Originally Posted by sydney
SRAM 8 speed chain with the removable link
That was the plan, I put one on order just as soon as I got the news it would fit. Thanks!
Originally Posted by meb
Not apparent whether you tried oiling the chain or not, I'd try that first see if it frees the links as often rusted or gummed up links can be broken free. If not freeable, ditch the old chain. Also measure 12 links of chain, if when stretched taught they measure less than 12 1/8" and the oiling free'd them, keep the chain. If more than 12 1/4" ditch the chain as the links-bushings are worn from running unlubed. Between there it's a subjective call.
I checked for chain stretch before I bought the bike (about a month ago), and there was none. The bike had supposedly only been ridden about 100 miles, and I would tend to believe it based on the general state of the bike. It's still 16 years old, though, and I don't believe it was ever oiled before I got it, or stored correctly. I clean and lube it thoroughly about every 100 miles, since the roads I ride alternate between dusty and rocky to oil puddles and road mud.
The chain appears to be bent in a few places, most likely that's my fault, as the chain slipped off the front gear one ride and got jammed between a pin and the crank, and i was standing and pedaling. I got lucky that I didn't fall, but the chain was probably bent then. I've bent it back a few times, but after about 20 miles it goes right back to being frozen.