Discussion
After the thread a few months back I dashed out and got a set of powerlinks for both my bikes. On the road bike they've worked beautifully and really helped when I had to do a roadside repair recently. However, I've also put them on my mountain bike, where they managed to come loose twice on the same ride over the weekend.
Fortunately the two halves remainded attached to their respective ends of the chain and I avoided being stranded, but it was a sobering experience on each occasion. Any idea what could be wrong? I think I've now got the hang of taking them on and off, and both incidences were well into the ride (i.e. not just after I'd put the chain on) so I don't reckon it's user error.
Fortunately the two halves remainded attached to their respective ends of the chain and I avoided being stranded, but it was a sobering experience on each occasion. Any idea what could be wrong? I think I've now got the hang of taking them on and off, and both incidences were well into the ride (i.e. not just after I'd put the chain on) so I don't reckon it's user error.
Powerlinks rule! I used one recently after my chain snapped at Ae Forest (Avalanche Enduro race start/Old BMX racer at heart - read too much force put into the first crank rotation). I ran to the bottom of the stage with my broken chain, in hand. Fixed it with the powerlink and was on my way, made it to the start of the next stage with time to spare.
Essential bit of kit if you ask me and so good for when cleaning the chain. Can't explain why the powerlink came apart on you though.
Essential bit of kit if you ask me and so good for when cleaning the chain. Can't explain why the powerlink came apart on you though.
Seems odd - as everyone else says, they usually get harder to take apart, not easier!
The only thing I can think of is if you used an 8sp link in a 9sp chain, which might give enough "wiggle" room to come loose? But then that link would be playing havoc with the rest of the drivetrain and have been noticeable before.
The only thing I can think of is if you used an 8sp link in a 9sp chain, which might give enough "wiggle" room to come loose? But then that link would be playing havoc with the rest of the drivetrain and have been noticeable before.
TheGreatSoprendo said:
Daft noob question alert...!
I'm looking to get a new bike very soon and like the idea of the powerlink to make it nice and easy to get the chain off to clean it propoerly. Do new chains (on new bikes) come with a powerlink or is it something you retrofit?
If they come with a SRAM chain, yes, if not no.I'm looking to get a new bike very soon and like the idea of the powerlink to make it nice and easy to get the chain off to clean it propoerly. Do new chains (on new bikes) come with a powerlink or is it something you retrofit?
They're easy to fit if you've got a chain tool and they only cost £2.
But I find the best way to clean chains is with one of these
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b...
Don't get me wrong, I'm a Powerlink fan too. They've been great on my roadbike and very handy.
At a guess I'd say there are two possibilities:
1) The gears aren't setup very well on the MTB. Maybe this introduces some sideload that can split them?
2) My first go at taking Powerlinks apart involved this particular set and a pair pof pliars (can do it by hand now). There's no sign of any damage, but maybe I was a little overeagre?
Anyway, it shows they're not completely infalable/idiot proof.
At a guess I'd say there are two possibilities:
1) The gears aren't setup very well on the MTB. Maybe this introduces some sideload that can split them?
2) My first go at taking Powerlinks apart involved this particular set and a pair pof pliars (can do it by hand now). There's no sign of any damage, but maybe I was a little overeagre?
Anyway, it shows they're not completely infalable/idiot proof.
Chris71 said:
2) My first go at taking Powerlinks apart involved this particular set and a pair pof pliars (can do it by hand now). There's no sign of any damage, but maybe I was a little overeagre?
Yes. You've damaged/weakend them in some way by taking pliers to them.....are you me in disguise? 
It should be as simple as keeping the links all in a straight line and just pushing them apart, putting a little pressure on each side of the powerlink.
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