Bicycle Mechanics - Broken Sram chain - what now?

My Sram 1090 chain broke today. Two questions: (1) Can I use a second Power Link? (2) Can I take a pin out of one of the links I saved when I shortened it and re-use it? My gut tells me both might be risky. I was lucky this time when it broke; but I've heard some horror stories.

Use option #1.

A second powerlink won't hurt a thing. The first one didn't, did it?

Reusing pins on the other hand is asking for trouble. Modern chain pins are peened to hold the outer plate. Pressing them removes the peening, which is why powerlinks and Shimano's special pins must be used.

If you're really in doubt, replace the chain. I would gladly pay $20 to not rack my jewels on the top tube, gash my leg on the chainring, deal with roadrash, etc...

Did it break because of improper install or because it is overly worn?

Second powerlink will work, but how old is your chain? If you have a bunch of miles on it, you might be better off with a new one.

Any idea why it broke? Had you fiddled with any of the chain pins when you installed the chain or anything?

I would probably just replace it. Cheap peace of mind.

Keep I mind that if you do replace the chain, depending on mileage you my have to replace the cassette, if you experience skipping problems on the rear.


I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.
- Thomas Jefferson (http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/31912.html)

+1 to all the above.

Not sure what happened; chain is only about 3 months old; no more than 500-600 miles. It didn't break at the Power Link, but at one of the normal links. It's a mystery to me why it broke so soon. After reading the responses I'm leaning toward replacing it.

Stuff happens. Broke new chain when it got hung up on an attempted down shift while going up a steep hill. Second master link is the answer if the chain is not worn.

I broke my yesterday too, but mine was because I let the quads go. OOPS! :D

(actually I just a broke the masterlink)