Cleaning and lubing my chain today I noticed this on one of the links. Is this broken? Can I get away with removing the link or do I need a new chain?
by davbob11
Cleaning and lubing my chain today I noticed this on one of the links. Is this broken? Can I get away with removing the link or do I need a new chain?
by davbob11
5 Comments
Buy a chain tester, it’s not worth much and it will tell you precisely if your chain is worn.
As it stands in the photo, nothing seems abnormal to me.
Replace. That chain looks pretty worn anyway. Chains are not that expensive compared to dental surgery.
Replace cracked chains, they’ll break when you don’t want them to break.
If you value your shins and/or your teeth, yes.
As a shop mechanic of many many years. I am see this type of chain breakage a lot, from all brands. Thought the 1st few where just counter fit, or someone who soaked overnight in degreaser(causing hydrogen embrittlement). But Now I see way to many and from customers bikes I sold a chain to so I know where it came from, and a few who I do all and I mean all maintenance on so I know its not poor care.
Thing with this type of break. Is the big crack you notice and may only be one. But if you look closely and with a magnifier you will see micro cracks that haven’t spread out yet, in at least 25% of the chain both on the outer facing side and on the inner facing side.
Either way if you see this, replace chain at once. DO NOT RIDE, DO NOT REPLACE ONLY THE CRACKED LINK. new chain or dont ride.
Buy a chain checker rated for 11/12 speed chains and replace early than you think you need to. wash and lube your chain correctly and inspect inside and outside of every link when you do. Take time yes, but worth it. Trust me I have seen the result of broken chains, at best frame damage and annoyance. at worst lost teeth broken bones and frame, or worse.