Bicycle Mechanics - Snapped My Chain Tonight

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abmo
04-07-05, 10:15 PM
Hi I broke My chain tonight, and I just want verify I fixed it properly. one of the links looks like it got twisted so I used the Chain tool on my mini tool to pop out the rivets on the next link, and I removed the damaged link and the adjoining link. I then used the chain tool to push the rivet back. Is there any thing else I have to know? and also is there a problem that my chain is now 2 links shorter? I ride a Raleigh C500 Hybrid and these are the specs. Thanks


Sizes 50cm, 53cm, 56cm, 59cm, 62cm
Colors Duke Silvers
Frame Atomic 13 R Double Butted Aluminum
Fork CF02 Alloy
Headset Threadless A-Head
Crankset Truvativ Touro A1 30/42/52t
Bottom Bracket Sealed Cartridge
F. Derailleur Shiman FD-443A
R. Derailleur Shimano Sora RD-3300
Shift Lever Shimano R440
Cog Set Shimano 8spd HG50 (12-25t)
Chain SRAM PC-950
Hubset 32h Alloy Joytech Front /Shimano RM40 Cassette Rear
Spokes 14G Stainless Black
Rims Alex Ace 18 Double Wall
Tires Vittoria Rondanneur 700 x 35c w/puncture protection
Brakes Tektro 845AL
Brake Levers Tektro
Pedals Platform w/Alloy Cage
Handlebar Flat Alloy 600mm
Grips Raleigh
Stem Alloy Adjustable Ahead
Seatpost Alloy Micro Adjust 27.2 x 350mm
Saddle Avenir SRS Road

ivan_yulaev
04-07-05, 11:25 PM
Make sure that you did not create a stiff link. You probably did, what you have to do now is grab the chain on both sides of the stiff link and flex gently back and forth, until the link comes free again.
Michel Gagnon
04-07-05, 11:40 PM
If I understood correctly, you also shortened the chain.

While at home, you should check whether or not your chain is long enough. Do the following.
1. Use one of the middle cogs (rear gears).
2. Move the chain to the largest chainring.
3. Move the chain towards the larger cogs, one gear at a time, and check that there still is some slack in the chain. Be especially careful when you are in the second gear and try to assess that you have enough slack left to move onto the first gear (largest cog).
4. If OK, shift slowly to the first gear, but be prepared to shift down ASAP if anything seems to pull.

Normally, when you are on large-large, there should be approximately 1 link of play available to the derailleur. If things are too tight, the chain will try to pull out the derailleur, and one of these things will occur:
- derailleur pulleys will break
- derailleur will break
- derailleur or derailleur hanger will bend.

In either case, it's likely to fly into the spokes, stopping you dead right there. And repair is probably expensive.

sakarias
04-07-05, 11:51 PM
The shorter chain may cause problems shifting to the larger rings and larger cogs when with some gear combos, you might run out of chain. When I install a new chain, I usually end up with a few extra links. I save these for chain repair like you needed to do. Though, in 30 years of riding each, my wife and I have never broken a chain.

Chains are fairly cheap. You might consider treating your drive train to a new one. Thought, if you have been using your current chain for a long time, your cogs/rings may be worn enough to cause a new chain to skip.