TromboneAl

A few days ago, while mashing up a big hill, my chain fell off. The master link was gone, so I assume it broke or fell off (I couldn't find it). Luckily I had a chain break tool in my pack (Yay, Lezyne), and I even had some spare links (Yay, me). I couldn't quite remember how to unfreeze the newly installed link (Boo, me), but with a little bending and prying, I got it on and rode home okay.

Can someone explain how that might have happened? Do you think it (1) came loose or (2)broke?

It was the link that cam with my 45NRTH stainless chain. Maybe I need to buy better quality links (like this)?

Thanks,

Al

skoda2

Down shifting to lower gear is most likely what caused it. You should anticipate hills, and downshift early when your gear train is not under much pressure. Also keep a spare master link in your saddle bag.
Cheers

Jakedatc

My gf had this happen with hers a few months ago.. the quicklink just popped apart. luckily she found the pieces and we could put it back together. Probably some side torque on it or it loosened and then went tight in a weird way that allowed the link to open up.

haven't had it happen on my KMC chains but that doesn't mean it can't

Jamminatrix

Had this happen on 9spd SRAM chain/SRAM Quick Link about 13 years ago. Once they wear enough, the only thing keeping the links together is tension. If I took my chains off to clean them and connected the links, the Quick Links oft would just fall apart and on the floor because they weren't under tension. Sometimes they would even fall apart if I removed the back wheel and chain was slack. This was before the Quick Links actually locked, or SRAM said they were one time use.

Your 45NRTH chain was made by Yaban (YBN). I'm not sure who made/what links 45NRTH had with them - they are discontinued now.

The new KMC Missing Links are good quality, and be reused without issue. If using Shimano, I'd just stick with Shimano master pins.

TromboneAl

Would this 10-speed link work on my 9-speed chains?

>Your 45NRTH chain was made by Yaban (YBN). I'm not sure who made/what links 45NRTH had with them - they are discontinued now.

Right. I liked them (they don't rust even with my paraffin lubing) and bought three extra.

Jamminatrix

You'll need a 9-speed link. KMC makes 9-speed specific Missing Links.
https://www.amazon.com/KMC-Missing-Bi.../dp/B00K7Y6Z0S

TromboneAl

Thanks, Jam.