To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

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Date: 08 Nov 2007 10:40:01
From: circuit slave
Subject: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

I am replacing my road chain which has 1200 miles on it and it has
never been replaced. I hear that SRAM makes good chains so I was
wondering whether I should use the power link or not. I've heard
mixed reviews of the link. Some say once you put it on it's almost
impossible to get off. I've also heard others carry extra links
because it does come off. I am interested in the 8 speed PC-68.
Should I use the link or possibly not ? I figured the link would
obviously make it easier to replace my current stock chain. Thanks
for the advice.

Date: 10 Nov 2007 07:02:22
From: Tom Sherman
Subject: Re: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

Date: 10 Nov 2007 03:46:05
From: datakoll
Subject: Re: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

On Nov 9, 7:33 pm, datakoll <datak...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> .
>
> Use the sram. An 8 sram Fits all shimano 8 speeds.http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/index.php?category=61http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/index.php?category=276
>
> uneeda pliers for new links/new chains. Using a grinder, pliers are
> made from Walmart $2 visegrips - taking a very hooked beak shape.
> Or drip thinner into joints. The new tightness plus new dirt inbetween
> swells the thickness so links no longer slide out as designed.
> Wiggling, pulling, cursing, dripping thinner gets it apart.
> pliers are just wonderful.
> Use walmart color coated paperclips or just reg clips to link link to
> chain thru roller. ROLLERS FALL OUT!
> Get a round magnet from a used speaker for finding running link halves
> or roller(s)
> If ufing thinner - recycle thinner into empty isopropyl bottles Qt/Pt.
> Allow to stand, dirt will congeal on bottom.
> Use pliers or baggies on hand when using thinner: its no good for you
> body, absorbs thru skin.
> Links are reuseable. Keep using it until shaft(s) is worn one mil plus
> deep or visibly conical.

off course the big deal is ya gotta buy two - four halves/two packs -
caws sooner ura a gonna loose 1/2 as it falls into a worm hole. Sram
worked years for the effect. Links are impossible to see on normal
driveway surfaces.

Date: 10 Nov 2007 00:33:01
From: datakoll
Subject: Re: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

.

Use the sram. An 8 sram Fits all shimano 8 speeds.
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/index.php?category=61
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/index.php?category=276

uneeda pliers for new links/new chains. Using a grinder, pliers are
made from Walmart $2 visegrips - taking a very hooked beak shape.
Or drip thinner into joints. The new tightness plus new dirt inbetween
swells the thickness so links no longer slide out as designed.
Wiggling, pulling, cursing, dripping thinner gets it apart.
pliers are just wonderful.
Use walmart color coated paperclips or just reg clips to link link to
chain thru roller. ROLLERS FALL OUT!
Get a round magnet from a used speaker for finding running link halves
or roller(s)
If ufing thinner - recycle thinner into empty isopropyl bottles Qt/Pt.
Allow to stand, dirt will congeal on bottom.
Use pliers or baggies on hand when using thinner: its no good for you
body, absorbs thru skin.
Links are reuseable. Keep using it until shaft(s) is worn one mil plus
deep or visibly conical.

Date: 09 Nov 2007 16:17:03
From: circuit slave
Subject: Re: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

On Nov 8, 10:55 am, "Nigel Cliffe" <m...@privacy.net > wrote:
> circuit slave wrote:
> > I am replacing my road chain which has 1200 miles on it and it has
> > never been replaced. I hear that SRAM makes good chains so I was
> > wondering whether I should use the power link or not. I've heard
> > mixed reviews of the link. Some say once you put it on it's almost
> > impossible to get off. I've also heard others carry extra links
> > because it does come off. I am interested in the 8 speed PC-68.
> > Should I use the link or possibly not ? I figured the link would
> > obviously make it easier to replace my current stock chain. Thanks
> > for the advice.
>
> 8 speed link works fine.
> Its easy to get off *if* you know the correct action (squeeze the link sides
> at same time as slide the pins together). Its difficult to split if you
> don't squeeze the sides inwards. It helps if you clean the area near the
> link before trying to split things.
> I have never had one fail on me. I carry spare links when on long tours,
> but have only needed one once, and it wasn't the powerlink which had failed.
>
> Not sure why you'd pay extra for the PC68 over its cheaper SRAM 8 speed
> bretheren.
>
> 1200miles strikes me as low for chain life, but depends on road muck, rain,
> lubrication method, etc.. Possibly needs changing because it can't be taken
> off easily for cleaning (hence powerlinks = good). And better change it
> early than have to buy new sprockets all round.
>
> - Nigel
>
> --
> Nigel Cliffe,
> Webmaster athttp://www.2mm.org.uk/

Thanks, Nigel---and thanks everyone else for your input!
Unfortunately, the chain has stretched and wasn't lubricated as much
as it should have been. Thanks everyone ! :D

Date: 09 Nov 2007 15:21:37
From: Scott Gordo
Subject: Re: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

