SRAM Powerlink - Shimano HG70 chain

[Gixxerman]

I recently bought a MTB that had a powerlink fitted and noted how easy it was to remove the chain for cleaning. So I decided to fit one to my Trek 7.3FX hybrid. The hybrid had not long had a new HG70 chain fitted. So I bought my 8-speed power links from CRC (Powerlink).

So tonight I set to and decided to fit it. So I quickly whip out a link an try to fit the powerlink.
However, no amount of manipulating could get the link to close.
I thought the link was faulty so I tried another, but that wouldn't close either.
The link would close OK off the chain, but not on the chain.
The problem seems to be that the Powerlink pin is not long enough to go through the chain and leave enough poking out to get the sideplate of the Powerlink to engage in the slot in the pin.
I tried to squash it a bit with some pliers, but it would still not squeeze enough to get the sideplate to fit in the slot in the pin.

So now I have a broken chain and no way to link it. I tried to reassmble the link that I took out, but I can't manage it. So now I have a knackered chain. Not happy!

It info for the Powerlink never said anything about not being compatible with Shimano chains.
Any ideas anyone?

 

[HLaB]

My guess would be you've got a narrower 9 or 10 speed powerlink rather than the 6-8sp link needed for your chain.

 

[Gixxerman]

My guess would be you've got a narrower 9 or 10 speed powerlink rather than the 6-8sp link needed for your chain.

Nope. Just checked the links and they have 8 Spd stamped on them.
Maybe the chain is 7 speed and I need 7 speed Powerlinks.
The HG70 chain is described as 7/8 speed. Hmmm.

 

[Banjo]

You have probably tried this allrready but to close the powerlinks on my bikes I uisually need to line it up as best as possible get the link to the top then apply a bit of foot pressure to the pedals with the brakes on.PS SRAM and Shimano are compatible.

Not sure about the 7/8 speed thing . one of my bikes is Shimano 8 speed other is shimano 10 speed both have SRAM power links.

 

[MacB]

yep, there are 7 speed powerlinks as well

 

[HLaB]

Nope. Just checked the links and they have 8 Spd stamped on them.
Maybe the chain is 7 speed and I need 7 speed Powerlinks.
The HG70 chain is described as 7/8 speed. Hmmm.

If it was 7 sp I think it should have still fitted, afaia 6 to 8 speed chains are the same width its only 9 and 10 sp which vary, unless its a campy link

 

[Gixxerman]

You have probably tried this allrready but to close the powerlinks on my bikes I uisually need to line it up as best as possible get the link to the top then apply a bit of foot pressure to the pedals with the brakes on.PS SRAM and Shimano are compatible.

Don't think that is going to work, as the sideplate is not even lined up with the grove in the pin, so no amount of force will get it to engage.
It looks very much like the powerlink pin is just not long enough for the width of the chain.
I will go get a 7-speed powerlink and see if that fits.

 

[Tim Hall]

FWIW, you are not alone. I had the same problem trying to fix a couple of chains on May's FNRTTC. I ended up popping a rivet out and shortening the chain instead.

 

[Gixxerman]

Maybe these are the ones I need?
Connecting link

STOP PRESS:
The LBS has kindly agreed to have alook at my chain and try one of their links and also examine my links. If they get mine to fit, then no cost. If they get one of their to fit it will be £2.

 

[PoweredByVeg]

I had exactly same problem, so had to apply a lot of pedal force to get it to close!

Shan't bother with sram again. KMC, Clarks or Wipperman loads better, just wish Shimano did them as standard

 

[TheDoctor]

The SRAM powerlinks are fine, it's just that they don't work with Shimano 7 speed chain.
I had exactly this problem.

They work fine with SRAM chain, it's almost as if they're made for it...

 

[slowmotion]

SRAM take the piss with their prices.


http://www.evanscycles.com/products...oogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=froogle

 

[2Loose]

EVANS take the piss with their prices.


http://www.evanscycl...ampaign=froogle

FTFY


http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/sram-powerlink-gold-item41718.html

 

[Davidc]

I've made it work but with some difficulty.

I've found recently that SRAM chains are cheaper than Shimano, and they last longer, so no problems with powerlinks at all now.

Although compatible there are differences between SRAM and Shimano parts. I find I need to slightly readjust the rear mech between their cassettes, and there's a distinct difference in the sound from the two maker's chains.

I have never yet managed to get the Shimano equivalent of the powerlink (which they supply with their chains) to work.

 

[Cubist]

SRAM take the piss with their prices.


http://www.evanscycl...ampaign=froogle

What? £3,75 each?!
£3.99 for 3 at CRC