Hey everyone,
My 10-speed MTB chain snapped recently at around ~2000 km. I shortened it by one link, but then I noticed another link has a cracked side plate too.
Now I’m wondering — is this normal wear, or does it point to something else (bad chain, drivetrain issue, wrong installation, etc.)?
2000 km doesn’t seem that much to me, so I’m a bit surprised to see multiple weak spots.
I’ll attach photos — any ideas what could cause this?
by Icy_Price7733
6 Comments
Time for new chain if it is new buy somewhere else I feel that it must a fake as I have not had this problem since the 80s
That doesn’t seem like normal wear. Any chance the chain is a fake?
Potentially fake ?
Depending on the cleaner you use I believe hydrogen embrittlement can be an issue.
Counterfeit chain. Almost certainly.
Buy your replacement chain and other parts from a local bike shop or a reputable online dealer (Jenson USA, Performance Bike, REI, that lot).
Amazon and Ebay vendors: some of them are, umm, not reputable.
YBN is a very well-known cheap Chinese manufacturer. Try to avoid their products. Regarding chains, I recommend KMC 10EL for your 10 speed system. Works excellent and wears slowly. Do check if your front and rear sprockets are in suitable wear-state for a new chain or do they need to be replaced as well.
New chain time. Buy from reputable place or LBS. I use Bike Tires Direct. Never any issues with Quality with their parts.