Broken 105 Chain
#27
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Exactly. On the Ultegra chain I just installed, even if the "SHIMANO" is right side up on one link, there would be a upside down "SHIMANO" just a few links over. I had to squint at those letters and other markings (e.g., "VIA JAPAN", "CH-HG701") without my glasses for quite a few links to ascertain that there was no rhyme or reason on whether the letters were right side up or upside down.
#28
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Yes, I think it is a Shimano CN-HG600. If you look at the left most link in the photo I posted, you can just barely make out a blurry "...MANO" over "...600".
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2000 miles is not that much if it was maintained properly throughout its life. If it was mine, I would get a new link and keep it if it's still good (under 0.5% of stretch).
A chain is as strong as its weakest link, as they say
On a similar note, do you always keep your chain as dirty as that? Looking from the picture, there is way too much lube on it. It will only attract dirt that will end up inside the rollers and reduce its lifespan.
A chain is as strong as its weakest link, as they say

On a similar note, do you always keep your chain as dirty as that? Looking from the picture, there is way too much lube on it. It will only attract dirt that will end up inside the rollers and reduce its lifespan.
But this post should be in 'bicycle mechanics' and not here.
#30
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OP - as for the plate cracking - that's not exactly completely unheard of. It could just be a one off issue. Inspect the other links for cracks that radiate out from the pin. If you cleaning techniques uses cleaners that can cause hydrogen embrittlement then this can happen more easily. There was a bit of a hubbabaloo about using simple green to clean chains many years back and how it's use, possibly in a ultrasonic cleaner or heated wash could accelerate conditions for hydrogen embrittlement to occur.
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The way I see it if the post has to do w/ parts/components/adjusting it goes in 'bicycle mechanics'. Doesn't matter if it's 8, 9, 10, or 11 speed...road or mountain...beginner or not, it's a post about mechanicals.
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Nah - I couldn't tell you the last time I went over to the mechanic forum and I usually only come out here to answer technical questions.
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In that case the mechanics section shouldn't exist...get rid of it. If it is there we should use it properly...right? It's there for a reason.
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I am too new to know about the precise organization and delineation between the sub-forums. If this criteria was strictly enforced about half the threads in this sub-forum should be transferred to the other.
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During a ride yesterday afternoon, I sprinted a little bit on a flat road, heard a "prang" sound, and felt my chain slip over the rear cog every few revolutions when I pedaled hard. I knew my chain was not worn because I had just cleaned it, measured it with a Pedro chain checker (Chain Checker Plus II » Pedro's NA), and lubed it the day before yesterday. When I got home, I discovered a broken link in my chain. I am quite sure that there are < 2,000 miles on this chain so I don't know how this could have happened. And no, I am not powerful. Luckily, I have an Ultegra chain bought during Thanksgiving sale, so that went on today.
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I bought two old bikes recently, one from 1989 and the other from 1982, and based on my experience, the owners never cleaned the drivetrain, but simply poured on more lube. I suspect there's a lot of that going around.
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I suppose I had not. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this and the potential cause. So far I like Psimet2001's hypothetical, which I can avoid because I don't plan to take off the chain anymore.
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I pass by Shimano North America Holding, Inc. in Irvine on my rides all the time; I will inquire if I can buy an Orange County specific drive train.
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I’ll wipe the chain off before and after dripping some goo on it, but I get better than 3000 mi. out of an 11-speed chain that way and after decades of soaking, waxing, and mucking around, I’ve decided that’s where the effort-for-reward sweet spot is.
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#44
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Just pouring on extra lube is one way to clean the chain. A rather messy and wasteful way, but nonetheless still a way. From what I have read doing this occasionally is still preferable to never doing it at all.
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I was scraping millimeters-thick cruddy goo from between the cogs of the cassette, not to mention the derailleur jockey wheels. In some places, it completely filled the space between the cogs, which is a neat trick, given it's 6 speed!
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That is the chain which says "NE"... bring it a shrubbery.
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For the benefit and education of our younger generation.....
It wasn't stated in the clip, but those are the Knights ofNe Ni.
It wasn't stated in the clip, but those are the Knights of
Last edited by Iride01; 04-13-21 at 09:39 AM.
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As for your chain breaking. I tend to believe that those that wear out their chains in a short amount of mileage or those that break their chains tend to be those that can put hellatious amounts of power into their cranks. If you continue to have such issues, I'd suggest you simply try using lower ratio gearing and spin a little bit more cadence.
But it's only a thought... I've no idea of studies on the issue.
But it's only a thought... I've no idea of studies on the issue.