Can I connect two bike chains together making one using master link?
03-26-21, 10:50 PM
#1
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Can I connect two bike chains together making one using master link?
Ill make this very simple, I am building a bike from scratch and I calculated that I need a 176 Link chain, 1/2' & 1/8' type Bike chain. But on the market I can only find 112 links per chain.
Would it work if I buy 2 chains and use 2 master links to connect them together into ONE chain? I am sure It will work but I am not sure if it's safe.
Would it work if I buy 2 chains and use 2 master links to connect them together into ONE chain? I am sure It will work but I am not sure if it's safe.
03-26-21, 10:55 PM
#2
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Yes. If there is a small but finite probability that the master link will fail, this will double it. Many people use master links as a way to repair chain brakes. My touring bike has two at the moment, because it turns out the chain was too short (my fault).
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03-27-21, 12:45 AM
#3
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It's certainly much easier than joining a few dozen 1-3" chunks
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03-27-21, 03:26 AM
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Yes, it will work. I made a mt bike with a 48t chainring and a 13-40 cassette, needed 126 links from 2 116 link chains.
The bike is a Giant Revel.
The bike is a Giant Revel.
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03-27-21, 08:50 AM
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Another vote for it not being a problem. Just use a couple good quality quick links. KMC, Connex, SRAM, Shimano and a few other big name chain mfrs. all make high quality and dependable quick links. The last QL failure I had was in the late 1990's with a different style link than is used today.
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03-27-21, 01:31 PM
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Most tadpole recumbent trikes require a chain that is approximately equal to 2 1/2 common bicycle chain lengths. Two choices: 1. Join as many chain lengths as you need using the master links that come with them. 2. Contact a recumbent specialty dealer, like Utah Trikes or Hostel Shoppe and order one tadpole length chain.
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03-28-21, 08:16 PM
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I've done it without problems. My thought has always been to use pieces of the same brand/model of chain and worn approximately the same - if the added and original pieces aren't both new, they should be close to it. I don't know if that even matters. I also think two chains from the same manufacturer and the same "speeds" would probably work even if they weren't the exact same model. Heck, probably two chains from different manufacturers but the same "speeds" would probably work. I don't think the master link cares as long as it's matched in "speeds" to both segments.... and that's the only person you have to keep happy.
03-29-21, 03:05 AM
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03-29-21, 07:18 PM
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Yup. My errand bike has an unusually long wheelbase, comparable to a Yuba cargo bike. So I had to splice together a couple of new KMC chains. I just used two KMC Missing Links rather than risking reusing a push-pin. So far, so good after about five years.
If I used spliced Shimano chains I'd use those special Shimano push-pins with the end that snaps off after installation. I have a couple of those for road bikes but have never used 'em. I'm satisfied with KMC chains and Missing Links.
And I reuse KMC Missing Links way more often than KMC recommends. As long as there's some resistance to snapping/unsnapping, I'll keep reusing them. When I can pop one loose without resistance, I'll replace 'em. But as long as the derailleur maintains tension it's very unlikely those will ever pop off during a ride.
If I used spliced Shimano chains I'd use those special Shimano push-pins with the end that snaps off after installation. I have a couple of those for road bikes but have never used 'em. I'm satisfied with KMC chains and Missing Links.
And I reuse KMC Missing Links way more often than KMC recommends. As long as there's some resistance to snapping/unsnapping, I'll keep reusing them. When I can pop one loose without resistance, I'll replace 'em. But as long as the derailleur maintains tension it's very unlikely those will ever pop off during a ride.
