So i was riding one day, and a branch somehow (dont ask me how i never saw that big thing in my way) caught between the cog and my chain, and broke JUST ONE chain link. Do i need to replace the entire chain or just that one broken link. It was NOT a master link, and a LBS guy said I could replace the link with a master link which cost like $2. any help would be greatly appreciated.....

havent been able to ride in a week since I dont drive and the nearest LBS is 20 miles away =p

As long as the rest of the chain is fine, you should be able to get a new link and put it in. Check your chain wear though, because if your chain is worn out, you might as well replace the whole thing now.

LBS guy's right. Prolly a good move to take the chain in with you, since their widths vary

ok. I just cant find a video/tutorial on how to actually replace the individual link. I looked around online, and almost all videos online/tutorials tell you how to replace the whole damn chain. NOT ONE tutorial tells me how to change the individual link. =[

Most chains today can have links replaced but you're going to have to get to an LBS or on the internet and buy a chain tool if you don't already have one, plus buy a link.

Here's a summary site that shows how to do it: https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Broken-Bicycle-Chain

Here's another site with more detail: https://www.utahmountainbiking.com/fix/chainfix.htm

You don't need a master link to fix this though, but just remember links are removed by pushing out the retaining pin almost completely from the "female" link and rejoined with the "male" link by pushing the pin back in. The only difference between fixing a broken chain and replacing it, is that you remove the broken link and toss it. If the chain is too short and won't fit, you have to add a link. They don't sell those, so you have to get a link from a spare chain or simply buy a new chain and install. But you can buy a KMC missing link unless you have a single speed (which is why the LBS recommended a master link??) then you will need to get a master link.

If you decide just to buy a new chain keep the old one for spare links.

Also if you have a geared bike, not a fixed gear bike, you can remove the broken link, if you have a chain tool, reconnect the chain minus one or two links and still ride the bike, but you may not be able to shift into either the first or last gear, but you could ride it to the LBS 20 miles away like that with no problems.

ok heres my issue. I KNOW HOW TO TAKE THE CHAIN OUT, I KNOW HOW TO USE A CHAIN TOOL. I DONT NEED ANOTHER WEBSITE TELLING ME HOW TO GET THE CHAIN OUT OF THE SPROCKET. they gave me a master link. The part of the chain that broke was the inside plate. Even trying to fix this on my own i cant seem to do it. I cant simply toss the old link (the one that directly contacts the bushings) and throw in the master link......because it doesnt seem to be working and there are no videos showing how to do this.........


i have a FG/SS.


Sorry if I sound *****y. I am a little anxious to get back on the road. But yeah. It was the "inner" chain link that broke, and I dont have a spare chain. It is a KMC 1/8 ftmfw!

From the following link (no pun intended):
https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=25

"Master-Links in Derailleur Chains

Some chain manufacturers offer a "master-link" to join the chain. Be sure to read the manufacturers directions. Typically, the bicycle chain ends must have inner plates on each end. In other words, neither chain end has an outer plate with a rivet. The link comes in two pieces.

Install one piece through inside face of chain, and install second piece through outside of the other chain end. Engage the two pieces so link rivet mates to link plate hole. Pull chain to lock the link. The best method to do this is to move master link to top section between rear cogs and front chainrings and press hard on pedals. This insures the link is fully locked. Inspect link before riding the chain."

haha thanks guys. I really do appreciate the help from all of you. Im still learning the ropes of bicycle repair so I dont have to rely on the LBS. Im just a little angry cause I was supposed to have the entire chain replaced on Fri, but my wallet got stolen with the money for the chain. Thursday the weather rained me in, and i couldnt do anything today.


Im just real anxious.


thanks a bunch. Ill let you know whats up =p

Since it's an inner link and you have no spares, your chain is gonna have to end up 1" shorter. Master link obviously won't help you.

To replace the inner links on a riveted pin chain, you'll need two inner links (the LBS should have a short piece of extra chain laying around) and two master links. However, given the cheap cost of single speed chains (I've seen some for $8), why not just replace the whole chain? It's been through a pretty ugly ordeal with that tree branch.