AJ1515

Hey Everyone,

Hopefully a quick question: Does KMC or anyone else sell single links to add to a chain? I have a single speed KMC chain, and while I could buy a new one after switching to a larger gear ratio, I'd prefer to rivet on a link or two. And I've already got plenty of quick release links stashed; I'm looking for non-connector links that I can add.

Thanks!

AJ

Crankycrank

I would recommend just buying a new chain with extra links which you can remove and you'll have a new spare ready to use when the old one wears out. You could also ask at your local bike shop as there's a good chance they'll have some extra links lying around.

Iride01 

Chain questions are never quick, nor are they simple when put before us, the "mob". Let's see what happens to this one.

But since most new chains are longer than needed, I too would just get a new chain and pull a link or two off of it if I didn't have pieces parts of every chain and then some that I've used throughout the years laying around somewhere. And your LBS may too, so just ask one or two of them if they have an extra link or two of the correct chain taking up space in their bins for spare parts.

But you'll need a new chain eventually anyway if you ride frequently.

cxwrench

I have never once seen single chain links available anywhere.

mack_turtle

how do you plan to reattach the chain? once you push a pin out, it's not very strong when it goes back in. In my personal experience, this is a good way to end up with scars like mine. find an appropriate size master link and add a link that way.

dsbrantjr

The OP will still need inner links/complete links to go with the outer master links, to lengthen their chain

alcjphil

If you can find one, buy a complete new KMC chain of the same model as the one you have. It will be too long for your bike, but no matter. You can trim off the number of links you need to lengthen your current chain and still have more than enough to use as a replacement when your current chain wears out. Unlike chains for 9+ speed cassettes, single speed chains don't have chain pins that have to be peened in order to deal with shifting loads. You will end up a spare chain that you will be able to use in the future

HillRider

When I fit a new chain to one of my bikes I have to cut off several links to size it properly. I always keep a few of these cut off segments in my parts supply in case I have to repair a damaged chain or lengthen a too-short chain due to a gearing change.

I would always splice this extra length into the chain using a master link or Shimano joining pin at each end, never reusing a standard pin.

dsbrantjr

I keep the cut-off links plus a few master links in my bike tool bag for on-the-road repairs. I find the Shimano "special joining pin" concept somewhat lacking and only use master links, for ease in service and cleaning.

JoeTBM 

Being it is a single speed chain, you should be able to find some links at you LBS or coop if you have one nearby.... or as others have said, buy a new chain and save the links you don't need when resizing it..

JoeTBM 

But I have seen individual half-links that could be added.

JoeTBM 

AJ1515, PM me your address and I will drop some in the mail, I know we have plenty of "shorts" laying around the shop and most likely some are KMC.

JohnDThompson 

The OP is referring to a single-speed chain, not a riveted 9-speed or higher chain. There should be no problem re-connecting the chain by pushing the pin back in place.

mack_turtle

my experience riding BMX for over 20 years with various 1/8" singlespeed chains tells me that pushing a pin back into a chain is still a bad idea. most modern BMX chains have "mushroomed" pin ends that don't take well to being reinstalled. the outer link plate will be compromised and is likely to fail at that point in the chain. I have the scars to prove it, and, being broke and stubborn as a younger person, I did this more than once. a singlespeed master link is the way to go. you'll need at least one spare inner link to make it work.

some come with a slightly longer "master pin" that can be used this way. The Shadow Conspiracy did this with their burly half-link chain.

AJ1515

Thank you, all, for the responses. I think I will go the new chain route and nick off some of the extra links. The chain I'm using still has plenty of life in it, and I have also had KMC send me some additional rivets that I will pop in as I resize the currently installed chain.

Again, thanks for the very quick replies!

Alex

Drew Eckhardt 

Campagnolo sells 7 10 speed half links for $25.99 and Pro Bike Kit USA has them for $22 although it's not a good deal - 114 half link chains are $37 for Veloce and $48 for Record.



https://www.probikekit.com/bicycle-c.../10771703.html

cxwrench

Never seen this before. Campy does it for 10 speed chains only. No one else offers links like this at wholesale.