Discussion
Changed the chain on my MTB recently (a couple of months ago). It's mainly used for the commute (5 miles each way on road) and a small amount of off roading (no time at the moment).
I replaced the old chain with a SRAM chain (i have SRAM shifters). However, in the past 6 weeks, the chain has broken twice.
Can someone recommend a decent chain? Are Shimano better?
I replaced the old chain with a SRAM chain (i have SRAM shifters). However, in the past 6 weeks, the chain has broken twice.
Can someone recommend a decent chain? Are Shimano better?
johnnywb said:
I replaced the old chain with a SRAM chain (i have SRAM shifters). However, in the past 6 weeks, the chain has broken twice.
Have you checked for bent teeth and other misaligned stuff? Could be that the chain is being prised apart somewhere along it's travels, if so, it'll only happen to the new one.WildCards said:
johnnywb said:
I replaced the old chain with a SRAM chain (i have SRAM shifters). However, in the past 6 weeks, the chain has broken twice.
Have you checked for bent teeth and other misaligned stuff? Could be that the chain is being prised apart somewhere along it's travels, if so, it'll only happen to the new one.The only chain I've ever broken was an 8 speed Shimano one. Replaced with a SRAM one which lasted over a year's worth of riding. Now running a Shimano LX jobby that came as part of an LX 9 speed groupset. Only been on there a couple of months but would replace with a SRAM when if/when it breaks.
There are plenty of plausible reasons for your chain snapping.
Modern chains are very well made but do require a certain amount of care. Firstly you need to use the right chain that matches how many cogs there are on your cassette (7, 8, 9 or 10).
You can't 'add' additional links, or rejoin a split link, on a Sram chain. You remove enough links to get the length correct and join it using a Power Link. If a Sram chain snaps you need to fix it with another Power Link. You can't just shorten the chain and put in the pin with a chain splitter. They will just snap again.
Shimano chains can be split and re-joined but you need to use a new pin each time or they'll just snap again.
At the end of the day both Shimano and Sram make very good chains at very good prices and either should provide trouble free service (although other manufacturers are available). I know a lot of people who run Shimano chains with a Sram Power Link to aid maintenance.
If the chain was fitted and sized correctly then I would check the remaining drive train for wear / damage. From what you said I would say that the chain broke once and you fixed it by putting in a new link. The chain then broke again in the same place. If the rest of the drivetrain is fine then I'd think you just were unlucky and got a bad chain.
Modern chains are very well made but do require a certain amount of care. Firstly you need to use the right chain that matches how many cogs there are on your cassette (7, 8, 9 or 10).
You can't 'add' additional links, or rejoin a split link, on a Sram chain. You remove enough links to get the length correct and join it using a Power Link. If a Sram chain snaps you need to fix it with another Power Link. You can't just shorten the chain and put in the pin with a chain splitter. They will just snap again.
Shimano chains can be split and re-joined but you need to use a new pin each time or they'll just snap again.
At the end of the day both Shimano and Sram make very good chains at very good prices and either should provide trouble free service (although other manufacturers are available). I know a lot of people who run Shimano chains with a Sram Power Link to aid maintenance.
If the chain was fitted and sized correctly then I would check the remaining drive train for wear / damage. From what you said I would say that the chain broke once and you fixed it by putting in a new link. The chain then broke again in the same place. If the rest of the drivetrain is fine then I'd think you just were unlucky and got a bad chain.
What a diplomatic opinion on chains, i feel you could sell either mk1 
i agree 100%
We did load tests recently on chain strengh and although not sanctioned by any manufacturer heres briefly what we found.(12 tonne press with a strain guage and dti guage measuring length)
Shimano 10 speed chains are not only the hardest material but take the most load to break.
Sram 9 speeds are weaker than the shimano 9 speed by a small amount
Sram single speed chains are very weak
KMC chains have an elstic limit higher than any we tested
10sp power link is considerably stronger than a 9sp,an 8 speed weaker still
For ease of use the breaker link is best for sure, but for strength, the pin is strongest
belt drive, is it the way of the future
i agree 100%We did load tests recently on chain strengh and although not sanctioned by any manufacturer heres briefly what we found.(12 tonne press with a strain guage and dti guage measuring length)
Shimano 10 speed chains are not only the hardest material but take the most load to break.
Sram 9 speeds are weaker than the shimano 9 speed by a small amount
Sram single speed chains are very weak
KMC chains have an elstic limit higher than any we tested
10sp power link is considerably stronger than a 9sp,an 8 speed weaker still
For ease of use the breaker link is best for sure, but for strength, the pin is strongest
belt drive, is it the way of the future
johnnywb said:
Thanks for the input guys.
The chainset was new at the same time as the chain.
The cassette is old, but seems fine. Might get someone to check it all out to be sure, don't really want to have another enforced run home!
Ta.
May not be the reason for the chain snapping, but you should replace Cassette same time as chain, otherwise you'll get excessive wear on the new chain.The chainset was new at the same time as the chain.
The cassette is old, but seems fine. Might get someone to check it all out to be sure, don't really want to have another enforced run home!
Ta.
Black5 said:
May not be the reason for the chain snapping, but you should replace Cassette same time as chain, otherwise you'll get excessive wear on the new chain.
Depends how worn the chain was when it snapped. If still in spec, then the original cassette should be okay (that's why you need to measure your chain and replace at the appropriate time).Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff