So...My chain is at the end of it's life as a bike chain. I was curious if you all did anything "special" with the first chain you ever rode into the ground.

Jewelry, Momento/keepsake, dumpster, etc.

I put it under my pillow hoping the bike fairy would leave some cash or a new bike. Never happened, so I eventually framed it.

recycling bin.

Same here--recycled. It's a disposable item and short-lived, so no sentimental value for me. I still probably have every other old component I've replaced on my 20 year old bike though. :-) (more from a "what do I do with it?" aspect though since they aren't as recyclable as a steel chain and tossing them in the landfill's just not yet mentally an option...)

I made keychains and bracelets after my first chain swap. Everybody digs the bracelet.

Oh, those are cool! I am going to borrow the keychain idea.

only thing I did was ride it for way too long
oh, and put a greasy chain pattern all over my shorts.

good riddance.

Doesn't that bracelet pull hair on your arm?

Nope. Never. Been wearing it for about two years straight.

Nice. Might get me a SRAM powerlink so it can look like a fully locked on chain so people wonder "WTF".



Did you have a problem with any grease leaving a residue for a while or did you give it a really good soaking first? Or do you still grease it just in case?

The Powerlink is an awesome idea!!!!

I soaked the chain in Simple Green for a day, brushed it good with an old toothbrush, and rinsed in warm water. No grease stains.

Sweet. I'll get a powerlink and soak the old chain in Simple Green.

Thanks

I just threw a handful of chains into the metal recycling. It's just a hunk of dirty, greasy, rusted steel. I didn't save the first wheel I destroyed, the first axle I broke, the first derailleur I ran into the ground, the first set of brake pads I wore out or the first cassette that I replaced either.

I used some leather straps and made a necklace out of it. The leather finally gave way, so I used some sportsman's cord in its place.

That's kind of neat, too.

Could even thread the eyelets of the chain segments together with the cord so it looks like the chain is contiguous.

I made my first frame into a really cool pendant. Kinda gets in the way, but I get so many comments. Chicks dig it.

That must have been fun! Strong back and neck, huh?

Hopefully you cleaned if first, I hear that grease stains are ***** to get out.