On Nov 8, 4:57 pm, A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org > wrote:
> >> circuit slave wrote:
> >>> I am replacing my road chain which has 1200 miles on it and it has
> >>> never been replaced. I hear that SRAM makes good chains so I was
> >>> wondering whether I should use the power link or not. I've heard
> >>> mixed reviews of the link. Some say once you put it on it's almost
> >>> impossible to get off. I've also heard others carry extra links
> >>> because it does come off. I am interested in the 8 speed PC-68.
> >>> Should I use the link or possibly not ? I figured the link would
> >>> obviously make it easier to replace my current stock chain. Thanks
> >>> for the advice.
> > A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
> >> Either that or PC48 are supplied with a perfectly useful link; use it.
> >> Modern 8/9/10 chain is much more difficult to join with a rivet tool
> >> than classic 4/5/6/7 chain and easily botched, which can lead to a
> >> rider injury.
> russellseat...@yahoo.com wrote:
> > What years was 4 speed chain/freewheels classic?
>
> From the 1930s second wave of derailleurs (front shift was first) until
> the early sixties (c.f. "Varsity Eight"):http://www.velostuf.com/velostufgalleryfreewheels.htm
> (the aluminum 3 shown at the bottom is pretty darned cool!)
>
> 'Ten speed' was a marketing coup - much more desirable than a mere
> 'eight' bike! Regina's later and predictable move to 'twelve speed' was
> received with less excitement.
> --
> Andrew Muziwww.yellowjersey.org
> Open every day since 1 April, 1971- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

I can name that tune in TWO notes:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2007/tech/shows/interbike07/index.php?id=/photos/2007/tech/shows/interbike07/interbike0718/JD_vegasbits017

Sounds like "Back to the Future".

/s

Date: 08 Nov 2007 13:08:54
From: russellseaton1@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

On Nov 8, 1:20 pm, A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org > wrote:
> circuit slave wrote:
> > I am replacing my road chain which has 1200 miles on it and it has
> > never been replaced. I hear that SRAM makes good chains so I was
> > wondering whether I should use the power link or not. I've heard
> > mixed reviews of the link. Some say once you put it on it's almost
> > impossible to get off. I've also heard others carry extra links
> > because it does come off. I am interested in the 8 speed PC-68.
> > Should I use the link or possibly not ? I figured the link would
> > obviously make it easier to replace my current stock chain. Thanks
> > for the advice.
>
> Either that or PC48 are supplied with a perfectly useful link; use it.
>
> Modern 8/9/10 chain is much more difficult to join with a rivet tool
> than classic 4/5/6/7 chain and easily botched, which can lead to a
> rider injury.
> --
> Andrew Muziwww.yellowjersey.org
> Open every day since 1 April, 1971

What years was 4 speed chain/freewheels classic?

Date: 08 Nov 2007 15:57:45
From: A Muzi
Subject: Re: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

>> circuit slave wrote:
>>> I am replacing my road chain which has 1200 miles on it and it has
>>> never been replaced. I hear that SRAM makes good chains so I was
>>> wondering whether I should use the power link or not. I've heard
>>> mixed reviews of the link. Some say once you put it on it's almost
>>> impossible to get off. I've also heard others carry extra links
>>> because it does come off. I am interested in the 8 speed PC-68.
>>> Should I use the link or possibly not ? I figured the link would
>>> obviously make it easier to replace my current stock chain. Thanks
>>> for the advice.

> A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
>> Either that or PC48 are supplied with a perfectly useful link; use it.
>> Modern 8/9/10 chain is much more difficult to join with a rivet tool
>> than classic 4/5/6/7 chain and easily botched, which can lead to a
>> rider injury.

russellseaton1@yahoo.com wrote:
> What years was 4 speed chain/freewheels classic?

From the 1930s second wave of derailleurs (front shift was first) until
the early sixties (c.f. "Varsity Eight"):
http://www.velostuf.com/velostufgalleryfreewheels.htm
(the aluminum 3 shown at the bottom is pretty darned cool!)

'Ten speed' was a marketing coup - much more desirable than a mere
'eight' bike! Regina's later and predictable move to 'twelve speed' was
received with less excitement.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Date: 10 Nov 2007 07:04:29
From: Tom Sherman
Subject: Re: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

