I just installed a BBSHD motor on my bike, and it is a lot more powerful than I expected. I really like this increased power, but I'm worried about breaking my chain. If I break it during a commute, I want to be prepared.

I have this tool already, although it is a little large for a small tool kit.


I understand I need some replacement links (?). Can someone tell me what these are and suggest one that might work?

I'd like to put these items in my repair kit to be ready. Or should I just carry a spare chain?

It's possible to repair a broken chain with a chain breaker, but much easier to just use a quick link. Just procure one for your chain (9, 10 or whatever speed it is). Also, many small multi-tools have a chain breaker in addition to other tools.

I carry a chain tool with me most of the time. Some of the bike repair hex wrench sets also include a mini chain tool. It has come in handy a few times. The alternative could be a very long walk.

If you have 8 speed or less, and perhaps 9 speed, then you can just push out a pin, and shorten the chain and re-install. Be careful of cross-chaining if you field shorten the chain. Check for a worn chain if you're breaking chains, and perhaps replace anyway.

10s or 11s really should get a special link pin, or quick connect, but do what you need in a pinch.

What does the bike speed have to do with the type of chain? If it helps, I'm using this on a Cannondale Trail 7.

When you push out a pin, it's not easy to push it back in so that the link doesn't bind. And if it binds, it tends to wrap around the small gears in the derailleur and cause the chain to slip. When this happens on a BBS motor, you really feel it. If you fiddle with the tool and do it by feel, you might get the link to work freely. Not easy out in the field or even at home.

The bikes with 8-10 speeds use thinner chains where I guess it's even harder to push a pin in correctly.

When I asked about this in the bike mechanics forum, they told me to use master links. KMC, the chain maker, also tells you to use master links. Anyway, they're not expensive and work nice, except you might need a link pliers, and you still need a chain breaker too.

Is your bike 9 speed?
Maybe use an ebike chain to get it to last longer:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...99&category=59

Number of "gears" (known as "speed", as in 8-speed, 9-speed etc) in the cassette determines which quick link to procure.

Excellent information, thanks!

You asked them about binding?

Answer: The way to avoid that is to use a
Park Tool CT-5 (or similar). it has a second shelf that allows you to easily back the pin out a little to loosen the link (and not compress the link like the bottom shelf).
There is a short mention of this in the video (at 24 seconds):

The tool pictured above has only one shelf, and may not do this effectively.

Note this tool has two shelves:





Park Tool CT-5