the masterlink on a bmx chain...what do i do to put it on? i've never used these sorts of chain before. it looks like it should be easy, but half the time, it seems that if something is easy, i'm doing something wrong.

edit: all i'm referring to is closing up the masterlink. i know how to shorten it and all that fun **** already.

rear plate (one with posts), ends of chain (one on each post), face plate, retaining clip, in that order

retaining clip across both posts. clip catches grooves on posts and holds whole shizz together

oh, okay.

this thread can now either die or be threadjacked completely.

so, france tomorrow?

Here's how it works:

edit: the chain direction is so that the open end of the locking snap won't snag and pop off. So, have the back end of the clip rotating forward.

You may need a chain breaker:

Also:

1) You don't *have* to use the master link. You can just lock the link in without it. But, you'd have to use a chain breaker to lock and remove the chain.

2) You can't use a 3/32" master link on a 1/8" chain. The pins aren't long enough.

humancongereel i've always wondered how you came about your BF screenname. i like it very much, and in fact imagine you as very long, thin and articulated. would you please tell me what's behind it?

Somebody's got a crush!

no, italy.

time to ressurect that thread where everyone explained their screenname.

ps. hc's icon is a hint.

hell no!

indeed it is. i am sort of thin and tall, like 6'2" and 150 pounds. but it's a reference to james joyce's "character" HCE in finnegans wake. hce's name takes different forms throughout the book. for example, "hod, cement, and edifice" on page 4. this is a spot where the dreamer's ego, or self-conscious mind rises to the fore. for most of the book, HCE makes only passing appearances in his own dream...i suppose i started using passages of hce through the book cuz sometimes i think of myself as being somewhat like hce, someone who lives in an illusory world. something along those lines, the whole "what is reality? is life a dream?" sort of conversation.

humancongereel i chose specifically because on other boards i've changed the screenname every couple of weeks to another one of joyce's hce acrostics. that was the one i was using when i signed up and then i found out that you can't change screen names on this forum.

hc - you're comming to sf next month, right? right?

sorry. its my job to lay on the pressure

i don't think i can afford to....i don't make a lot of money, i'm building a new bike, which i'll need as a backup since i'll be starting a courier job in a bit here...which will bring us back around to not making a lot of money.

greyhound is cheap and theres always a couch.

yeah, greyhound's cheap. couches are good. i also have to allow for booze and food. i hope i can make it. i'd love to meet some of the people here in real life. what are the dates again? i figured i couldn't make it and sort of forgot some of the details cuz...you know, i just didn't think i needed them anymore.