The very tip will be wider than the rest of the pin, so it kinda looks like a mushroom from the side. I think that it's due to really having to force a few pins on some f-ed up trash bikes.

Just to be clear: I'm talkin' about the pin on the chain tool, not the chain.

I've had bent pins do kinda the same thing: pull the outer plates apart and deform the hole.

All the more reason to buy chains with reusable masterlinks. Example sram ones.

1) Standard Park CT-5/7
2) With a 12" ruler

If you're riding in the winter i'd suggest you pick up something like the inox stainless chain. They are much more rust resistant, even over the nickel plated sram ones.

http://www.comptoncycles.co.uk/smsim...-main--143.jpg

I'm not trying to be argumentative here, but masterlinks are only good you're removing and re-installing a chain that is the right length. They don't do anything for you when it comes to repairing or sizing a chain, which you'll still need a chain tool for, so they don't really help if your chain tool pin is messed up, which is what I was describing.

Carry on..

ick. move maybe? i did.

oh, a +1 on the KMC inox in those conditions. held up very well for me commuting in cleveland. there are salt mines under lake erie (morton has an operation there), so there's no shortage of the stuff and they are *very* liberal with it on the roads.

Nah. I love it. Skiing/creek riding/ice climbing/snowshoeing/drinking in the winter, camping/biking/climbing/canoeing/hiking in the summer.

Spent a year in the "big city" and couldn't handle it.


Thanks for the tip on the stainless chain, I think I'll try one out next winter.