Basstar

I’m looking at the chain on this bike and am not seeing a Master Link?

Am I nuts? (Please don’t answer that.)

Am I simply overlooking it or did they not have one in that era?

On a good note the bike has very few miles but I’m planning on some longer rides and would like to carry a Master Link in case I need to shorten the chain for some reason to get back.

**On that note, what Master Link do I need to buy?

I’m not certain of the chain size.

Thanks

alcjphil

According to the information I found, your bike has a 7 speed freewheel or cassette. Therefore it would have a 7 speed chain. You can buy aftermarket master links for 7 speed chains. If you chain were to break you would also need a chain tool to remove the broken link in order to install the master link. At that time most derailleur equipped bikes didn't necessarily have master links and even if yours did, the chain might not break at the master link

KCT1986

Many of the older chains did not provide a link. Shimano used a replacement pin and some others had pins that could be reused.

You need to ID what chain model it is. The chain may be one of a few common types that work on a 7 speed drivetrain. Some of the common models are 7.1mm and others 7.3mm wide, plus a few other varieties.

KMC missing link are commonly used if a removable link is desired. They make both 7.1 & 7.3 links. You should try to match the correct size.

After ID, research the model and compatibility/procedure to disconnect.

C9H13N 

The first Shimano chains with master links were released like 5 years ago. Before that they came with single use push pins that had to be broken off on one side after pushing them through.