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HELP BREAKING CHAINS!!!
Help!!
I have broken 2 chains in 2 weeks, both shimano Narrow, both brand new (second one 5kms old)
they have both broken on the manufactured links (not the joining linkage when installing the chain)
i have no idea what to do, as i don't want to buy a new one and have the same thing happen?
any ideas????
Thanks
Adz
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Someone told me not to change gear under load - i.e your cranking up a hill and step on it and change gear at the same time - snap or the other way is you have the chain on the large front ring but lowest rear cog or vica versa putting a bit of sideways pressure or your legs are too strong and you should use a motorbike chain or un-clip one leg
Agree changing under load, especially if either der is not spot on or cogs are worn, is most likely cause. Even if you're not trying to change gear, just not being in the right gear for an uphill so that you are putting big loads through the chain instead of spinning efficiently will stretch the chanin more quickly and will show up any manufacturing faults or poor chain / cog fit.
If your chain and running gear are new / similar age, rather than buy another new chain, you can run with more than one joining link. Haven't tried more than two, but I'm sure its been done.
i don't change under load (ie up hills)
i was in 2 x 4 (pedals, rear) so not overly high in the gears.
and it wasn't a big hill, it was on the firetrail section of manly dam, just after the long downhill section before the short steep uphill (clockwise) (this was the second chain i broke)
and the rear cluster is relatively new too.
i ride regular flat pedals
maybe i need a different cluster? as i did notice some slipping on the higher gears (smaller ones)
Shimano recommend running the chain in a certain direction for maximum strength. Have you done that?
Check your chain is long enough. Too short and you'll be in trouble. Park tools have a good explanation on their website.
Length should be enough to go around big chainring and big cog without the rear derailleur in the way, plus one link pair. There's a diagram in the instructions that come with Shimano chains that shows you what to do.
But given that he's in 2x4 when the chain lets go, I doubt this is the issue. I'm assuming this is a 9-speed chain and you're not attempting to use a 10sp chain on a 9sp transmission? (Sorry I don't mean to teach you to suck eggs, but it's happened before.)
I buy XTR 9-sp when they're on special and have had no issues. I even use a SRAM link. Still no issues. I'm guessing that you've done the injury to the chain on an earlier occasion and it's just chosen this moment for the link plate to peel off the pin. That's happened to me, after I damaged the chain with a nasty episode of chain suck (long story, that one).
haha "suck eggs" nice...
nah all good, chain length is fine, direction is correct.
i have not damaged the chain at all, as mentioned the second chain was brand new (only half way around manly dam)
mind you i am a big guy so my weight might be part of the issue?
i think i might just have to get a decent SRAM chain and a new rear cluster (im sure i have damaged it somehow now.. )
In addition to the other good advice.. how old are the rear cluster and front rings? I would get them measured with a wear tool. Your LBS would be able to do that, or you can buy them from most decent shops. You would mostly know about warn teeth by slipping but you never know.
I agree with Hawkey, I would never skimp on chains, XTR are great and can be found often on T7 on special.
Failing that, is there anything else odd about the bike setup? Is the chain line straight? Rear suspension linkage all tight?
Im not sure whats too old, but i have done about 500kms on both rings and rear cluster.
so i might go through parts a bit quicker???
I dare say i would be the heaviest rider around
i suspect it might be time for a replacement???
bike setup is pretty straightforward, the only amendment is the front forks upgraded to marzhocci 150mm Bombers, its a hardtail *cries* no rear suspension
It is just bad luck or a faulty chain. Sometimes. These things just happen.
Has the chain been joined with the correct shimano rivet or a "quick link" ?
You mentioned it appears to be slipping in the higher gears. Sadly blokes your size can destroy cassettes (particularly the smaller cogs) in no time just due to the load put through so few teeth and the wear sustained even in short period.
New chain and even slightly too worn cogs = slipping.
You have a 150MM fork on the front of an Alias? Hmmmmm.... interesting.
Some "advice" from a good LBS might not go astray.
I notice many people having a crack at things themselves these days which is great but I see so many lessons that could be avoided through seeking the "right" advice and or "qualified" advice. (I do note that there is a decent element of good advice to be found here. It does not canvas everything to the level that is actually possible though, in every instance if that makes sense )
There are good doctors and there are great doctors in any profession right?
Just some thoughts...
SRAM... decent... (cough!)
Actually, they're OK. They just have a reputation for wearing at roughly twice the rate of equivalent Shimano. AMB did a back-to-back long term test comparing Shimano XTR and SRAM X-0, and the SRAM chain suffered markedly compared to the XTR unit over the same terrain and distance. And that is similar to my experience too. Others may differ in their views.
Best of the lot is Rohloff, their life is reputedly fantastic - which then helps the rest of yoru transmission last longer too - but they are stupidly expensive here.
Yes, I only use Rohloff on my bikes (Norco Fluid, which is for sale!!, "FAT" German XC bike and the Jabbawocky SS) and never broken one!
