Acquaspin

1071 chain currently installed, has about 400 miles (plenty of life left). Moving all groupset to new frame that requires a slightly longer chain. I do not have the extra links removed from the 1071 when it was installed new.
Have a brand new 1051 chain on its way.
Can i take a few links off the brand new 1051 to lengthen the 1071 in the new frame?

Can it be done? Are the pins/links interchangeable?
Would it create additional issues as to faster/uneven wear in the cassette/crank?

Thanks!!

AQ

MudPie

I am pretty sure the dimensions of the SRAM 10XX chains are all the same and would assume the only difference between the finish on the links. Note, the 109X has hollow pins and 109XR have hollow pins and cutout on the side plates.

Seems like you should be fine adding 1051 links to the 1071. I doubt the steel used between those models is significantly different that would affect cassette or chainring wear.

The only thng not to do is reuse the pins. SRAM pins are not meant to be pushed out and reinstalled. Rather, you are supposed to join the ends with their PowerLock link. Adding a segment of chain requires two Powerlock links.

Acquaspin

Thanks for your reply.

So, if i was to use new links from the 1051 i'd have to get the end with the powerlock link and add it to the old chain, correct?

That would leave me with a new spare chain but without a powerlock link.
Do new chains come with extra pins?
I did a quick search an apparently i can get powerlock links by themselves, but i could not find if they come with extra pins for installation? Is it fair to assume that if pins are not meant to be reused, the new powerlock links come with at least a couple pins for installation?
Thanks again!!

AQ

Shimagnolo

You don't push pins into a SRAM chain, period.
You only use Powerlocks, (or Powerlinks on 8s & 9s).
If you need to extend the chain, then use a 2nd Powerlock.

MudPie

The Powerlock link is not attached to the new chain - it is a separate link.
The Powerlock has no loose pins - the pins are pressed into the side plates.
SRAM chains do not come with pins. The only approved method to join SRAM chains is with the Powerlock link.
If you remove a pin from a SRAM chain, it cannot be reused, and a Powerlock link is required to re-join the chain



Note: Shimano chains come with an extra pin and Shimano chains use pins to join the chain. Shimano does not use master links. There are debates on the merits of pins v masterlinks.

The Powerlock is supposed to be used only once, although many have re-used them without problems. To remove a Powerlock, pliers like these are necessary:
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...nk+Pliers.aspx

Acquaspin

Many thanks for the replies.

AQ

Looigi

I use one for the life of the chain, which includes removing the chain periodically for cleaning in solvent. New chain gets new Powerlock link.

Shimagnolo

An LBS employee once posted that his SRAM rep stated this was what SRAM means by "one use".