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removing chain

Old 12-18-06, 09:26 PM
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removing chain

Stupid question I guess, but Ive never done it on a multispeed.(24 speed)...wothout breaking the chain. I need to really clean it.
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Old 12-18-06, 09:33 PM
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What's the question exactly? If it's "Do I have to remove the chain to clean it?", the answer is no. Get one of those clamp-on chain cleaners like this one from Park (your local Sports Authority/Rei/Academy should have something like it).
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Old 12-18-06, 10:07 PM
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Yeah, I was going to just soak it in gas but still need to know how to take a chain off just because...
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Old 12-19-06, 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by flair1111
Yeah, I was going to just soak it in gas but still need to know how to take a chain off just because...
You cannot remove a chain without breaking it (or sawing through your right chainstay or seatstay). The best online instructions for all bike maintenance is the Parktool website:

https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=25

Bob
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Old 12-19-06, 06:27 AM
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Originally Posted by flair1111
Stupid question I guess, but Ive never done it on a multispeed.(24 speed)...wothout breaking the chain. I need to really clean it.

Your question is not really clear my friend, but I think you're asking "can a chain be removed without breaking it?.

No. You cannot remove a chain from a bicycle unless you break the chain, whether that means using a chain tool to remove a rivot OR separating (breaking) the chain via a special link such as a Powerlink used on a SRAM chain.

However, you do not need to remove (break) the chain to clean it. You can clean it on the bike.

I'm assuming here that you have a Simano chain, correct? If so, Shimano chains cannot be separated without completly driving out the rivot, then when you have to join it together again, you need a special Shimano replacement rivot.

If you want to break your chain often to clean it then I suggest getting a SRAM chain with a Powerlink. That way you can just pop this special link off with your fingers and remove the chain and reinstall without ever needing a chain tool. I use them on all my bikes and remove my chain to clean.

Hope that helps.
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Old 12-19-06, 08:54 AM
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Originally Posted by flair1111
Yeah, I was going to just soak it in gas but still need to know how to take a chain off just because...
No matter how you do it don't use gas as the cleaning solvent. It's way too dangerous both from toxicity and flamability stanpoints. Either use kerosene or, better yet, one of the water based citrus cleaners like Simple Green.
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Old 12-19-06, 09:13 AM
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I second the motion: DON'T USE GASOLINE!!!!!!
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Old 12-19-06, 09:29 AM
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It should also be noted that you can use a SRAM powerlink on a shimano chain... so go ahead and break it and then spend the extra couple of bucks on the powerlink which will save you the trouble next time.
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Old 12-19-06, 10:09 AM
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Practice with a powerlink several times with a clean chain, off the bike.
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Old 12-19-06, 10:27 AM
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Originally Posted by I_bRAD
It should also be noted that you can use a SRAM powerlink on a shimano chain... so go ahead and break it and then spend the extra couple of bucks on the powerlink which will save you the trouble next time.

Ya don't say! That's good to know!
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Old 12-19-06, 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by I_bRAD
It should also be noted that you can use a SRAM powerlink on a shimano chain... so go ahead and break it and then spend the extra couple of bucks on the powerlink which will save you the trouble next time.
+1. Buy an 8 speed power link (I am guessing you are using an 8 speed chain based on the 24 speed reference). In fact, buy two and throw a spare in your repair kit in case of an emergency on the road.

A masterlink makes chain cleaning and maintenance much easier.
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Old 12-19-06, 12:22 PM
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The power link costs $5 the whole chain with the power link is $16.
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Old 12-19-06, 04:16 PM
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I know this is going to CAUSE A LOT OF DISAGREEMENT but I have used my pressure washer when I'm in a real hurry to clean the chain off. Keep the blast away from all bearings and let the chain dry off before relubing well with your snake oil of choice. No ill effects so far.
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Old 12-19-06, 05:04 PM
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Thanks guys.
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