What would cause this?

[Aiden_23]

I know the obvious been poor maintanene this was a silly mistake and I am raging as I wanted to start commuting again this week. The next question is how do I replace the chain, and what chain do I buy??? I done a 5 miler today and the chain kept slipping, had to return to the house early. I am not that confident it will last the 22 mile commute.

 

[MrJamie]

Eeep :O

What speeds the cassette? Your chain should match it, then you can buy a cheapy one or a more pricey more durable one.

If your chain has been too worn, you might have worn your cassette teeth out too and need to replace that.

 

[AndyRM]

I wouldn't risk that. Looks like it could fail at any point. Could potentially belt you in the leg or damage your bike.

A new chain will depend on the set up you have on your bike. If you're unsure take it to your LBS.

Or post what you have here and someone will help out I'm sure. I need bed myself!

 

[Nebulous]

Is it a KMC chain?

I had a 9 speed KMC chain crack like that the night before the Etape Caledonia. Fortunately the Bike shop in Pitlochry was still open to sell me a new one. Difficult to say what caused it - replace it and move on I would say.

 

[subaqua]

5 to 8 speed chains are the same width and compatible across the SRAM Shimano platforms, not sure about campagnolo stuff as i could never afford that , it might work.
9 speed are slightly narrower and work with 9 speed cassettes only
10 speed are narrower still and work with 10 speed cassettes only

have no idea whats caused that to happen to your chain though. a lazy way of getting yougoing again would be to use power links to replace the broken links, but if 2 have gone i think more are likely.

get a new chain and fit it using info here http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#chain .

 

[ianrauk]

DO NOT USE THAT CHAIN!

 

[sidevalve]

ianrauk is right - bin it now. Even the cheapy cheapy chains I tend to use [sorry, tight yorkshireman] have done that. That's an accident waiting to happen.

 

[fossyant]

That's a disaster about to happen. Fortunately you saw it.

KMC are great chains and have a wide variety in different wallet denting prices. As said 5-8 speed chains are all the same. 9 speed chains will work fine on 7 or 8 speed systems (I've got a 9 speed chain on a 7 speed MTB and a 8 speed road bike).

 

[Aiden_23]

Not sure what type of chain it is but going to head to the LBS later this week.On the spec for the bike it is a SunRace 9 Speed? Thanks for the help guys I will NOT be going out on this just need to wait for my new Boardman or scrape up some pennied for a new chain. How much should I be looking to spend on a chain?

 

[subaqua]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=148

from £14, upwards to silly money.

 

[al78]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=148

from £14, upwards to silly money.

What exactly are you getting for the "silly money" chains compared to the cheaper chains? Is it increased durability, reduced weight or just the bling factor?

 

[daSmirnov]

2g lighter, plus yellow!!! Sweet!!!! Here's £150.

I'll stick to my 12 quid Shimano HG53 chain

 

[Gary E]

Not sure what type of chain it is

Am I missing something here?

In the images you posted it has "SUNRACE" and "9SPEED" stamped into the links as well as the Sunrace logo.

As above - do not use the chain.
Don't be tempted to just replace the damaged links either, the other links will almost certainly be over-stressed too.

Good spot though!

 

[Aiden_23]

If I am been honest I never even thought to look on the chain for any markings as I wouldnt have known this was a brand name anyway. My chain knowledge isnt the best. I am going to keep a couple of links and throw them in my tupperware dish with the rest of my in an emergency open tub supplies. I will also have a wee practice with my chain tool as when removing the chain today I was pretty pants with it!!!! I have convinced the Misses to let me get a new bike on the C2W so hope I can pick up a chain in the budget. Thanks for the advice and I will stick to the bling in my teeth brat!!!! brat!!!! and just buy a cheap chain.

 

[Gary E]

A well maintained new cheap chain will out perform an expensive old deteriorated one. I use a cheap KMC and Mickle it regularly. If you buy an expensive chain the temptation is to get the most possible use out of it. With a cheap chain I have no such problem, if in doubt I change it
As for keeping a few links from this chain, I'd be a bit worried that if I used it to repair a broken chain I'd just be introducing a weak link that would let me down later (either due to a manufacturing defect or deterioration over time this chain should not be trusted).
I carry 5 or 6 links of new chain and a quick-link on my ride all the time.
Quite often when you fit a new chain you need to remove a few links to get the length right, keep them for just such a use.
I bet even if you don't end up doing this there'll be someone on here that can pop a few links in the post to you.