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Changing chain

  • 18-03-2011 8:39am
    #1
    smacl
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 15,812 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    I've noticed on recent spins that gear changing is becoming increasingly clunky and reckon it is about time to change chain. I've kept the old one well cleaned and oiled, but it has about 3000k on it and I'm guessing is near the end of its life. Just wondering is this a job for the bike shop, or something easy enough to do yourself? I have a chain tool as part of a multi-tool, and am thinking of getting a new chain with power link or similar.

    The old chain is a KMC X9 73, so thinking of going for the next KMC chain up from the one I've got, as my existing one is out of stock. Are all 9 speed chains basically the same length and compatible with one another, and how would you guys rate KMC chains over Shimano or SRAM.


Comments

  • #2
    DirkVoodoo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,505 ✭✭✭✭DirkVoodoo


    Your new chain will have to have a few links removed, just use the old one as a guide, they should have the same number of links (length will vary a small bit because the old one will have stretched a small bit).

    First thing I would do is measure the old chain to see if it is actually stretching, otherwise there may be another reason for your clunky gear shifts.

    Bear in mind, if your chain is very worn, chances are it will have worn the cassette as well, so this may need changing too.


  • #3
    seamus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,317 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    "Clunky" is a weird way to describe poor shifting performance. In some cases this doesn't indicate any problem (it can be satisfying solid feeling when the chain engages). But it can also indicate that the chain is "hovering" between two cogs before falling onto one. This could be a worn chain but could also equally just be the gearing needing to be tweaked.

    Very easy replacement to do yourself, but you will need to check that your chain isn't excessively worn. Good guide on checking chain wear here:
    http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

    The very last paragraph tells you how, though the whole page is useful to read.

    Replacing chain & cassette is easy, but you will need a specialist tool to change the cassette. I would also be inclined to replace the inner cabling if I'm replacing a cassette as I take the opportunity to give a full drivetrain service. But if that's not something you've done before, then it's best left a bike shop to get the best setup.


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