Triban 3 New Chain

[Boopop]

So I measured the chain on my Triban 3 I've had for a while now with the chain checker - it's at .75 (Fortunately it doesn't drop in at 1%). I've read that this means I need a new chain. Five questions -

1. Which chain do I need to get?
2. What's the the difference between a dirt cheap one and an expensive one?
3. How much would be a reasonable amount to spend on a chain for a £300 bike?
4. What tools do I need to replace it?
5. Can someone recommend me a guide on how to do it?

Thanks for the help everyone. I would Google it but I'd feel much more comfortable having advice from everyone on here and get everything right the first time!

 

[ianrauk]

Get a KMC 8 speed chain, They are far better then Shimano chains and not expensive. Perfect for what you need.
Just do a google for the best online price.
You don't need special tools as the chain comes with a 'missing link' which means you can take the chain off to clean and put back on easily.

HERE you go

 

[gbb]

As Ian says, a KMC is perfect, but does your existing chain come with a quick link (i suspect it doesnt) which means you may need a chain splitter to get your existing one off.

Here's a thought while i'm sitting here...assuming a rivetted chain is on there, could you just remove the rear wheel and derailleur jockey wheels and get the chain off that way, i'm trying to visualise it ?

 

[subaqua]

i beleive that the tribans are fitted with a KMC chain as standard. the decathlon you got it from sell Btwin boxed chains which are KMC chains for about £8. thats whats fitted to eldest sprogs bike that gets cleaned once in a blue moon

 

[ianrauk]

As Ian says, a KMC is perfect, but does your existing chain come with a quick link (i suspect it doesnt) which means you may need a chain splitter to get your existing one off.

Here's a thought while i'm sitting here...assuming a rivetted chain is on there, could you just remove the rear wheel and derailleur jockey wheels and get the chain off that way, i'm trying to visualise it ?

No, as the chain would be through the rear triangle/chain stay.
As it's going to be thrown away you can always cut through it with a pair of heavy duty cutters if you don't have a chain breaker.

 

[HLaB]

SRAM is another good contender, I often find they are cheaper.

 

[MrJamie]

I think the chain goes around the chainstay, but i seem incapable of visualising a bike right now

I went for one of these on my hybrid http://www.parker-international.co.uk/10576/KMC-X8-99-Silver-Bike-Chain.html You can go cheaper, but its hardly a big saving. List of their 8 speed chains here http://www.kmcchain.eu/?en/products/multiple_speed/8_speed_derailleur/

 

[HovR]

As it's going to be thrown away you can always cut through it with a pair of heavy duty cutters if you don't have a chain breaker.

That's one way to take an old chain off, but I'm not sure it's the recommended method of shortening a new chain to the correct length.

You'll need a chain tool.

 

[Boopop]

Eek that all looks fantastically easy and cheap . Thanks for the help everyone - this saves me a trip to the bike mechanic for a while!

 

[ianrauk]

That's one way to take an old chain off, but I'm not sure it's the recommended method of shortening a new chain to the correct length.

You'll need a chain tool.

oh yes indeed.

 

[Boopop]

Oh and I've checked, it has a missing link already.

 

[HovR]

Oh and I've checked, it has a missing link already.

You'll still need a chain tool to shorten the new chain to the correct length (so don't throw the old chain away just yet, you'll use that as a reference).

Once of these chain tools will do the job fine.

Budget/Value For Money - XTools chain tool - It'll do the job fine but may wear out before more expensive models.

Intermediate - Park Tool compact chain tool - A high quality compact chain tool. Compact means it'll fit in your bike seat-pack, but may require a little more effort to use.

More Expensive - Park Tool regular chain tool - Slightly more expensive than other models, but Park Tools are of a very high quality and should last you for life, provided they are taken care of.

 

[Peteaud]

Oh and I've checked, it has a missing link already.

Little tip i found with missing links.

Wash / clean with a little wd40
squeeze the links together ans wiggle as if you are trying to break the chain, but dont force, and the missing link should come apart.
Dont bin it, keep it in your saddle bag for emergency use.

 

[Boopop]

Another update...I checked the chainset, and it's worn, one of them looks like a shark's tooth! Is this normal? I've probably done about 1200 miles on this bike. Do I need to replace the cassette too then? This is getting expensive

 

[Peteaud]

If the cassette is shot then yes change it with the chain..