Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano HG59 8 speed chain

I meant to say HG50 chain....

hello,I just installed this new chain along with a new cassette.Once I connected the chain I realized it wasn't threaded through the derailleur properly so I broke the chain in a new place and then pushed the pin back through,will this chain fail now,should I install another new one ? At the time of doing this I didn't know the pins weren't reusable

If you look carefully you should be able to locate the link with the re-used pin. I would recommend replacing it with a master link (KMC, SRAM or Wippermann all make good ones), and getting away from the whole Shimano "special joining pin" routine. Then you will be able to easily open the chain for cleaning or whatever.

Agreed. If you're a real smooth rider/shifter then the miss reused pin MIGHT not be a problem. But it's doubtful that every one is in ALL situations. Replace it ASAP. Andy.

ok thanks guys, lesson learned. am I to understand that a sram powerlink can be reused many times ? meaning the pin hole doesn't wear like other links ? I see there are 2 powerlinks on the chain I just took off,can they be reused on this new chain ?

Sram power links can be reused but every now and again just throw it away and install a new one. They are inexpensive.

All links wear out eventually; power links last well but are not immune to wear. If you have worn out the chain with the power links installed, you might consider that the power links are as worn as the chain and should be replaced soon. Having said that, they are probably a better bet not to fail suddenly than the reused Shimano pin, at least for the short term. I'd suggest using them on the new chain until you can get new ones.

All links wear out eventually; power links last well but are not immune to wear. If you have worn out the chain with the power links installed, you might consider that the power links are as worn as the chain and should be replaced soon. Having said that, they are probably a better bet not to fail suddenly than the reused Shimano pin, at least for the short term. I'd suggest using them on the new chain until you can get new ones.

thanks. the chain with the power links had only about 50% wear so it looks like what I've heard here they will be ok. I can't find the link that I originally pushed out and then back in, wonder if there's one side more likely to show this ?

ok thanks guys, lesson learned. am I to understand that a sram powerlink can be reused many times ? meaning the pin hole doesn't wear like other links ? I see there are 2 powerlinks on the chain I just took off,can they be reused on this new chain ?



Sram power links can be reused but every now and again just throw it away and install a new one. They are inexpensive.

I agree with berner. I've actually had a couple of powerlinks let loose. Not break, but just fall off. And it wasn't because I installed them wrong - this happened after at least 100-200 miles after I put them back on. Both times, the links were fairly old-ish (I don't know how old), reused many times. Now, I make sure I never use a link on more than one chain so its life isn't ever extended beyond a typical life of a chain for me.

I don't know if this applies to the Shimano 8 speed chain you have, but I thought I'd mention it. I had a shimano 8 speed chain a couple of summers ago that wouldn't accept a Sram 8 speed link. At the time, someone told me something to the effect that there's two versions of Shimano 8 speed chains and one is just a mm or so too wide for a Sram link. Hopefully someone with expertise will chime in and clarify this if anyone's interested. I don't have any 8 speed bikes any more so the info has left my brain except for a memory of the hour or so I spent trying to get that damn link on that chain!

Treat the links as part of the chain and when you replace the chain, install a new link. The links are reusable within the life time of one chain but not forever.

As to SRAM 8-speed links in Shimano 8-speed chains, I understand the Shimano's MTB chains (the IG-XX series) are indeed slightly wider than their road chains (HG-XX) and the links may not fit properly.

I don't know if this applies to the Shimano 8 speed chain you have, but I thought I'd mention it. I had a shimano 8 speed chain a couple of summers ago that wouldn't accept a Sram 8 speed link. At the time, someone told me something to the effect that there's two versions of Shimano 8 speed chains and one is just a mm or so too wide for a Sram link. Hopefully someone with expertise will chime in and clarify this if anyone's interested. I don't have any 8 speed bikes any more so the info has left my brain except for a memory of the hour or so I spent trying to get that damn link on that chain!

Welcome to Shimano idiocy. They had two different 8s lines:
- IG (InterGlide) - 7.1mm, compatible with SRAM 8s links.
- HG (HyperGlide) - 7.4mm, *not* compatible with SRAM 8s links.

I *think* I got all the details correct. My 8s IG-equipped bike was upgraded to 9s, so I no longer need to worry about the IG/HG nonsense.

Edited to add: More info in the last post on this page http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/UMBphpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=18

I use Wipperman chains with Connex links. I cinsider that the connectors wear the same as the chain, so I keep the chains and connectors married for life.

Welcome to Shimano idiocy. They had two different 8s lines:
- IG (InterGlide) - 7.1mm, compatible with SRAM 8s links.
- HG (HyperGlide) - 7.4mm, *not* compatible with SRAM 8s links.

I *think* I got all the details correct. My 8s IG-equipped bike was upgraded to 9s, so I no longer need to worry about the IG/HG nonsense.
OK, I guess I had the widths reversed but it wasn't "idiocy", it was an attempt to make the chains that shifted better for specific applications. There was no reason for Shimano to be concerned if their chains were compatible with SRAM links.

OK, I guess I had the widths reversed but it wasn't "idiocy", it was an attempt to make the chains that shifted better for specific applications. There was no reason for Shimano to be concerned if their chains were compatible with SRAM links.

I say "idiocy" for having two different incompatible 8s systems. If they want to make changes when they go to more speeds, fine, but incompatible systems of the same speed are just a PITA when replacing parts. I'm not talking about compatibility with other mfgrs, but with their own parts.

I used Shimano HG chains while ignoring their special pin for over 15 years and never had a problem removing it for thorough cleanings like old-school chains.

I switched to SRAM a couple years ago and had 2 of their quick-links fail, one popping under load and sending me over the bars and the other just coming apart as I pedaled the chain onto the pavement.

Since reusable links are so easy to clean & lube when you have a chain apart, I don't see why they might not have a longer than normal life.

I say "idiocy" for having two different incompatible 8s systems. If they want to make changes when they go to more speeds, fine, but incompatible systems of the same speed are just a PITA when replacing parts. I'm not talking about compatibility with other mfgrs, but with their own parts.
They weren't "incompatible" with each other at all. The IG chains could be used on road cassettes and cranks with absolutely no problems and I did it for years. The HG chains also worked just fine on MTB drivetrains if you wanted to do so. The differences were slight and intended to maximize compatibility with the expected gear ranges. Both types used exactly the same connecting pins.