisingly (or not) it had snapped in a totally different place to either of the existing power links and and instead of a snap through the side plate as per last night, the pin had just pulled straight out.

I therefore have no idea whether the two incidents are at all linked and due to a worn chain, or if I've just been unlucky.

The problem now is that I urgently need a replacement. Do I replace like for like (KMC X10L) as I've now lost a bit of confidence in them but they're a bargain price on wiggle... Or do I opt for something more expensive. I'm loathe to do this on the basis that with chains (and generally all things cycling) you pay more for less weight rather than increased durability.

Any advice or recommendations?

 

[fossyant]

Update:
Commute this AM was grand. No chainy issues at all.

On the PM commute however, 2 mins after leaving the office I slowed for some lights, which subsequently changed, I stamped down to get a quick getaway and next thing I know I'm still in the same place and my chain is getting acquainted with Tarmac.

Surprisingly (or not) it had snapped in a totally different place to either of the existing power links and and instead of a snap through the side plate as per last night, the pin had just pulled straight out.
?

I did say "any sign of chain damage they need replacing".

The snapped link probably caused some stress elsewhere, hence why it's failed. You can't get away with bodging 10 speed chains like you can an 8.

I have never snapped a chain ever, but I replace if getting worn. You could easily have been spitting Tarmac and broken teeth.

Safety essential item. Not expensive either.

 

[uclown2002]

kmc is a fine chain

 

[lejogger]

I did say "any sign of chain damage they need replacing".

The snapped link probably caused some stress elsewhere, hence why it's failed. You can't get away with bodging 10 speed chains like you can an 8.

I have never snapped a chain ever, but I replace if getting worn. You could easily have been spitting Tarmac and broken teeth.

Safety essential item. Not expensive either.

Sorry boss

 

[fossyant]

Sorry boss

Now don't do it again, young Padawan

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Or shorten the chain by one link and see if it adversely affects shifting, depending on the length the original chain length. Derailleur tension can be adjust to a degree to compensate.

That can be tricky. I installed a new chain late last year, which happened to be 1 link too short, and I had the hardest time adjusting the derailleurs. Eventually I had to add 1 link for shifting to resume working properly.

 

[lejogger]

kmc is a fine chain

Aye, that's my experience to this point. I run an X10SL on the best bike and thought the X10L would be fine for the winter bike.

A more expensive chain would only be lighter, not more durable right?

 

[youngoldbloke]

KMC x10 SL after only 200 miles

- I don't use KMC chains anymore.