So I just installed a Miche Primato 1/8" chain on my bike, and noticed that it has two locations where an inner plate is missing (see image). I haven't run into this before on a chain, and just wanted to check that this is normal. I don't think that its a matter of connecting the chain properly, since these "missing plates" are found in a middle section of the chain, not at the factory-determined ends where I removed a couple links before joining the chain with the master link.

Any input would be much appreciated, and my apologies in advance for what is undoubtedly a super noob question.

Wow, that's a new one. You have a defective chain there, better return it and inspect the next one before accepting it.

Normal like a new piano missing a few keys. Return it and don't try riding with it.

Probably previously opened at the vendor - whoever restuffed the box wasn't paying attention to details.

=8-)

whoa... aint that some sh...

Wow, that's horrible.

SRAM PC1 Nickel FTW.

+1 Replace it immediately!

Thanks everybody! It seemed so unlikely that I had gotten a defective chain, but I guess it happens!

Nice pic.

I'd bet on the day that chain was assembled they spit out quite a few before QC caught it and fixed their assembly machines.

Definitely defective, and won't last 5 minutes riding (most likely not even 1 minute). remove and return it at once, and do not ride it since the remaining plate will bend and the maker might claim it's somehow your fault.

I'd stick that on my wall. You won't find a factory riveted chain like that again!

The world has officially gone to hell.

Stuff like this is common in chain assembly. The feed for the plates misses one one once in a while, usually when the hopper is low. Most chain makers use a laser, or mechanical feeler to detect missing plates as the completed chain emerges from the assembly machine, and scrap the affected section. Some still use human inspection in the packing department, but even with the best of controls a bad chain can slip by.

While no one, even a Taiwanese maker of chains under someone else's label, wants to ship defective product, it isn't a crisis because it's assumed that the installer will catch the problem before the bike ever leaves the work stand.

Photoshopped, IMO.

I'd keep the chain and buy a lotto ticket! Look at the pair of rollers for each gap shown. Is that an extra silver washer or bushing on one side of the link? Or is that just the reflection from the inside of the outer plate? Does the roller slip side-to-side without that missing inner link being there?

Definitely possible, though it would be a very good job.

Based on this and some of your prior posts, you seem to be one of those people who live in a perfect world, where there are never any sanfus, and I envy you. OTOH, I live in one where compost happens, and sadly, it seems to become more common every day.

Looking closely it seems that the rollers have shifted across to fill the gap of the missing plate (which argues against the photoshop theory). The silver on the far side is probably the roller bushing lip formed on the inside of the inner plate.

Chain assembly machine skipped a beat, 1 inner plate was omitted, there.

..you could add some more master links , in those places, and go on with your life..

If you got it at a shop they would give you another, chain,
or some extra links to patch together yours

.. probably have the master-links maybe half- links, to get you on the road..

Or typos either.

Absolutely, but that sort proves my point.

That discontinuity is what suggested to me it was photoshopped, but shifted rollers is a very plausible explanation of why it looks that way.

Why would someone photoshop that and lie about it for the sole purpose of wasting people's time? People don't do that. Well....

I have a similar problem, but both inside plates are missing on my chain in two places.

Miche trying to keep the weight down. FAIL.

Quality control at the factory...Caveat emptor! That's why I always check the primers on any store bought ammo...