Bicycle Mechanics - yet another chain question

i have to buy another chain for my bike next pay , before i fit it should i clean off the manutactures sticky grease & relube or just fit as is ?

I intend to leave it on and add some chain lube as well, gives some better protection against the wet climate around here.
But i don`t know about the dusty conditions...


cheers :beer:

It gunks up in dry conditions. I always remove the manufacturers grease. I also find that causes chain suck. So I just remove and put on some regular chain lube. :)

I second Maelstrom. Leaving the manufacturers grease on the chain is a sure way to end up with one huge gunked-up mess after a short ride. You'll be much better off if you remove the manufacturers grease and throw some real chain lube on.

-Moab

thanks for the info , wash &re-lube is what i,ll do cheers :beer:

all done i bought a kmc chain seems ok but i didnt use their "missing link" chain joiner, just used the chain tool ! cant see the point of the joiner if you have the tool. since fitting the new chain, gear changes seem more positive especialy on the front :beer:

I don't know KMC chains off-hand, I'm assuming the missing link, is a removable link you can put on and take off. I love those things, makes it easy to pull the chain off the bike and clean it.

Breaking and joining a chain at a normal rivet can weaken a link. For some chains, you mustn't re-use rivets. Sheldon Brown has a good explaination of the why and wherefores.
I like those master-links, and cant think of a reason to avoid them.

Originally posted by MichaelW
Breaking and joining a chain at a normal rivet can weaken a link. For some chains, you mustn't re-use rivets. Sheldon Brown has a good explaination of the why and wherefores.
I like those master-links, and cant think of a reason to avoid them.
your propably right but kmc ,s "missing link" is only a one off thing , once its on you cant break the chain there any more :mad: i had to shorten the chain anyway so i keep their link thing in my punture kit for an emergency :)

I sometimes use KMC chains. The pins have shaped ends that help to hold the chain together. When you drive a pin out with a chain tool, the ends deform and create a weak link. You really should use the missing link at the place where you broke the chain.

You're right that it isn't a true master link. They aren't made to come apart again. I have a couple of spare Missing Links. I keep one in my toolbox and another in my seat bag.

I like to use the Missing Link with Shimano chains, too. I have a deep and abiding hatred of Shimano's special rivets.

Originally posted by RegularGuy
I sometimes use KMC chains. The pins have shaped ends that help to hold the chain together. When you drive a pin out with a chain tool, the ends deform and create a weak link. You really should use the missing link at the place where you broke the chain.
oh s#1t, i,ll never find were i joined it :crash: i,ll use the link next time i take it off to clean it tho, thanks for the info.:beer:

Throw the missing link in your saddle bag in case the chain decides to break where you took it apart.

Wait till next payday.I hope your not going to spend 40 bucks on a chain.20 bucks max.

Originally posted by shokhead
Wait till next payday.I hope your not going to spend 40 bucks on a chain.20 bucks max.
its ok i,ll take a chance & stick with the KMC , its fine for my old 6 speed freewheel : NZ$ 21. :)