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Chain breaker?
Offers of advice, tips, experiences, leads, or guidance about small, portable chain tools appreciated? I need something for the trail that is light, small and strong. The last one I used snapped mid-race during the Wannaride 8 1/4hr.
All suggestions welcome.
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are one of the best bike tool brands mate. a lot of bike shops sell the stuff. they're a lot of cheap tools out there but its always best to buy quality tools for on the trail. having a tool fail in the garage is one thing but getting stuck out on the trail is another story!
First I had a topeak it worked ok, but I also bought a park compact chain tool and do prefer it, I've found the joins that I've done have been more reliable with it, or it could be I'm more practiced.
John.
age and experience = very wise men!
I use the one on my multi-tool. Also carry a joining link (sram or wipperman) then you just have to push a pin out and don't need to be careful about pushing it too far
I use a Crank Bros multi-tool. Chain breaker, allen keys, screw drivers all in one. I doesn't have a bottle opener though.
..then it is useless!!!
Bernd
Topeak multitool for me. I don't break my chain too often as I use a SRAM powerlink.
..have not been able to break my chain jet, as I'm using a Rohloff chain!!!
Bernd
I use a stock Superb tool from T7.
A nifty trick I use is to put the tool in a resealable plastic snap-lock bag. Ingenious, and stops oil and rust and other muck getting on it.
Are you referring to the Park CT-5 mini chain tool?
http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=...
I have a top-peak multi-tool with a nice breaker on it. The part that grips the links has a small lip (just larger than a 50c coin I guess) that enables you to grip it while turning the rest of the tool to break. I used to think this was a good idea, but sometimes you just can't get the leverage - so watch out for that.
Then there are the types that require a separate allen key to work. Sure they work, but sometimes the tool doesn't actually have that key, or has that key but isn't detachable. What use is that?
Then a very kind gent bought be the Cannondale multi-tool that fits in the lefty headset. This has a breaker embedded in the ends of the tire levers. 'Cos the leavers are big leverage isn't an issue. I was skeptical of it's design at first but have to admit I prefer this one now.
Powerlinks are great as everyone has commented. I never used to carry them and never had a problem fixing chains on the trail... until last time (sorry Junkie!) so now carry powerlinks and a couple spare standard chain links too - you never know!
Thanks Rob, I have been recommended Powerlinks and the like from a number of people so will order a couple of Wipperman 9sp Connex links (which I presume will match my Connex 9 speed chain). I like your idea of a few extra standard links....
I already have a great little allen key, screwdriver mutli tool so I think I'll go for a compact mini chain breaker like the Park CT-5.
Cheers, Tim
....I have broken $30 cheap Shimano's, $65 XTR Shimano's and now I'm breaking a $84 Connex whipperman gold plated chain. I'm now going to try and brake the Sram range of chains. Lets see how long that takes.
FWIW I have and recommend the tool listed below, it works well, I should know
http://www.cellbikes.com.au/p_274_TOPEAK__Alien_...
Greg
PS: all power links work on the connex!
..I will get a Rohloff SLT 99 for you, so you can "breack" that one!
Look forward to the report.
Bernd
i dont have a park one Tim, i just meant that you should buy a decent one especially for out on the trails where you need things to work properley. ( that park one did look nice though!)
You didn't say what you had that broke?
If I'm going for a short ride the multi-tool is fine.
If I'm doing a polaris, overnighter, 100k ride then I take a seperate chain tool, as well as the multi-tool. Just whatever the bike store has as a chain tool.
Do not underestimate the power of exhaustion screwing with your mind when your chain breaks. I literally could not fix my chain at hour 7 on a ride one time... i scootered back 10ks... after an hour of recovery i realised what i was doing wrong... pushing the pin all the way out and wondering why i couldnt get it back in...
you dont want to be fiddling round with silly little gizmo's whilst racing or on long rides. i think its best to carry a no fuss, good quality chain breaker at all times unless youre on a local ride where comlete failure and a push home aint too important.
It is the park ct-5 that I have and like.
John.
On most chains too. I find it's slightly curved shape works better than other links (if you put it on correctly) and its a breeze take off/put so no more excuses for having a dirty chain.
I always use connex and much prefer them to the Sram powerlinks.
I use connex on all my bikes, or the power link whatever it is, and usually carry a spare in the kit. One quick fix is to carry a spare set in your pack and if your chain breaks, reconnect with a 2nd connex link. However I am sure this is not recommended, and you should probably only use to get to the next checkpoint.