Broken chain

[Garett]

The OH broke her chain at Lee Quarry tonight. The bike is a Specialized Hardrock with 9 speed.

Can we just remove the broken link or is it advisable to replace the chain? (Chain is OE and the bike is around 14 months old and gets used most weekends.)

The chain on it is a KMC X9. Would it be advisable to replace with an exact like for like replacement?

Final question, I've seen KMC X9 73 and KMC X9 93, what the difference? They are both for 9 speed.

Thanks.

[yellowjack]

Invest in something like this:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/SearchResults.a...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

And if your chain is worn, get it replaced. If the chain is badly worn, you will need to replace the cassette as well (probably). If you check the chain regularly, and replace it before it wears to excess, you should, as a rule of thumb, (and if you keep it clean/lubed) get through two chains to one cassette. Chainrings usually last longer, but its worth checking the condition of all elements of your drive train regularly, and keeping them free from gunk.

If your chain has snapped, I would be inclined to replace ASAP, it may be one weak link, or excessive wear over it's length. Best not left to chance. Carry these:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

and you will be able to effect a repair when out on the road/trail.

[CoolC]

Sounds like it's probably about due for replacement anyway so might as well go down that route.

IIRC the difference between the 73 and 93 is the colour/coating of the links (73=brown 93=silver)

The best place I found for KMC chains was Parker international.http://www.parker-international.co.uk/7184/KMC-X9-93-Silver-Grey-Bike-Chain.html

[Garett]

Thanks for the input. New one will be ordered and importance of keeping the drivetrain clean reiterated!
We always carry a chain splitter but it was getting dark and on the final descent so it was freewheeled back to the car. Spare quick links are a good idea will pick up a couple.

[rhinochopig]

WRT to chains. Buy a chain wear gauge because if you run your chain until it's worn to the point of snapping then you are possibly looking at not only having to replace the chain, but the cassette and chain-rings as well, which is extremely costly to do.

Chains should be replaced when they reach x % stretch (can't remember what the actual figure is as the gauge is a simple yes / no) because if left the chain and teeth key to each other which means when you do finally replace the chain, you'll get a slipping jumping drive train.

OP get a gauge and check for stretch and if you've exceeded the limit then I would simply replace the broken link with a powerlink and run the drive-train into the ground. Then swap the lot: cassette, rings, and chain.