chain stretch, cassette wear and joining links

Hi,

I'm using an ultegra cassette and a duraace chain. I felt it wa
probably about time to get a new chain before the cassette started t
wear too much. 12 chain links measure about 12 and 1/16th inches so
think I'll be able to replace it without any problems.

I've read about people using a system where they run two or thre
chains and swap them over each week to evenly spread the wear an
extend the life of the cassette. Has anyone tried doing this for an
length of time?

Do these regular chain removing folk use sram powerlinks or somethin
similar?

A bike mechanic once looked at me in horror when I suggested using on
of those on a shimano chain. I'm not sure if they were a purest, i
they were trying to drum up business or if they were telling the truth
Has anyone had experience using the sram joining links on shiman
chains? What sort of problems would this be likely to cause?

Thank

--
xisle

xisle wrote:

I've read about people using a system where they run two
or three chains and swap them over each week to evenly
spread the wear and extend the life of the cassette. Has
anyone tried doing this for any length of time?

I do this. It's pretty much mandatory if you run two sets of wheels o
the same bike, as otherwise you'll get skip with one set of wheels.

However there's no need to swap chains every week - I do it maybe onc
a month or so. Whenever I take the chain off to clean it, I just pu
one of the others (pre-cleaned) on, then clean the one that just cam
off the bike, ready for next time.

Do these regular chain removing folk use sram powerlinks or
something similar?

SRAM powerlinks are your friend.

A bike mechanic once looked at me in horror when I suggested
using one of those on a shimano chain. I'm not sure if they were
a purest, if they were trying to drum up business or if they were
telling the truth. Has anyone had experience using the sram
joining links on shimano chains? What sort of problems would this
be likely to cause?

Did he have pimples? I find the ones with pimples often give the wors
advice. Powerlinks work with any chain of the same width. I howeve
use SRAM chains as well, as I find they last better (and are quiete
and cheaper) than the Campy ones. The same is likely true fo
Shimano.

Regards,

Suz

--
suzyj

suzyj Wrote:


I do this. It's pretty much mandatory if you run two sets of wheels o
the same bike, as otherwise you'll get skip with one set of wheels.

However there's no need to swap chains every week - I do it maybe onc
a month or so. Whenever I take the chain off to clean it, I just pu
one of the others (pre-cleaned) on, then clean the one that just cam
off the bike, ready for next time.

Do these regular chain removing folk use sram powerlinks or
something similar?

SRAM powerlinks are your friend.

A bike mechanic once looked at me in horror when I suggested
using one of those on a shimano chain. I'm not sure if they were
a purest, if they were trying to drum up business or if they were
telling the truth. Has anyone had experience using the sram
joining links on shimano chains? What sort of problems would this
be likely to cause?

Did he have pimples? I find the ones with pimples often give the wors
advice. Powerlinks work with any chain of the same width. I howeve
use SRAM chains as well, as I find they last better (and are quiete
and cheaper) than the Campy ones. The same is likely true fo
Shimano.

Regards,

Suzy

We could construct a continuum as to reliability of bikeshop employe
advice based on their physical features: i.e. pimples and death meta
T-shirts - 0 points (except for DH/freeride - 4 ranging to 7 points o
a bong-free day); greasy apron, glasses, beard, know-it-all expressio
- 6.5 points (except for touring bikes, Birdys, Schmidts Dynohubs an
Ortlieb panniers - 8 points); buzzcut, A-Grade legs and attitude by th
bucketload - 5 points (except for CF roadies, Dura-Ace and Campag Choru
and Record - 7 points). Don't know where i fit into that, tho . .


I had a couple of bad experiences a few years ago with exploding SRA
links. I use Wipperman Connex now - no probs so far.

Put your (clean) dormant chain into an old clean grease tin full o
your favourite lube (to cover). A few days before "Th
Changeover"(coming soon to a cinema near you), hang it above the tin t
let the excess drip back in. Wipe dry and install. Mmmm, smoot
drivetrain! Keep wiping for the first few rides to remove exces
(remember to clean cogs/c'rings/jockey wheels for full effect).

I like Wipperman chains. But I can never get one to work on my 8 sp
touring bike with Shimano barcons/LX bits. The Shimano equiv. work
fine. Strange. Must be the long cable run, sideplate design, o
something.

M "friction-modified"

--
mfhor

xisle Wrote:
Hi,

I'm using an ultegra cassette and a duraace chain. I felt it wa
probably about time to get a new chain before the cassette started t
wear too much. 12 chain links measure about 12 and 1/16th inches so
think I'll be able to replace it without any problems.

I've read about people using a system where they run two or thre
chains and swap them over each week to evenly spread the wear an
extend the life of the cassette. Has anyone tried doing this for an
length of time?

Do these regular chain removing folk use sram powerlinks or somethin
similar?

A bike mechanic once looked at me in horror when I suggested using on
of those on a shimano chain. I'm not sure if they were a purest, i
they were trying to drum up business or if they were telling the truth
Has anyone had experience using the sram joining links on shiman
chains? What sort of problems would this be likely to cause?

Thanks

I use a Wipperman brand removable link in a Shimmano (9 speed) chai
with no problems. I'll definately be using a Sram chain & powerlin
when I replace it.
I did think of altenating chains on my most recent new bike but I lef
it too long before checking the chain wear.
As my handle suggests, I ride my bike(s) through 4 types of mud, crud
water, sh1t & mud. Even my road bike got dirty on its last outing.
Oh well, ride it, clean it, rinse & repeat

--
Bikesoiler