saddlesores

Background….I’ve got 100K+ miles on HG-53 chains, re-using the pins and never had any problems. Now I’m using HG-73’s and have been advised not to re-use the pins on 9-speed chains, but rather to use a quick-link.

(https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...G-73-pin-Oh-oh!)

My last bike died (cracked frame), so I moved most of the components over to a new frame. The only change was going from a modern ’hollowtech’ crank to an obsolete ‘solidtech’ crank.

Current set up includes M440 triple, Deore deraillers and shifters, HG-73 chain, HG50-9 cassette. Other than the crank, same set up as the last bike with 30K kilometers.

The first HG-73 chain had to be shortened after I had already installed it using the Shimano quick-link. I shortened then re-used the pin with no problems. The chain was stretched out at 5000km, replaced with another HG-73.

The new chain did not come with a quick-link. It had one pin partially inserted. I used this pin to connect the chain after shortening to the correct length. At about 250 km, one of the plates fell off. I assume (but am not certain) the inserted pin was the one where the plate slipped off.

Instead of reconnecting this chain (big tour coming up), I installed another new HG-73. This chain was bought from a different online supplier, and came with the quick-link. Went for an easy ride today, stopped at about 25km, found that one of the plates was coming off a pin. I noted where it was in relation to the quick-link, then used a chain tool to press the pin back. After another 25km, seems fine.

Why? I’m not pushing hard, mostly leisurely riding through mostly flat terrain. I don’t stand on the pedals, nor do I do crazy shifts. I don’t run the middle ring with the extreme inner or outer cogs. I don’t shift under load.

The set-up is the same as the last bike with the exception of the crankset. But if the rings were too wide, I should have had a problem with the first chain which was used on tour, with panniers and with some climbing.

Has Shimano quality dropped recently? Is it the coating on the HG-73 that’s affecting the pins? Living in China, am I only getting pirate copies of Shimano products? I’d like to get more than 100 km on a chain before it falls off.

Should I go back to HG-53’s? Should I go with KMC or SRAM? If so, what would be a suitable 9-speed chain compatible with my current components?

saddlesores

the box says 'made in japan,' but i don't believe it, not the way stuff is copied and sold here.
probably soft, untreated metal in the links and pins. (you should see what they put in the food!)
it was awfully easy to push out one pin when shortening the chain. maybe too easy.

i either have to carry a couple spares (9-speed available in burma?), or switch brands.

so far i've been able to find:

KMC: X9, Z99, Z9000
SRAM: PC-951
YBN: S9CR

suggestions? 4000km tour, lotsa hills, bike plus 20kg panniers plus my 85kg. monsoon season.
many mud.

dsbrantjr

My comment from the quoted thread still applies: "Why not switch to SRAM chains and use their excellent PowerLinks? Extra PowerLinks are about $4, I carry spares just in case, or to help somebody who needs to mend a chain. "

Rather than carry spare chains, carry several spare PowerLinks; You will save a lot of weight. You will still need a small chain tool to remove any damaged links; The Park Tool Mini Chain Brute CT-5 is small, light and does the job.

saddlesores

here's the deal. the new HG-73 chains i bought might be ripoff chinese
copies, which could explain why they are failing for no apparent reason.
i posted the other info to see whether there is something else i may be
doing wrong.

i've got a dozen or so KMC quick links, but they won't do much for me if
the chain i'm using is only good for a hundred kilometers a shot. yes, i
also have the small chain tool in the kit.

i'd prefer to stay with shimano chains, they've been satisfactory up until
now. but if i can't get the real thing, then i've got a week to get replacement
chains. these will be either KMC X9 or SRAM 951 from the above list.

desertdork

With the exception of briefly offering one for D/A 79xx series chains, I wasn't aware of Shimano including a connector link with any chain. Shimano advises to only use their reinforced connecting pins.

If you doubt the honesty of your local sources, is there a problem with ordering from a more reputable seller elsewhere?

saddlesores

not sure what's available in other countries. here there seems to be two options (maybe one
is older stock?): chain has a connecting pin partially inserted, or it has shimano's non-reuseable quick link. the instructions on the box say to use the reinforced connecting pin. i assume they mean if you gotta re-connect later....cause none of my chains came with the reinforced pin with the bit you have to break off after inserting.

local sources? ha, i live on an island. mail-order from the mainland. who knew they'd
counterfeit cheap chains as well as KELVIN KEILN underwear!!

anyway....time is short. got several KMC Z99's ordered from a different supplier.

Papa Ado

I mentioned this to our department responsible for Shimano in China and there are indeed knock-off Shimano chains, but it is rare to see a fake HG73.

Shimano chains do NOT come with a connecting link (DA did for a bit - not now). You can use either the supplied reinforced pin or get an aftermarket link as you did.

Z99 is a great choice. X9 is a level up with XXSP treated pins and signature XX chamfering.

saddlesores

switched out chains today. had to remove two links from the Z99. big difference in force
required to push out the pin. had to wrap old hiking socks around the compact chain tool
to keep from cutting my hands. with the HG73, the pin came out like squeezing toothpaste.

so far, so good. Z99 chain; rear shifts as well as the shimano, front seems to shift smoother than
the shimano onto the large chainring.