Tales of woe

[jim280885]

OK, this is more a tale of stupidity on my part than woe...

I thought I'd save myself some moolah by changing my chain and sprockets myself. As is always the case things were taking much longer than anticipated due to a stubborn front sprocket nut. Finally got it off on day 2 and excitedly put the new sprockets (went up to 42 on the rear, kept it at 17 on the front) on. Wrapped the new chain around which was too long by a mile, so I start eyeing off the spot where it needs to be cut and am about to count how many links I need to cut out... "geez I hope I dont cut this too short" I mutter to my father. "Why dont you just measure it against the old chain?" he suggests (now those of you who have more experience/intelligence/smoke less weed than we do will see what is about to happen here) "Ah! says I... great idea!"... Measure the new chain, 3 times to be sure, cut it, wrap it around the sprockets and... yep... new larger rear sprocket = 1 very unhappy camper. I faffed about today trying to find a bike shop that would sell me a connecting link and press 2 more links into the chain to no avail (they all stock RK and DID but no Esjot). Thought we had a solution in putting the old rear sprocket on but the old chain (which hadnt been adjusted far from its original position. I was only replacing it cos it had a seized link) had stretched about 3 mm and so even with the wheel as far forward as it will go, i cannot get the connecting link to reach so cant join the chain.

So now I'll have to order a new chain, and will most likely admit defeat and have the bike shop fit it anyway, thus negating any savings. It's definitely one of those mistakes I'll only make once in my life (like the time I messed about with the fuel lines/filter on my car for weeks only to finally relent and dial a mobile mechanic, who put 10L of fuel in the tank and kicked it over first go ) so I guess I've learned a lesson. Meh.

[Mincehead]

I ALWAYS buy a chain longer than is required, keep spare spring links too so any removed links can always be utilised if required.
That way playing with gearing can then be a simple process of adding or removing short sections of chain to your hearts content.
Oh and don`t listen to all the naysayers and doom peddlers regarding spring links, a PROPERLY installed spring link will not come off in use, race and drag bikes with three times or more the power of a TRX were using chains joined with spring links for decades.
I`ve had chains break on me but never had a spring link come off.

[cobbadiggabuddyblooo]

don't stress Jim.. just learn from it..no need to go to waste you cash at a mechanic, I'm sure you'll get it right when your new chain comes and there's plenty of us around S.E. QLD who still have std rear and a 17/16 on the front that the chain may fit onto to if it still has 110 links that may need a new chain. to ease the squeeze on your wallet

[cobbadiggabuddyblooo]

or do exactly as mince said find a couple of links, I always carry a spare in my tool bag..

[M.V.]

Happened to us all once, I'm sure

You might be able to offload the new, cut to length on here to someone running standard gearing.

[trixynut]

Mate, there will bw cheapee solutions than forking out big money on another chain:
Speak to b&c express, and get a smaller front sproc. Chain may then fit.
Or get a smaller back sproc (yes, smaller) and this will deffo fit, then change it once chain has stretched.
Or, get more links and spring link joiners.
Or smoke less blow! ..... Actually, nah, scrub that option

[Wombat]

I ALWAYS buy a chain longer than is required, keep spare spring links too so any removed links can always be utilised if required.
That way playing with gearing can then be a simple process of adding or removing short sections of chain to your hearts content.
Oh and don`t listen to all the naysayers and doom peddlers regarding spring links, a PROPERLY installed spring link will not come off in use, race and drag bikes with three times or more the power of a TRX were using chains joined with spring links for decades.
I`ve had chains break on me but never had a spring link come off.

Too true Mince. This RK chain I have on now is the 1st rivet link chain I've used in 10 years, all the rest have been spring clip links and never had a problem

Bob

[jim280885]

Cheers for the pep talks fellas.

The chain itself was a very very cheap one (made by 'esjot'?? supposedly a german manufacturer??) it was only 40 bucks (Metal Gear in brisy if anyone is chasing one. I'm just pretty much giving it a crack cos it is so cheap, so getting another one wont leave me out of pocket drastically. And yeah, i'll have the other one there for future use should I mess with the gearing again.

Hoping it will arrive tomorrow. Missing being on it.

We have been wondering why spring clip links are thin on the ground now days too. Does anyone know a manufacturer who DOES make 525 chains with them? jsut for future ref.

Cheers guys.

[phuk72]

Have you ever seen the mess a broken chain makes? On engine cases and legs!!!!

Buying cheap is a false economy IMO

[cobbadiggabuddyblooo]

WOE

[jim280885]

Have you ever seen the mess a broken chain makes? On engine cases and legs!!!!

Buying cheap is a false economy IMO

Yeah well I am interested to see how it goes. I mean, MG seem to have a decent enough rep and if they are standing behind them then one would hope its not cheap to the point of being prone to snapping.

Got it all sorted today and took it for a strap. It feels good. Definitely like the larger rear sprocket. As for the chain itself, it seems... chainy.

My buddy who is an artist has first dibs on the short chain... lol.

[cobbadiggabuddyblooo]

Be interested to see what milage you get out of the chain Jim..