cessanfrancisco

Hi,

I just converted one of my single-speed bikes to a fixed gear. I noticed that chain has a master-link. I know the chain is even more integral to safety and stopping on a FG versus a SS. So, my question is, would the master-link compromise the integrity of the chain for a FG? If so, can anyone give me a link to a tutorial on how to put a chain back together without a master-link?

Thanks in advance?

bmontgomery87

keep your master link. you don't want to have to use a chain breaker every time you need to take your chain off for something.

having a brake would be a great idea, especially considering your username/location.

molimo140

I have seen that there are screw-together master links on the super for realsies track chains, although I don't think that under normal usage a tool-less master link will be a problem.

If I'm way off base here, someone please correct me!

prooftheory

Masterlinks are perfectly safe.
If for some reason you lose the masterlink or something, the only difficulty with putting a chain back together is to make sure that you don't push the pin out all the way when you are opening it. If you push the pin out all the way you are doomed. If you don't, then you can just move the chain tool to the other side to push it back in.

cessanfrancisco

Great!

Thanks for the input. And, yes, I'm keeping the front brake

postprimepedal 

The screw-type master link is a specialty track item. It is designed for easy removal and re-installation of the chain. It is more likely to come apart than a standard master link unless you check it each time you ride. Master links have proven themselves to the point that I am not even sure you can buy a chain without one. Of course, you can still use a chain break, but why?

plowmanjoe

i don't know why, but i prefer using a chain breaker. i don't even think about it. it seems like the master link complicates things. i understand the whole stressing the chain thing, but it's not often you need to break the chain. i only need to for a thorough chain cleaning.

Bandera

You are going to need a chain rivet tool at some point if you continue cycling to replace a chain or alter gearing, might as well buy one & learn to use it properly. Refer to the Park Tool wbsite for a handy "how to".

Using a rivet tool to install a chain on a FG or SS eliminates a possible failure point w/ master links.
"Back when" you would not pass Tech Inspect w/ a master link so we never used one.

Since riding FG is essentially a 19th century technology very old school methods work just fine for chains.

-Bandera

bulmajszter

Hello,

I'm planning to buy a Shimano CN-NX01 chain. Does anyone have any experience with it? How does it work on a fixed gear track bike? Is it as good as KMC 710?

Thanks.

Balazs

GromCake

I prefer riding without a master link, but I only personally know one dude who busted his and went down because of it, and he's 6'3" and like 200 lbs so most people should be fine especially if you're using a brake.

Nagrom_

Masterlinks killed my dad

Philasteve

We need to seek revenge.

Nagrom_

He's already dead, what more can I do?

Bandera

What any Good Son would do, Vendetta!

I was there when your father sought to achieve a new Hour Record at the Brown Deer track in Wisconsin and died a horrible-really-bad-not-so-good-at-all-painful death as he manfully powered out of the start, snapped a master link and died 1 meter into the effort.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" We cried, and then when out for drinks.
Nothing like a nice cold PBR for mourning your cycling hero.

Nagrom,

Avenge your Father!

-Bandera

brabham79

Ive gotten used to no master link on my izumi v's. Just be real careful about not pushing that pin out. Practice on a spare chain. Thats what i did

Cyril 

Hello!
My name is Nagrom.
You have killed my father.
Prepare to die.

Nagrom_

Plot twist: I installed the chain.

Bandera

Seppuku is your only honorable course of action.

Do you require a Second?

-Bandera

Cyril 

Here is the sword.
Do the honorable thing.


Edit: damn, you beat me to it.

Bandera

Unless, that was not really Nagrom's father but an imposter.

-Bandera

Cyril 

Hello!
My name is Nagrom.
You have killed someone who may or may not have been my father.
You are the inventor of the masterlink.
Prepare to die.

(doesn't quite have the same ring to it.)

europa

I don't know. Add the name Nagrom into any series of random thoughts and it suddenly makes sense

nelsonfung21

master links are pretty safe but I like riding my bike with all bolt on and fixed parts so I don't use them.