I have a sram pc1070 chain, and it broke today while i was out riding. For those in the nyc area, i was headed out to piermont, turned around at the bottom of the huge hill on 9W (about 1-2 miles from piermont), and was ready to head back and climb the hill. As i was clipping in, the chain failed. As I carry a pair of SRAM powerlock pins in my saddlebag, i proceeded to mend the chain, only to realize that while the pins at the end of the chain are broke, they were still connected to the chain. This was around 6pm, and it was getting bad as most bike shops are closed and I was befuddled as to how i would get home. Luckily, this was near a bus stop, and a bus headed for the port authority bus terminal came by. The driver was kind enough to let me on without paying as i didn't carry cash on me (i had my debit card on me, reasoning that I would always be able to find a bank). At the end of the bus ride, i was able to pay the fare, but came away from this somewhat dazed.

So first, the PSA: make sure you always carry cash (in addition to credit and debit cards) on a long ride. Also, cleat covers can't hurt as when s**t happens, you may very well need to walk miles.

Now a few questions. How many people here carry a mini chain tool, and what would you recommend? In addition, what other parts of the drivetrain should i check for damages? Everything seems to be shifting just fine, but then again, they were fine until the chain broke. And last, just out of curiosity, anyone else had similar problems with the pc1070 chain?

Thanks in advance,

Jim

me do:

i've always laughed when people tell me they carry a spare quick link without a chain too, chains almost never fail in such a way they you dont have to remove a pin to use the link.

that said, i dont ever carry a chain tool, knock on wood, i never had a chain failure on the road. i try and replace chains well before they are at the failure point.

on every ride i go i throw my money clip in my jersey pocket with my cell, it has my drivers license, CC, and usually at least a few bucks, for just this situation, gatorade, bottled water, you never know what you're going to need, and a few bills is easy to have on you.

I've been using the same chain, but only for 150 miles. The only problem I had was when I put the link back it took me a lot of effort to get the link to loosen up.

I only carry enough for a two tube changes and my ID, health insurance card, and credit card. Sometimes I carry cash (which was useful one time when I had to boot a tire). I was thinking that if I get in a really bad situation I always have my cellphone and could call someone.

Always carry cash. If you have a seat bag, put a $20 in there and don't use it unless it is an emergency.

Whoops double post.

I carry a multi-tool that has a chain breaker and I also carry one of those multi-tools that unfold into pliers. Anything thats remotely repairable at home I can do on-road with those simple tools.

the funny thing is that there are only 700 miles on this chain, though it did show 1/16 stretch just a few days ago. CyciumX, could you tell me what brand is the multi-tool chain breaker? Also, is it easy to use as compared to a traditional chain tool?

Thanks

This is what I did. I stuck a $20 note in with a photocopy of my driver's licence. It has been sitting there forever.

how often do people's chains break on the road? i thought this was a rare occurance

first time due to actual chain failure. had another broken chain due to improper installation. i tried to "stitch" a chain together after cutting a chain short by three to four links, not realizing that once the chain was broken, the pin can no longer tolerate any stress. but chain failure at 700 miles, without much stress seems like a QC problem.