Can you repair a chain ? (mine has broke after <200miles)

MajorUpset

Member
Jul 22, 2018
13
4
Worcs
OK.. so I was going up a steep hill... and i did try and change gear... which I now know is a No No.

Luckily it was on my local trails, and I was only a couple of miles from home, so no major disaster.

So a coupe of questions:

a: is it just something I have to get used to... and not change gear on steep hills.

b: can the chain be fixed (ie with a spare link) - or am i better getting a new one.

and, c: do you guys carry a chain tool with you to repair on trails.

In all my (many years) cycling, I think i have only ever broken 2 chains - and I repaired both mid ride.

Your thoughts and wisdom (as always) very much appreciated.

Oh... and PS:

d: can you recommend a stronger chain ? it is a Spesh Levo 2018.

Grassy Ass.
 

Gary

Old Tartan Bollocks
Author
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Mar 29, 2018
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@MajorUpset

a) it's more HOW you change gear, What you are looking to do is have the chain shift only while not under load. depending on your motor you might have to soft pedal or even freewheel for a tiny amount of time before you shift so as to allow the chainring to turn the chain but the motor assist not to pull it, if you get what I mean. Different motors have different overrun/lag in the assist (and sometimes different from mode to mode too) so you really need to learn this and figure it out. Some forward planning is required too.
Apart from when a mech ends up in the wheel or something damages the chain/chainring etc. when chains on non-Emtbs break it's usually from exactly the same mis-treatment you've given yours. It's just that it's easier to make a bad shift under load on an Ebike

b) Yes. either by using a split link (if it's an outer chain plate that failed. Or by replacing pairs of links (if the chain broke at the pin/plate join)

c) Yes. always

d) You don't need a stronger chain (See answer a)
 
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Dax

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
May 25, 2018
1,726
2,112
FoD
A) don't shift under load. I quite often click onto turbo rather than shifting if I hit a bit of trail in the wrong gear. Then back off once I'm moving again, change gear and put it back into trail

B) yes

C) yes, always. For about the last 15 years. You can buy multitools with them on, I like the topeak nexus, although my kenevo has a built in chain tool. Now I carry two chain tools I guess.
 

Welshrobinireland

Well-known member
Patreon
Mar 24, 2018
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Ireland
I've broken the chain twice in the last 12 months and now always carry a multi tool with chain breaker and a couple of quick links. Bad technique and the extra power I'm guessing. Hope this helps.
 

MajorUpset

Member
Jul 22, 2018
13
4
Worcs
I've broken the chain twice in the last 12 months and now always carry a multi tool with chain breaker and a couple of quick links. Bad technique and the extra power I'm guessing. Hope this helps.

I am sure you are right... too used to the non-motor'd versions. Obviously need to be a bit more careful. Small price to pay for such superb fun.
 

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