Originally Posted by
dannwilliams
Mine failed because something lodged in one of the jockey wheels on the rear derailleur, I was going uphill loaded, and I forced the pedals when it locked up. If I had stopped, and checked for the problem, I would not have broken the chain. But I did not, and broke the chain. I repaired roadside with no difficulty. Now I carry a spare chain, not much weight penalty in the total perspective: rider 195, bike 30+, gear 40+, spare chain a few ounces.
Instead of carrying a whole chain, most chains are made at least 2-3 links longer then needed, so when installing a new chain, get a 35mm film can or a zippered plastic bag, pop the extra links in. and stuff it into your tool bag. If you break a link, you remove the broken link and put one of the spares in and your good to go. If your chain requires replacement pins toss a few of those in with the links.
Chains break for 1 of 3 reasons:
1) Defective chain
2) Poorly maintained chain.
3) Damaged chain.
The only real difference between a 6 speed chain and a 10 speed chain, is that the 10 speed chain is much narrower and likely to wear faster.