Bicycle Mechanics - Broke a Wipperman chain - TWICE!

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View Full Version : Broke a Wipperman chain - TWICE!

Da Tinker
06-09-09, 03:27 PM
After my usual weekend morning ride with the gang, I was cruising home. Starting out from a stop sign, my chain broke, and I managed to stay upright. Whipped out the multi-tool & repair link, fixed the chain and continued home. Next stop light, the chain broke again as I was starting up. Again, I managed to not fall. At that point, I gave up and called the bride for a ride.

This is a Wipperman 10sX chain, with about 1100 miles on it. Minimal wear by my gauge & regularly lubed with ProLink Gold. In both cases, an outer side plate broke around the pin hole. I have never replaced a pin, always using Wipperman Connex links to join the chain. The two breaks were 9 links apart and don't recall ever doing anything that could have kinked the chain, nor was I really pulling hard when the chain broke.

A search turns up some other Wipperman breaks. What say you?

DMF
06-10-09, 12:37 PM
I'd say Wipperman should see that chain.
DaveSSS
06-10-09, 01:18 PM
Wipperman has had problems with their stainless steel outer plate material in the past. The outer plates cracked around the pin hole. Obviously, toss that chain.

I really like the connex link, but I've never been impressed with Wipperman chains.

Garthr
06-10-09, 01:23 PM
I say contact Wipperman.

I'd hesitate to use another.
Da Tinker
06-10-09, 02:29 PM
Agreed. I have a message into Wipperman via their website. And I am holding onto the chain.
Wordbiker
06-10-09, 03:11 PM
Sounds to me they had a bad batch that was hardened a little too much.
nitropowered
06-10-09, 07:17 PM
They had a bad batch a while back. You might have gotten a chain from that batch.

No worries, they'll send you a new one (after you send your old one in)
Da Tinker
06-11-09, 05:15 AM
No worries, they'll send you a new one (after you send your old one in)

But will I trust it? Snapping a chain in a full-on sprint can sting a bit.... :eek:
AEO
06-11-09, 05:25 AM
new batch, better results.
Garthr
06-11-09, 06:10 AM
A new chain may be from a "new" batch, the fact that chains are breaking says they lack some QC. They should be finding this out before it goes to the public, as the public is not their crash test dummies.
xB_Nutt
06-11-09, 11:39 AM
Step one: Buy a Sram chain.
Step two: Send Wipperman back for replacement.
Step three: Sell Wipperman when you receive it or keep it for a spare.
This way you will not be without a bike while you wait for the new chain.
AEO
06-11-09, 11:51 AM
every company gets a bad batch sooner or later. seeing as how wipperman just had theirs, they are unlikely to have yet another one.

if it happens again with your new chain, something tells me that I should sell off all my wipperman stocks.