Spare emergency chain.

[Jeffrey4670]

Hi, I am putting together a emergency kit for my bike. Up to date I have a spare inner tube, puncture repair kit & multi-tool kit. Is it worth carrying a spare chain? I have a Carerra Cross Fire 3 bike (8 speed) how do I find out what chain is right for my bike, it's a minefield looking on the web. Thanks.

 

[Ticktockmy]

If the Multi-tool has a Chain tool, I would not bother with a spare chain, the only time I have carried a spare chain is when I have been on one of my Long distance tours (2500+ Miles). On a few occasions riding the North downs and south downs trails, I have come across riders pushing there bikes because they have broken their chain, normally cos they have used the wrong gear and have stood on the pedals to pump up a hill. and bingo a snapped chain. in both case I have repaired the chain for them cos I have a multi tool with a chain as part of the tools. Mind you have to go some to Break a 8 speed chain, I would also use power snap links on your chain.

 

[Davidc]

More or less as Ticktockmy. I carry a cheap and small chain breaker and a quick link (SRAM version).

I've only had 3 chains go in 50 years so it's the first thing left at home if I run out of room in my tool bag.

 

[Easytigers]

Also have a breaker that I carry and a quick link...no idea how to actually use it but hoping I'll work it out if worse comes to worse (or will try and flag down someone who does!!!).

 

[mrandmrspoves]

as above....a spare chain is quite a heavy item. A couple of quick links and a chain tool should keep you mobile.

 

[Jeffrey4670]

If the Multi-tool has a Chain tool, I would not bother with a spare chain, the only time I have carried a spare chain is when I have been on one of my Long distance tours (2500+ Miles). On a few occasions riding the North downs and south downs trails, I have come across riders pushing there bikes because they have broken their chain, normally cos they have used the wrong gear and have stood on the pedals to pump up a hill. and bingo a snapped chain. in both case I have repaired the chain for them cos I have a multi tool with a chain as part of the tools. Mind you have to go some to Break a 8 speed chain, I would also use power snap links on your chain.

Yes, my multi-tool has a chain tool. Won't bother with a spare then. I have from Halfords (Clarks chain link connector 5-8 speed) x 2 connectors, I assume that is a power snap links you mentioned. Thanks for your advice, most grateful.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Yes, my multi-tool has a chain tool. Won't bother with a spare then. I have from Halfords (Clarks chain link connector 5-8 speed) x 2 connectors, I assume that is a power snap links you mentioned. Thanks for your advice, most grateful.

Yep the Clarks snap links will do fine.

 

[numbnuts]

If you want to add something add this Emergency Replacement Spoke
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/fiber-fix-emergency-replacement-spoke-prod20155/
and a Hypercracker used to take the cassette off without using a chain whip
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=stein+mini+cassette&_frs=1

 

[mcshroom]

I think I would get a NBT2 instead of a hypercracker - http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b88s0p0

 

[jonny jeez]

More or less as Ticktockmy. I carry a cheap and small chain breaker and a quick link (SRAM version).

I've only had 3 chains go in 50 years so it's the first thing left at home if I run out of room in my tool bag.

Blimey, I've had two in 5 years....I must be buying cheap chains.

 

[numbnuts]

I've only had 3 chains go in 50 years so it's the first thing left at home if I run out of room in my tool bag.

I've never had a chain break in 29,000 + miles

 

[jazzkat]

I've only ever had a chain snap after I neglected it.
What can I say, I was young, it got oil but I never checked it for stretch and one day just as I started to pound up a steep hill on my MTB....
Snap, scared the wotsit out of me, not to mention the near miss between top tube and the 'ol fun plums!
For ages afterwards I took out 1/2 dozen links of chain (the bit you cut off when you buy a new one). These days if I think about it, I might take a quick link out with me but my chains are obsessively looked after these days and I'd be surprised if I ever snapped another.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Funnily enough, while out for a spin last week I passed a young couple on the side of the road. He had his bike upside down and initialy as I was in a hurry I just sped past ( sped is not the honest operative term!) but then my conscience got the better of me so I turned back to see if they needed a hand. His chain had snapped and the only tool they had was a bell end multi spanner (sounds like an insult!) They were stressed because they had half an hour to get 3 miles and collect their young children from school. I put on a pair of surgeon's gloves, got my Crank Bros multi tool out and used the chain breaker to remove the damaged link and then used one of my KMC quick links to join the chain again. Job done in less than 5 minutes from start to end - and a very grateful young couple to boot. Always good to carry the essentials, and nice to be able to help a fellow cyclist

 

[Gravity Aided]

I actually sheared off the ends of one of my chain links. I keep one of the chain plates on my keychain, to remind me to buy better chains.(and to show people I can shear off a chain pin).

 

[the_mikey]

I carry a couple of KMC quick links and a small piece of chain (the bit that's left over after breaking the chain to fit it). Keep a spare chain at home so it's ready to fit when you need it.