What chain do I have?
 

I think (but I'm not certain) that the original gruppo on this bike was a Campy 8-speed setup. Over the years, the cogset has been replaced with a 7-speed and the original Campy rear derailleur has been replaced with a Shimano.

What type of chain do I have? Do I need do follow any special procedures when removing it, and do I need any special tools?

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=396554

Looks like a good old Sedis chain. A KMC 8/9 speed chain will be a good replacement. Why did you change from an 8spd to a 7? You need a chain pin tool to remove the old chain and 'cut' the new chain to the correct size.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...4&d=1406844423

The back wheel was stolen and the bike shop put a 7-speed cogset on the new wheel. (I didn't know better at the time, but I later realized that it had been an 8-speed before.)

Will any chain tool work? Also, I'm not sure what you mean by "cut"--could you explain?

Thanks!

yep most chain tools work in a similar way, it works like a clamp, the chain consists of links and pins you place the chain link into the chain tool and wind the pin press in to move the pin on the chain out ( but not all the way out cause its a pain to get back in if you do ). When its almost out stop, rewind the press back and remove the tool then flex the chain just slightly to separate the chain links.
Practice on an old bit of chain first if you have any.

"Cutting the new chain" = The new chain will be several links too long and require that you figure out how long it should be and remove the extra links.

Then use the same tool to push the pin in place (while it's on the bike) to connect the new chain.

Chain tools sold in your local bike shop will work on all but the most exotic chains (a campy 11-speed takes a $150 tool).

Thanks!

If you have a friendly LBS, they can teach you how to use a chain tool.
Using it wrong can result in a very frustrating first experience with shortening/installing a new chain....

Might be a how-to on U-tube as well. Or on the Park tool website.

that's sort of too bad the shop sold you the wrong type of wheel but it may have the least worse option in your price range.

How about a little more info on the bike itself? Was it vandalized? what happened to the fork?