Chains and a learning curve

[K1909]

So, I've had my road bike over a year, and I'm slowing getting to grips with the mechanical side of things, yesterday I went to the local bike shop for a browse, and while I was there asked if I needed a new chain. The guy measured my chain, and it was pretty much useless.

11 speed shimano chain purchased and feeling confident I could do this simple, but never done before by me job. Got home, took a picture on how the chain sits round the rear cogs and dérailleur and off I go with the chain tool. Broke the old chain with no problems.

Put the new and old chain side by side and counted both chains several times, coming to the conclusion I needed 54 links, off I go and break a few links off the new chain, leaving me with 54 links so I think.

Place it on the bike, and after a lot more counting and swearing I realise my mistake. I had broke the link on the 54th, but should of gone one more along, as I was not left with 2 matching pieces of chain at each end, that i couldnt join. I was missing the little bit of chain to go inside the outer part of chain. Back to the bike shop I go and buy another chain this time, all goes to plan, and the chain is fitted, only to find out my cassette needs doing, so that's on order.

My question is, can I add the spare links of the new chain back onto the chain, with another chain pin, so that I have a spare chain when I need to replace the 1 now on the bike, or have I just been on a learning curve and should bin it?

Go easy on this trainee mechanic

[ALawson]

In theory yes, a new pin(s) should be able to add in spare links from the 2nd new chain into the first short chain. Or get some powerlinks.

[dave123456]

You need a shimano joining pin, about £3 for 3. You should have used one for the new chain. Or a sram or kmc joining link will work. I avoid shimano chains now, not v convenient.

[neenaw]

Just join it back together with a KMC Missing Link. I've done it in the past when I've rebuilt bikes after changing frames and I've ended up with a couple of these links in the chain.

As stated above, I also tend to avoid Shimano chains as I find the KMC ones last better.

[K1909]

Thanks guys, doesn't sound like I've completely ruined the 1st chain and I can keep it as a spare. I'll take a look at the KMC chains next time.thanks again

[upsidedownmark]

Just for clarity, join it with either the missing link type connectors mentioned, or a dedicated shimano joining pin (long thing). You cannot/must not use the bit you pushed out to join it (some have) - it will fail, with most likely uncomfortable results

[K1909]

I've got some shimano joining pins on order as well, this hobby is turning out to be an expensive one

[PorscheGT4]

K1909 said:

I've got some shimano joining pins on order as well, this hobby is turning out to be an expensive one

er you think buying a joining pin for a chain is an expensive hobby lol

wait till you want that Aero bike with Dura Ace and some 40mm Carbon wheels.

[K1909]

PorscheGT4 said:

er you think buying a joining pin for a chain is an expensive hobby lol

wait till you want that Aero bike with Dura Ace and some 40mm Carbon wheels.

The pins weren't to much of a problem, buts its funny, how once upon a time, I would never spend £100 on a pair of shorts or any item of clothing, however I now find myself thinking there great value, I've used my best man maths to justify all of my recent bike purchases