Originally Posted by
RubeRad
I've been very happy with all the tools (and the price) on the Nashbar Woody. Just a few weekends ago I used the chain tool for the first time on the road when a friend busted a chain in a group ride. Can't remember if he had a thinner 9sp+ chain or something older (the bike was a Tiagra-equipped Bianchi Volpe if that helps pin it down).
For those that mention master links; are you saying in addition to a chain tool you also carry a spare master link in case your master link breaks, or are you saying it is somehow possible to slap a master link on to replace a broken link?
Yes, I carry a master link. If you just break one link then hopefully the master link will get it back to exactly the right length. Even if that's not the case, with 10speed chains you'll either need a master link or a single pin because you can't easily push a pin out and then back in the way you can with a 7-9 speed chain. With a master link (I use wipperman for my shimano chain) you can just push a pin out, slip on the master link and roll. That is MUCH easier than trying to get the new pin in and they weigh virtually nothing. Using a master link also allows you to just take your chain off, clean it thoroughly with no mess and put it back in easily. It's SO much easier to clean a chain that has a master link...easier and better.