Chain is too short, what are my options?
02-01-11, 09:25 PM
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Chain is too short, what are my options?
Option 1, I know, is buy a new chain! However money is really tight right now so I'm trying to save some coin.
I bought a Shimano HG53 chain from ebay and got a great price. Once I went to install it I realized why--it was only 108 links. I checked the listing and sure enough, in the fine print it discloses this and says it cannot be returned.
Question is, are the HG73, 53 links compatible? I have a too short 9 speed hg73 chain as well and would like to combine the two to make one long enough chain. I'm hoping that just the finish on the links is different and that they are otherwise identical.
Thanks!
I bought a Shimano HG53 chain from ebay and got a great price. Once I went to install it I realized why--it was only 108 links. I checked the listing and sure enough, in the fine print it discloses this and says it cannot be returned.
Question is, are the HG73, 53 links compatible? I have a too short 9 speed hg73 chain as well and would like to combine the two to make one long enough chain. I'm hoping that just the finish on the links is different and that they are otherwise identical.
Thanks!
02-01-11, 09:30 PM
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provided they are the same width I think you'll be OK. if not go over to International and ask Harold for a few HG53 links.
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02-01-11, 09:41 PM
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It would be nice if you could go to your LBS and ask for a section of Shimano HG53 or HG73 (maybe 2 or 3 links). That way you can have all new links on your chain. You will need to use either 2 replacement pins or 1 replacement pin & 1 Missing Link type connector link. I am sure the 2-3 link section would be just hanging around at the store. Maybe for the cost of a couple pins or 1 pin & 1 Missing Link you could receive the links free. 
02-01-11, 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by TLCFORBIKES
It would be nice if you could go to your LBS and ask for a section of Shimano HG53 or HG73 (maybe 2 or 3 links). That way you can have all new links on your chain. You will need to use either 2 replacement pins or 1 replacement pin & 1 Missing Link type connector link. I am sure the 2-3 link section would be just hanging around at the store. Maybe for the cost of a couple pins or 1 pin & 1 Missing Link you could receive the links free.
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Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
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02-01-11, 10:42 PM
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Save money on eBay = Pay more money at a bike shop. I'm sure bike shops realize that, as a lot of the shops I go to, get stuff off eBay as well. Signs of the times...
Meanwhile, you might have to stay in the smallest cogs front and rear until your next payday.
Meanwhile, you might have to stay in the smallest cogs front and rear until your next payday.
02-02-11, 01:33 AM
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I have an older long chainstay stumpjumper frame, every time I buy a new chain I buy a few extra links
from them of the same chain, to fit my needed extra length.
Cannot do that on ebay. patronize your local businesses.
from them of the same chain, to fit my needed extra length.
Cannot do that on ebay. patronize your local businesses.
02-02-11, 07:29 AM
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Originally Posted by xizangstan
I'm sure bike shops realize that, as a lot of the shops I go to, get stuff off eBay as well. Signs of the times....
02-02-11, 11:35 AM
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This is why I always keep the short sections of chain removed when fitting a new one.
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02-02-11, 01:25 PM
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I've got into an LBS and asked for links, I was suprised when they said no charge for the links or pins. If you're in Tucson, head on over the Fairwheel Bikes.
