Originally Posted by
Cychologist
Yes, it was certainly a defective chain. New chains don't break from hard riding. In my many years of riding (over 40) and usually doing more than 3,000 miles a year, I have only needed a chain tool out on a ride once. I don't even carry one with me any longer. (I do regularily check my chain for wear and it is almost always properly lined.)
I'm only 25 years in, but yeah, I haven't had a chain break since the '80s, and I too, have given up on carrying a tool or repair bits. Apparently it does happen, obviously, but I'm still not worried about it.