Yes they are on the expensive site but woth it!
I normaly have a spare, but not at the moment, but I could take the one of the Norco and you can give it a shot and try to ............ !!
Bernd
what do you mean by 150mm is interesting on my alias? hmmm? do tell!
the chain was joined with the correct pin
I have thrown that chain away and purchased a new XTR chain
hopefully this should see me through
i will see if i get any slippage, and if i do i will be replacing the rear cassette.
yes, unfortunately i am 6' 7" and about 120kg's so these things might wear a bit quicker
thanks everyone for the help, i will let you know how the new chain goes
IS to get your hands on Australian Mountain Bike magazine I picked up at the 24 hour Feb/Mar 09 edition this might help you a bit more it has a article on chain breaking & why & hows too
How much do you weigh?
and what is the circumference around the widest part of your thigh!
Trust me!
For those 'man-size' one piece speed suits ay Pikey?
120kg and 6'7" (198cm)
around my leg.... no idea um probably about 70cm or so..
Ahhh, by interesting I was kind of hinting that the frame is not designed for that and your wty will go out the window. Alot of leverage with a big dude and that fork on the front end. They are pretty strong frames but keep an eye out. Not really recommended. Who advised you to pop this beast on? If it was a shop I'd give em an uppercut!
)
RE the Slipping and all that caper......
An example: I had a rather small/light bloke wear a few of his cogs to the point that they are slipping already with a new chain under pressure. He has had the bike since xmas, avoided the wet largely but just done plenty of K's getting in shape before the Husky. You are effectively two of him strapped together! For you to wear things similarly in a shortish period is also rather feasable/likley. Slipping on the mid ring up front due to wear could be one thing, the inherent flex of pressed steel rings under big blokes can do it on its own or early wear on the rear cassette could also be it. A bent c'ring tooth, twisted chain link, tight chain link..... All candidates!
To put it simply I can save you money by actually diagnosing what is happening inside a minute or two most likely rather than all this guessing and faffing around plus educate you how and why as I go (I teach this stuff for a living among other stuff
It's almost frustrating to see all these discussions going back and forth like a bloody see saw when a quick trip in the car (I assume) a quick G'day and a "hey what’s up with this, can you tell me?" would have you sorted in no time or at least pointed in the right direction if you were going to tackle it yourself....
Am I making any Sense?
By the way, welcome to the sport Goliath. Good to hear you’re out there and into it....
I moved house in December, dam you would have been a primo pick for helping get the new lounge up the staircase when it wouldn't fit in the lift
Keep up the good work on the dirt....
Adza, you are too big to put shit on so I'm now going to have to be serious
Rohloff make a super strong 9 speed chain, the only person I have know to break one was about you weight but a lot shorter
Not certain were you buy then in Syd though?
And Junkie, the one piece NoBMoB man suit will be a reality one day
AH, now i see what you mean, yes i realise that my wty would be gone.. but im not worried (it was my idea to put them on as i was bottoming out the standard issue 100mm) and i will just by a dualie when i break this one
(probably a trance)
I have found them to be a far more comfortable fork than the standard 09 alias fork, (spring loaded shit)
pikey, i bought the other chain from deewhy (opposite the RSL)
in hindsight after purchasing the new chain from Cranks (chatswood)
there was a considerable difference in price, and i can definately tell the quality is in the new versus the old one.
btw, is 45 minutes an ok time for manly dam? bear in mind i have only ridden it 3 - 5 times
cheers all
Firstly 45 Mins for lap of the Dam is honourable!
Now chains......
This is a good chain to try and break......
Rohloff SLT-99 9 Speed ATB Chain
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=513...
Or this gold plated version if your cashed up
Rohloff SLT-99 Road Gold Plated 24 Karat Chain 114 Links 9 Speed 7000
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/src/froogleUS/currenc...
Or Buy a dozen of these from Ebay at $24 each inc Delivery and be happy breaking one every second ride
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-Shimano-HG-73-SLX-9-s...
or as last result, go single speed and fit a belt drive.
http://www.carbondrivesystems.com/youtubevideo.html
Good luck!
Pikey
I have purchased a Shimano XTR as the new chain (75 bucks) and straight away i can see the difference.
i shouldn't have any drama's now...
omg who needs a gold plated chain....ridiculous...
Rohloff!!!
they are re-doing all there production line for the SLT99 and none will be made until 11/2011.... yes November 2011!!
I'm glad I have one on ea bike I have/ride.
It will be hard to get ur hands on one of them for a while, so who ever is "sinking about" one, go and get it fast.
Just wanted to let u know! (btw some Old Fart let me know of the short supply and I sent an e-mail to "se Germans" ...) and thats how I/we know!
ADZA - Next time keep an eye on CRC or T7. Induvidual XTR chains for about $35 each or 3 packs for about $93.
I agree with Pikey, go single speed and get a belt drive. Id love to know how much torque you can produce on your crank - maybe you should post how much you can leg press lol.