Chain trouble

[Bob]

On my ride into work today the chain slipped a few times and had some
trouble changing gears.

Closer inspection shows that the roller on one of the links has split and
looks like it's about to fall off.
The chain is a Shimano HG50 narrow, can I get away with replacing that link?

LBS 1 Ac**on B**es says no trouble but they don't have any narrow chains in
stock.
LBS 2 Ev**s say, oh, no, the chain is on it's way out, only a matter of time
before another one goes...new chain and new cassette.

I don't really want to spend too much on it as I'm planning to trade it in
shortly.

Any advice great appreciated.

BTW, someone a few months ago posted a link which showed a very short
escalator up and down to an American gym. Was passing the new fitness chain
in Edgware the other day and noticed that they have a lift to get the
fitness freaks to the 1st floor!

Bob.

[Just zis Guy, you know?]

On Thu, 10 Jun 2004 18:37:23 +0000 (UTC), "Bob"
> wrote in message
>:


>Closer inspection shows that the roller on one of the links has split and
>looks like it's about to fall off.
>The chain is a Shimano HG50 narrow, can I get away with replacing that link?
>LBS 1 Ac**on B**es says no trouble but they don't have any narrow chains in
>stock.
>LBS 2 Ev**s say, oh, no, the chain is on it's way out, only a matter of time
>before another one goes...new chain and new cassette.

I would buy the new chain, use a couple of links off the end to
replace the dodgy one, then when the next link fails you've already
got the chain in the spares box.

Guy
--
May contain traces of irony. Contents liable to settle after posting.
http://www.chapmancentral.co.uk

88% of helmet statistics are made up, 65% of them at Washington University

[Pete Biggs]

Bob wrote:
> On my ride into work today the chain slipped a few times and had some
> trouble changing gears.
>
> Closer inspection shows that the roller on one of the links has split
> and looks like it's about to fall off.
> The chain is a Shimano HG50 narrow, can I get away with replacing
> that link?

Probably, but with a bit of luck, your chain is a little longer than it
needs to be*. If so, I suggest removing the dodgy bit and rejoining with
an SRAM 8-speed Powerlink (£1). Job will be much easier; result more
reliable & convenient.

* Select largest chairing with largest sprocket and judge whether rear
derailleur is at full stretch or not. See
<url:www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQchainlength.shtml>

~PB