This year, twice in quick succession, I’ve broken two chains (both 10 speed). For 10 years, I had no broken chains, but like the proverbial bus, after waiting so long two have appeared together.
The first chain to snap was a relatively cheap 10 speed chain (I can’t remember the brand). To replace it I bought a 10 speed Shimano Dura Ace to go with my Dura Ace groupset. At £40, it’s not cheap. Yet, it still snapped on climbing up a hill. I wasn’t changing gear but was putting a lot of pressure on the pedals. I was lucky not to fall off, because when your chain goes your pedalling momentum comes to an abrupt and undignified end.
With Shimano Dura Ace 10 speed, you have to take care to read instructions and get the connecting link position in exactly the right place. There is no easy connecting link on many other chains. I went to local bike shop (Beeline, Oxford) and they suggested trying an SRAM chain as they had a better reputation for not breaking than Shimano.
I fitted an SRAM chain (it was much easier to fit than Dura Ace) and gives as good performance.
Tips for Avoiding Broken Chains
- Be careful changing Gears at same time as putting high pressure on pedals. You should be able to maintain same pressure. But, if you are going to stand on the pedals and accelerate away, you must change before doing it.
- In particular, take care when changing front chain ring. If you change front chain ring and put pressure on at same time, you increase risk of broken chain. This seems common sense, but it is easy to forget at times.
- Make sure chain is fitted properly and there is no persistent rubbing of chain against dérailleur. Make sure index system is working well. If you hear a clicking sound from your gears, there is a much higher chance of breaking chain.
- Use correct chain tool.
- Change chain before it gets too worn. See: How often to change chain
- I recommend not using Shimano chains as they are more fiddly, and you may need to carry a spare rivet pin.
Update on Trek Madone 6.9
The only issue I’ve had with Trek Madone 6.9 is the broken chains. Apart from that, it’s been worth every penny since buying it 12 months ago.
Note on Progress
As a keen cyclist, I wish Shimano had kept their chain design simpler like SRAM.
Related
- Correct chain length
- Chains at Wiggle Cycles
- Shimano Dura Ace 10 Speed at Wiggle
What happens if you’re climbing a hill on a fixie (brakeless) and the chain breaks? :s I imagine it would either be painfull or hilarious to watch.
I’ll add that to my reasons for not buying a fixie!