chain repair

[erknolikefire]

The chain on my Bike E CT broke this week and I can't get it back together. I've fix chains before but this one will not come apart with the chain tool. I also noticed that the posts on the repair links are longer than what is on the chain now. I thought that the chain was a standard size, but it is small then the chains on my two regular bikes. Any help on what I'm doing wrong trying to seperate the links, or where I may order the appropriate parts if needed would be greatly apreciated.

[pjespers]

I had to replace my chain recently due to rust. The bike was in storage for a year. I cut it in half with "tin-snips" (metal scissors) and took it to my LBS. They used it as a guide to fashion a new chain with master-links to hold it together. Wasn't that expensive and they had the correct size in stock. They just used two regular lengths pieced together to make one long enough for me. Depending on why your chain broke, it may be time for a new one anyway.

[tutorblk]

I don't know why your chain tool won't separate the chain, unless it has some special construction.
+1 to pjespers' comment: 2 standard '8-speed' chains joined together should fit your CT - that's what I also did last year, no problems. (Sometimes a few extra links might be needed, depends on how many links are in the 'standard' length supplied: I didn't need them).

Note that '8-speed' chain fits 7-speed cassettes too (in case you have a 7-speed cassette) - but a 9-speed chain will be too narrow, and 10-speed even more narrow, don't use them.

But - does your CT have a derailleur? Derailleur chain is 3/32" internal width (all speeds, but 9 & 10 speed chain have narrow external widths, see link below). If you don't have a derailleur cassette, you'll probably need 1/8" chain.

I agree, if your chain broke, then perhaps it's time to replace anyway?

Have a look at en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Bicycles/Maintenance_and_Repair/Chains/Chain_sizes which might help to explain why your current chain seems smaller than your 'regular' bikes.
Have a look at Sheldon Brown's pages on chains too: sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

Hope this helps,
Brian

[erknolikefire]

Thank you both! I was checking over the chain again, and there are a few more links with cracks or almost broken ends, ao a new chain is a must now. I look into the chain size further to have a new one made.

[erknolikefire]

I have another stupid question. I don't remember how the chain is threaded through the derailer. I've tried it a few different ways but still have it wrong. If anyone could post a photo I could resolve this. I feel silly asking this, but I'm stumped. I think working the night shift for the last year or so has turned my brain to jelly.

[tutorblk]

Hi, I'll send you 3 pics. But they'll come in separate messages to keep small attachment sizes.
I'm just back from my morning cycle and snapped these - haven't fixed them in photo programme so they're quite large files; jpg file types.
#1 (attached) shows the slack side of the chain goes inside the derailleur cage, round the tension jockey, up over the shift pulley and thence over the casette cogs.

I'm sure bike mechanics do this from the top, but hey, you're looking for an example!

Make sure you thread the chain inside the cage else it will rub. #2 (next msg) shows the view from the rear - see the chain is inside the cage?

#3 (next message again) shows another general view from roughly alongside the pedals looking toward the back wheel.
Trust they help.
Brian

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[tutorblk]

Opps, got them in wrong order! That was a general view!
Here's the threading sequence view:

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[tutorblk]

And this one shows the chain goes inside the cage:
See behind the shifter cable? Got to watch the chain is inside the frame of the cage.
Here's some info from www.teamestrogen.com/content/asa_happy (A page for lady cyclists - but hey the info is good for guys too!! There are some good pics.
>>Take the end of the chain and drape it across the top of the smallest cog in the back. Now wrap it around underneath the cog and over the top of the top pulley. The top pulley is the one closest to the cassette (Check out the picture in Step Two again). Thread the chain through the derailleur cage down to the bottom pulley and drape the chain over the top of the bottom pulley. Be sure the chain runs inside the guide tabs, not on the outside. The guide tab is the small, bent over tab of derailleur cage that keeps the chain from flying off when the going gets rough. There is one on the underside between the two pulleys, and one over the bottom pulley. When the chain is installed correctly, it should not touch either one.<< Cheers

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[erknolikefire]

Thanks again! I will put the chain back on after work.