Andrew Muzi wrote:
>>> circuit slave wrote:
>>>> I am replacing my road chain which has 1200 miles on it and it has
>>>> never been replaced. I hear that SRAM makes good chains so I was
>>>> wondering whether I should use the power link or not. I've heard
>>>> mixed reviews of the link. Some say once you put it on it's almost
>>>> impossible to get off. I've also heard others carry extra links
>>>> because it does come off. I am interested in the 8 speed PC-68.
>>>> Should I use the link or possibly not ? I figured the link would
>>>> obviously make it easier to replace my current stock chain. Thanks
>>>> for the advice.
>
>> A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
>>> Either that or PC48 are supplied with a perfectly useful link; use it.
>>> Modern 8/9/10 chain is much more difficult to join with a rivet tool
>>> than classic 4/5/6/7 chain and easily botched, which can lead to a
>>> rider injury.
>
> russellseaton1@yahoo.com wrote:
>> What years was 4 speed chain/freewheels classic?
>
> From the 1930s second wave of derailleurs (front shift was first) until
> the early sixties (c.f. "Varsity Eight"):
> http://www.velostuf.com/velostufgalleryfreewheels.htm
> (the aluminum 3 shown at the bottom is pretty darned cool!)
>
> 'Ten speed' was a marketing coup - much more desirable than a mere
> 'eight' bike! Regina's later and predictable move to 'twelve speed' was
> received with less excitement.

Is marketing why Campagnolo went to ten-speed cassettes (thereby forcing
Shimano to follow suit)?

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
Tradition is the worst rational for action.

Date: 08 Nov 2007 14:26:31
From:
Subject: Re: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

On Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:08:54 -0800, "russellseaton1@yahoo.com"
<russellseaton1@yahoo.com > wrote:

>On Nov 8, 1:20 pm, A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
>> circuit slave wrote:
>> > I am replacing my road chain which has 1200 miles on it and it has
>> > never been replaced. I hear that SRAM makes good chains so I was
>> > wondering whether I should use the power link or not. I've heard
>> > mixed reviews of the link. Some say once you put it on it's almost
>> > impossible to get off. I've also heard others carry extra links
>> > because it does come off. I am interested in the 8 speed PC-68.
>> > Should I use the link or possibly not ? I figured the link would
>> > obviously make it easier to replace my current stock chain. Thanks
>> > for the advice.
>>
>> Either that or PC48 are supplied with a perfectly useful link; use it.
>>
>> Modern 8/9/10 chain is much more difficult to join with a rivet tool
>> than classic 4/5/6/7 chain and easily botched, which can lead to a
>> rider injury.
>> --
>> Andrew Muziwww.yellowjersey.org
>> Open every day since 1 April, 1971
>
>What years was 4 speed chain/freewheels classic?

Dear Russell,

The 3 and 4-speed Vittoria Margherita freewheels ruled in the 1930's:

http://i12.tinypic.com/6f4mi2s.jpg

Cheers,

Carl Fogel

Date: 08 Nov 2007 13:20:53
From: A Muzi
Subject: Re: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

Date: 08 Nov 2007 12:06:05
From:
Subject: Re: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

On Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:40:01 -0800, circuit slave
<sh101@earthling.net > wrote:

>I am replacing my road chain which has 1200 miles on it and it has
>never been replaced. I hear that SRAM makes good chains so I was
>wondering whether I should use the power link or not. I've heard
>mixed reviews of the link. Some say once you put it on it's almost
>impossible to get off. I've also heard others carry extra links
>because it does come off. I am interested in the 8 speed PC-68.
>Should I use the link or possibly not ? I figured the link would
>obviously make it easier to replace my current stock chain. Thanks
>for the advice.

Dear CS,

Quick links from all manufacturers work fine. Just use whatever comes
with the chain that you buy.

There are exciting tales of quick-links failing, but they're greatly
outnumbered by hum-drum accounts of the rest of the chain breaking.

Carrying an extra quick-link, a short piece of chain, and a chain tool
might help if you ever do break your chain.

There are lots of detailed instructions for how to pop quick-links
apart, but a pair of needlenose pliers makes it much simpler.

Cheers,

Carl Fogel

Date: 08 Nov 2007 18:55:50
From: Nigel Cliffe
Subject: Re: To the power link or not to use the power link---that is my question

circuit slave wrote:
> I am replacing my road chain which has 1200 miles on it and it has
> never been replaced. I hear that SRAM makes good chains so I was
> wondering whether I should use the power link or not. I've heard
> mixed reviews of the link. Some say once you put it on it's almost
> impossible to get off. I've also heard others carry extra links
> because it does come off. I am interested in the 8 speed PC-68.
> Should I use the link or possibly not ? I figured the link would
> obviously make it easier to replace my current stock chain. Thanks
> for the advice.

8 speed link works fine.
Its easy to get off *if* you know the correct action (squeeze the link sides
at same time as slide the pins together). Its difficult to split if you
don't squeeze the sides inwards. It helps if you clean the area near the
link before trying to split things.
I have never had one fail on me. I carry spare links when on long tours,
but have only needed one once, and it wasn't the powerlink which had failed.

Not sure why you'd pay extra for the PC68 over its cheaper SRAM 8 speed
bretheren.

1200miles strikes me as low for chain life, but depends on road muck, rain,
lubrication method, etc.. Possibly needs changing because it can't be taken
off easily for cleaning (hence powerlinks = good). And better change it
early than have to buy new sprockets all round.

- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/