Chain Compatibility, length, links and tool
 

Hi,

I've got a general question here about chains and pares for a very long expedition.

I'm running Campag Chorus groupset and want to protect myself against failure.

Please can anyone help me out with what chains are compatible, what length variants there are, for emergencies what quick link repair options I've got and whether my Pedros chain link extractor tool will work with the option suggested, and if not what tool should I carry (with or without the extractor tool).

Thanks for your help.

EuroMinimalist

Chains are standard across the spectrum for a given number of rear speeds.

If you have 9 speeds in the back, buy 9 speed chains. 10 speeds in the back, 10 speed chains, etc. Anything from 6-8 can use the same size chain (generally). Bikes with 5 speeds in the back need "fatter" chains in order to not lose the chain between the cogs.

Hi

The chains come stock in different lengths (110, 114, 116, 118, ... links), but you need to truncate it to fit your drivetrain. There is a canonical way to determine the minimal length, https://www.sheldonbrown.com/deraile...ent.html#chain. You can leave the chain a bit longer, but then it may hang untensioned in some gears. This depends on the length of the rear derailleur.

KMC, SRAM and some others make quick links (missing links). If you have a quick link on hand, you can open it with no chain tool. You can carry a spare chain pre-cut to the right length in advance and some spare quick links.

I carry the cutoff links from sizing a new chain, along with a few quick links, so that I can splice them in to replace damaged links on the road if needed. They, along with a Park mini chain tool, weigh little and do not take up much space in my tool roll.