Problem fitting new Ultegra 10 speed chain (missing pin?)

[IntegraTypeR]

Hi all,

I'm fitting a new chain to my road bike. I was expecting the new chain to come with a long pin that has enough length that you push the guide part through, then use a chain tool to pop it into place, before snapping off the protruding end of the pin. However, the chain just came with a "regular" width pin that is already snapped into place on one side of the chain (just enough so that it won't come out). I can't get the inner end of the chain to slot into the outer end that has the pin, as the inside of the pin that has been popped through stops the two joining. I just wanted to check if I have been sent the wrong pin, or if I should be taking some other approach?

Thanks

Ian

[IntegraTypeR]

It's ok now - I managed to prise the outer end open a tiny bit with a screw driver. Link has joined together but is very stiff - need to see what's up with that.

[anonymous-user]

Nudge the pin on the stiff link a bit with the chain tool

Maybe it isn't in far enough, maybe it's in too far, consider both possibilities

Work on 1/8th of a turn of the tool handle at a time

[Bobley]

I've never had much luck pressing standard pins into 9/10/11 speed chains even with a very nice chain tool. I think I'd bin the connector and fit a quick/power link

[IntegraTypeR]

Got there in the end thanks. I had to push the pin in and out a couple of times before it loosened up.

[Craikeybaby]

I've given up using Shimano chains for similar reasons, the SRAM/KMC connectors are much easier to use.

[Herman Toothrot]

Craikeybaby said:

I've given up using Shimano chains for similar reasons, the SRAM/KMC connectors are much easier to use.

This, use quick links instead makes for a much stronger chain. Shimano now does them but they charge extra for them.

[JEA1K]

As above, makes life much easier. The permanent connecting pin can be PITA even after changing chains for years. I use the KMC links on on my chains which, apparently are non reusable but I take mine of each bike when I clean the chains, all work fine.

[neilr]

I've just fitted an ultegra 10sp chain like the OP. I fitted it after the power link that came with the new SRAM chain I bought failed to seat properly. I broke the chain and joined it together with a chain tool as you would. The chain then broke less than 2k into it first ride. No issues with chain after fitting, gears changed smoothly and the break wasn't even the link i had to remove and refit. Shimano chain is fine though.

It's swings and roundabouts but the general low quality/poor QA, design and manufacture corner cutting along with constantly changing specs and sizes makes the bike industry a joke. (and not a funny one at that).

For everyone that has no issues ever with a part or tool there are too many who do.

recently i've had issues with

Shoes - non existent quality control
BB - changing bearing cup size for hollowtech II with BB60 and nowhere does it point this out except teeny tiny letters.
BB tool (for above) Utterly ste construction, totally unsuitable for the task in hand. Park should be ashamed of themselves. Evans were however excellent when i took it back in.
Poor design of chain breaking tool.

I could go on but i'm sure you'll be glad I wont.

There's no excuse for any of this to be happening. design and make it properly FFS. I don't want the hassle of buying 3 items that broke because they were cheaply manufactured crap (when no obvious alternative was available)., Id pay more for that not to happen. It's not like I'm buying the cheapest i can find.

Its little things like press fit BBs. The ONLY reason they exist is because it makes a frame cheaper to manufacture. I know its across the board these days but the cycle industry is losing credibility rapidly in its stampede for more profits.

It wasn't all roses in the past I'll grant you, but as time goes on things should get at least a little better and certainly not worse!