Bicycle Mechanics - You are the weakest link... goodbye.

Well, I was cleaning the chain on my MTB today and happened to notice something odd... Can you spot the problem with this picture?

http://www.neebu.net/~khuon/albums/visual_tao_of_cycling/cracked_sideplate.jpg

The chain is a SRAM PC-99. Now I have some extra links from the PC-89R on my roadbike but no spare PC-99 sideplates so I used my PC-89R spares. After installing it, the link was a bit tight but after flexing the chain, it seemed to free up. I don't notice anything kinking or binding after reattching the chain and lubing. The chain seems to shift okay but I only took it for a quick spin. Does anyone see a problem with me having mixed a pair of 89R sideplates with an otherwise 99 chain? I should probably just replace the chain since it's getting up there in mileage but I have an early ride in the morning and might not be able to hit a shop beforehand.

I did a "sideplate" experiment on my tour of Tasmania over Christmas -- after my original chain tool fell apart, I got another tourer with a better one to help me re-attach the side plates. Note that these were sideplates from the same chain (which I'd only replaced in Hobart a couple of days earlier). It worked for a few weeks, but ultimately it couldn't handle the passes on Strathgordon Road. Of course, it just had to go when it was f***ing freezing and I had no movement in my fingers!

My advice to you is to just replace the chain and save all the mucking around.

I was able to find a bikeshop just before my ride. Instead of going with another SRAM chain, I decided to treat myself to a Wippermann Connex 908 chain. Okay, I know I could have really treated myself with a 9x1 chain or their $300 titanium chain but that would have been a little more than I was willing to spend on a chain. This is an amazing chain. I shifts much more smoothly than my SRAM chain ever did and I was not unhappy with the way that shifted either. The Connex connector works much like the SRAM PowerLink except that is has a V-shaped slot instead of a straight one as on the PowerLink which does inspire a little more confidence (at least visually) against accidently unlinking... not that that's ever happened with any of my SRAM chains. The price and weight were also comparable to the SRAM PC99.

Khuon, this is off topic but I was wondering if your avatar is the Zoloft mascot?

http://www.zoloft.com/images/presskit/pk_29_footer.gif

Khuon, this is off topic but I was wondering if your avatar is the Zoloft mascot?

http://www.zoloft.com/images/presskit/pk_29_footer.gif

That it is. I call it "The Blahb". I love the Zoloft ad campaign/commericals even if I'm not a Zoloft user myself.

Someone please enlighten me regarding Wipperman chains -- I have to admit this is the first time I have even heard of them. I have sworn by SRAMs and avoided Shimanos for years, but I am always open to new ideas.

Wippermann makes high-end, high price chains, as well as some good low end models that you never hear about. Their top of the line model is made of titanium, and has hollow pins. If I remember correctly, the price for that one is in the $250 range. :eek:

http://www.connexchain.com/

Wippermann makes high-end, high price chains, as well as some good low end models that you never hear about. Their top of the line model is made of titanium, and has hollow pins. If I remember correctly, the price for that one is in the $250 range. :eek:

http://www.connexchain.com/

Since I simply needed a new chain quickly and wasn't going to replace my cassette and/or chainrings, I decided to go for the middle of the lineup. When I do a drivetrain overhaul on the MTB, I'm going to spring for the 9X1. I'm not sure I could ever justify the TR chains. If I have a good experience with these chains, I'm probably going to convert my RB to a Wipperman chain too.

I typically use Wipperman chains, but decided to try a SRAM because they appear to cost a bit less. I will say, so far, that I like the connector for the Wipperman chain better than SRAM - it's easier to disconnect without the tugging/twisting that I do with the SRAM. I've noticed no perceptible difference in shifting between the two so far. The jury is still out for my longevity test as I've only put about 700 miles on my first SRAM.

I will say, so far, that I like the connector for the Wipperman chain better than SRAM - it's easier to disconnect without the tugging/twisting that I do with the SRAM.

The conneX-link seems to be easier to disconnect because you rotate them into a vertical position and can use the end part of the sideplates that stick out as convenient points to press on. The PowerLinks being a totally horizontal slot don't have any such conveniences and you are left with squeezing the smaller middle of the sideplates while at the same time sliding them inwards. This can be a bit tricky at times with a slippery chain or one that's coated in grime. Still, I've never had that much a problem getting a PowerLink apart.

Oh, it's not to say I spend hours trying to pry them apart :)

I just find the Connex link is effortless, while the SRAM requires a bit of fiddling. But, I'm not sure that one facet is worth the higher price just yet. I'm more interested in the miles I can accumulate on each brand before I decide which one I will continue to use. . . and that is a different subject entirely at this point.