Chain problem

[Wixsteman]

Hi, when I was out on my bike last night my chain slipped off when I was in my lowest gear to climb a hill causing me to have a clip less moment . Today when I was out there was a clunking sound as I was pedalling which got worse as I went on. When I got home I’ve had a quick look at the chain and 1 of the links looks like it’s widened or is coming apart. My question is can I use pliers to try and squeeze it back or can I get new links for it or do I need a new chain? Thanks

 

[Spiderweb]

Don't try and squeeze it together using pliers. You could take out the damaged link and put in a split link but for what they cost I would get a new chain.

 

[smutchin]

Get a replacement link - if you get a Shimano Quick Link or KMC Missing Link, the new link can be fitted without tools. Although you'll need a chain breaker to remove the old link, unless it really is falling apart to the extent that you can remove it without a tool.

Make sure you get the right replacement link to match your chain (which depends on the number of gears on the rear wheel - 8/9/10/11).

 

[Wixsteman]

Thanks for your reply I’m not very technical minded so new chain might be best. I’ve only done about 400 miles so it’s pretty newish I’m wondering what could have caused it could it have been my gear changing?

 

[Wixsteman]

Hi thanks it’s Shimano Claris so I think it’s 9

 

[smutchin]

could it have been my gear changing?

Yes. Could be caused by shifting while pedalling hard (eg while going uphill).

If the chain is only 400 miles old, replacing the whole thing is overkill, and is no easier than just replacing the one broken link.

For a 9-speed chain, this is the part you need: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-9-speed-chain-links/ (worth getting one to keep in your toolkit in case your chain breaks while out on a ride)
[ETA: I think Claris is actually 8-speed, in which case this is the part you need: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-78-speed-chain-links/ - best check by counting the sprockets on your bike]

To remove the broken link, you will probably need one of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tool-chain-brute-chain-tool/

 

[Wixsteman]

Yes. Could be caused by shifting while pedalling hard (eg while going uphill).

If the chain is only 400 miles old, replacing the whole thing is overkill, and is no easier than just replacing the one broken link.

For a 9-speed chain, this is the part you need: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-9-speed-chain-links/ (worth getting one to keep in your toolkit in case your chain breaks while out on a ride)
[ETA: I think Claris is actually 8-speed, in which case this is the part you need: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-78-speed-chain-links/ - best check by counting the sprockets on your bike]

To remove the broken link, you will probably need one of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tool-chain-brute-chain-tool/

Hi thanks for your advice and time I will give it a go

 

[Cycleops]

When you replaced the chain 400m ago did you cut it to the correct length? Could be caused by this.

 

[uphillstruggler]

or by not getting the pin in correctly in the first place

 

[Wixsteman]

When you replaced the chain 400m ago did you cut it to the correct length? Could be caused by this.

Hi sorry I never made that very clear I bought the bike second hand the guy selling it said he had only done about 40 miles on it and I’ve added about 350. It was practically new. I haven’t changed the chain

 

[mikeymustard]

Defo 8 speed on Claris.
I had an 11 speed Shimano chain go after only a few rides, it wasn't even on the connecting link! And a friend's snapped the same after just a coupla hundred miles (though this may have been pilot error)

I'm surprised an 8sp could bend though

 

[Wixsteman]

Defo 8 speed on Claris.
I had an 11 speed Shimano chain go after only a few rides, it wasn't even on the connecting link! And a friend's snapped the same after just a coupla hundred miles (though this may have been pilot error)

I'm surprised an 8sp could bend though

Hi thanks it looks as if it’s coming apart or widened and jumps on the cassette

 

[mikeymustard]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sram-pc850-8-speed-chain/ for 5.99 you might as well treat yourself to a whole new chain (including powerlink)

 

[smutchin]

for 5.99 you might as well treat yourself to a whole new chain

Why? He doesn't need a whole new chain. That just seems frivolously wasteful to me.

 

[raleighnut]

Depending on damage you could use a chain tool to repair it, the other option is take that link out and replace it with a 'quicklink'