bruce19

Last week I had my LBS install a new SRAM Red rear derailleur. The chain was about a month old (approx. 400 mi. on it). I rode a club ride of 30 mi. on Weds. and then my 17.3 mi. TT on Friday. Shifting was a bit imprecise and I chalked it up to cable tension which I attempted to adjust. Then yesterday I did a club B ride of 65 mi. and the shifting did not seem improved. So, I attempted to readjust the cable. Shifting didn't improve and actually got worse near the end of the ride. So, I decided that after the ride I would put it up in my stand and check it out. Thought I might have to take it back to the LBS. But, about 1/4 mi. from the end of the ride the chain came apart. A fellow rider pushed me back to my car.

Our ride leader, a friend and industry rep, said that if the chain was a Shimano (it was) they were notorious for the pins coming out. He suggested a different brand with a connecting link. When I got home I called the shop that had installed the chain (not the LBS that had replaced the derailleur) and explained what had happened. The owner said they always use a connecting link with Shimano chains because of the issue my friend had noted. So, I went back to my shop and pulled the chain out to see how it had broken. No connecting link. Now I'm thinking the LBS either re-installed the chain without the link or just plain did a bad job of it. BTW my friend has always been death on the LBS because he doesn't think they know what they are doing. Now I'm off to the other shop for a new chain. And, I'm done with repairs at the LBS.

Rowan

The trouble is with the Shimano chains is that and LBS using a link instead of the pin is an unauthorised installation which means no warranty. I have always said the Shimano pins are bad, and all my bikes use either SRAM or KMC links irrespective of the make of chain on the bike. But I don't worry about warranty because I do all my own mechanical work and am not an LBS.

So being pissed at your LBS for following the written instructions for installing the Shimano chain isn't going to do you much good. However, whether the pin was properly installed all the way in before the end was broken off may be another matter. It's something that you need to take up with the original LBS to resolve. And maybe use another brand of chain that has the link, rather than Shimano ones in the future, if you want an LBS to do the work.

Pirkaus

Use a KMC chain and link "problem solved"

rpenmanparker 

Not to mention the "noise" problem common with SRAM drivetrains will also be solved when the KMC chain is used.

bruce19

Exactly what I ordered yesterday at my friend's recommendation.

Northwestrider

I've used Shimano chains with the KMC missing link for few years, with no problem. I do install the chain myself however.

hybridbkrdr

I would have preferred reading "Ticked off..." in the thread title.

mkadam68

Really? This is the first I've ever heard of this. I use Ultegra chains almost exclusively (unless Dura-Ace is on sale) with both Ultegra and Sram cassettes and no quick link. After 8 years and 60,000+ miles, I've never had any trouble with pins coming out. Ever. So much so, I've never researched the topic, hence my bewilderment.

bruce19

My friend who works as an industry rep and was a former LBS owner tells me this is true. My bike fitter and the LBS owner who installed the chain says that is well known and is why he only uses connecting links with Shimano chains. I am pretty much going by what they (and others) have told me. Glad to hear you have not encountered this problem.

NealH

I've never had a pin come out of a Shimano chain and I typically ride 11K miles per year.

When I purchased my Tarmac in 2010, it came with Sram Red. I had nothing but problems - imprecise shifting, noise, quirky grifters, etc - and after changing a couple components to Shimano I decided to just replace it with a Shimano drive train. I took it to my dealer and had him take the Sram Red off and throw it away (literally), then install Dura Ace 7900 with Gore Ride On cables. Four and one half years later my bike still shifts and runs perfectly. Never any problems.

Its not the chain that is your problem. Its Sram. A button short of trash.

WHOOOSSHHH...

I would have preferred "I'm at the end of my chain"

bt

pins work fine, if installed correctly.

BoSoxYacht

I've been in the industry for decades and never had a problem with Shimano pins when used as directed by Shimano. I prefer to use a Wippermann link for ease of removal, but Shimano pins work well in my experience.

TrojanHorse

Well, that's an interesting tirade but note that the ONLY problem he's having is with the ONLY shimano component on his bike.

Clearly, SRAM is the problem.

deacon mark

This is why serious cyclist should be their own mechanic. Use shimano chains with pins never an issue. I also use shimano chains and a whiperman connect link with no issue . A shimano drive train with shimano cranks will be smooth if done correct.

alexaschwanden

Buy another chain and be done with it's no body's fault , things fail whenever they want to.

bruce19

I have used nothing but various Shimano gruppos since my Athena friction shifter until the SRAM on this bike. I have nothing bad to say about the Shimano and nothing bad to say about the SRAM. I had a broken chain and all the industry people I know attribute it to the Shimano pin. Until (if) I get contradictory information/experience I'm going to follow their advice.

bruce19

Strangely I find that things want to fail more often when they are either designed poorly or not maintained. Go figure.

fstshrk

Over 10000 miles since I got back to cycling a few years ago. Shimano chains and no quick link. No issues. I do perform my own maintenance though.
However, I am going to try a SRAM 1091 chain next.

bruce19

In case I have not accurately articulated my position....I am not seeking compensation. I am just upset that my LBS did not do the job properly. This is my OPINION based on what I have for information. I will go there for basic stuff but they are not going to work on my bikes in the future. The owner is a person I have had good relations with for over 20 yrs. but his shop constantly has mechanic turnover and I (and many other club members) have little confidence in their ability to fix things.

rpenmanparker 

In my opinion that would be a mistake. SRAM chains (at least the 10 speed) have a widespread reputation for being noisy. KMC X11SL is the best bet as far as I am concerned.

LesterOfPuppets

Quirky grifters.

They can be a big problem.

Sullalto

How long are chains supposed to last, anyway? Maintained and poorly maintained, but no ice/snow/salt in winter.

bikerjp

I've never been pissed at the LBS, but sometimes around closing we share a few beers.

datlas 

How come you can say pissed but you can't say piss (the first 4 letters)?