Bicycle Mechanics - Just took my chain off to clean, please advise

Took my chain off to clean and got it back on the bike. What should I look for if it is bent or anything else. The pin came all the way out on taking it off - which I read shouldnt come out without replacing the links? why. It seems to run smooth, what concerns should I have. thanks

Here`s what you can`t see, but may cause some problems;

1: If the pin was separated from the link, both edges from the pin can be damaged.
If you did a proper installation; this means on each side of the link there is the same edge from the pin (not bigger on one side and smaller on the other)

If you did this right, your chain will be OK , dispite the damaged edges. (its better to push the pin only through one plate instead to push it out)

2:tight link; this happens after installing the chain, the plates are to tight and the link will not move free; take the tight link in your hands and push gently with your thumbs against both sides of the link, repeat this until the link moves free.

For more info always check this great website: www.parktool.com

Before reassembling, measure the length of 24-half links. If the length exceeds 12-1/16", replace the chain to make your cogs and chainrings last longer.

Could taking the chain off numerous times - sacrifice the performance of the chain. My buddy thought that playing around with taking it on and off to clean could lose some of its performance possibly. He reccomended the cleaning box type deal that scubbs w/o to much mess, maybe less hassel?

I use a on bike chain cleaning tool some of the time but find I still need to the chain off every so often to get it really clean. I've just bought an SRAM powerlink, so providing I can work out how to undo it I should be okay... ;)

Richard

Hi Richard, Just curious, where did you get the powerlink?

I absolutely endorse the power link - mine is also SRAM, but there are others. I suspect that almost any LBS would have them. Just get the right one - they vary by number of speeds (i.e. width of chain). SRAM Gold is for 9s.

Cheers...Gary

Astra - Canterbury Cycle Mart - they do mail order but aren't the cheapest, but as the shop is five minutes walk from work...

It took me a little fiddling to connect it, and I haven't tried disconnecting it yet.

Richard

I don't like using the Power Links. I've had a couple of the them fail on me. I used to like them just for the simplicity of being able to remove the chain when I wanted to work on my bike, however I just leave it off now and pin the chain together.

I have a great Park Tool shop grade chain break tool. It nice and big, and actually stops at the perfect point allowing you to separate the links, and pop it back together without having to grow an extra arm.

For chain cleaning I use the Park Tool chain scubber. It does a wonmderful job of getting the crud off the chain after a couple weeks of hard riding and neglect. :D

Peace,
Shane

Cheers Richard, Do you have the web address ? I've tried the obvious co.uk and .com but nada :( . Cheers, Astra.