DON'T LET A BROKEN CHAIN RUIN YOUR RIDE (fix a chain with and without quick link) | Syd Fixes Bikes

[@sydfixesbikes]

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[@dj_ath]

My bike shop is so busy. Two weeks out is the average wait time for a repair. Because of your well informed videos I just fix it myself. You have saved me time and money. I really appreciate it

[@davidmelton6442]

Best KZbin channel on the net!!!!

[@bureauofcuriosity7782]

Agreed

[@incognitocolonel]

this and joy of bike v

[@chocolate_squiggle]

I'm new to cycling (as an adult) and after watching a few other youtubers I bought patch kits, multitool, spare links and the special pliers etc. I carry the emergency stuff under my seat but couldn't fit the pliers in the carrybag. It never occurred to me to use the crank to set the spare link, so obvious when you know. Also been carrying a tool to temporarily hold the chain with some slack while you set the new link - but slipping it off the chainring makes that redundant (I actually learned that from one of your other commenters - wealth of knowledge here). I'm not even riding a mountain bike but I'm learning so much from you two. Amazing people!

[@chiccorocker]

Oh my you reached almost 65k subscribers already with this channel! That's amazing and well deserved! It's great to see a video showing the struggles and the hard points. Congratulations, keep it up!

[@angelaflinn2988]

You guys really do have the best fix things videos... Its all about the little details. Most things I see are all the same and they glaze over the important little things. Thank you so much.

[@frankducett9]

Excellent description and video. This is so rare to see someone who knows what she's doing, able to explain it and have a closeup video to support it all. I am subscribing tobyou and deletingball the others. Thank you.

[@billysmith2243]

Thanks for what your doing, with the lack of "shop class" in the schools for over a decade there is a whole generation of MTB rider's who don't have basic knowledge even though they maybe mechanically inclined (often without knowing it)...

[@illuminatustm]

Wow the method of reusing another pin/link when you don’t have a quicklink with you never even crossed my mind 🙈 live and learn, thank you!

[@SeanoHermano]

I only got a gravel bike two years agao and was used to the second method for replacing / installing chains. Pretty simple. The quick link is nice, but a luxary in comparison!

[@tommysavia523]

Good series riding a 7 speed mid drive trike I've snapped a few new chains and I do keep a chain breaker and a quick link with me all the time, you guys rock keep em coming

[@Dave64track]

These videos are brilliant showing us step by step instructions should we end up in these situations. Keep up the great work.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

WOW--just came across your channel yesterday and I've been binge watching. Great content. Thanks for sharing so much practical, helpful stuff.

[@cheecheong8438]

Learned something new today. Thank you. I love the way you keep it simple and easy to understand. This may not pertain to bike maintenance but I would like your opinion on how you secure your bikes on your bike rack when you travel. What kind of locks and techniques you use to lock it so that thiefs would move on to an easier target.

[@sydfixesbikes]

We use a cable lock for most situations because usually we're in fairly safe places and we're just "keeping honest men honest" but we have two huge chain locks (amzn.to/3jRLWJk) that we combine whenever we're in California 😁

[@KV89-b3c]

Super helpful! Great that you did it in "real life" situation and not in the garage.

[@billderas3420]

Always carry a chainbreaker tool and a couple quick links. And then there is the case where the rear derailleur is broken and you need to make your bike into a single speed to be able to finish a ride.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Stay tuned for next week 😉

[@glebivanovsky7886]

Extra tip for the nerds. Some chain breakers have a second pair of "jaws" to loosen a stiff pin. When you push the pin to rejoin the chain you press against outer side of the outer plate opposite to the pin driver, this makes roller be part of the stack that is squeezed together. After rejoining the chain you can put the second pair of jaws in between inner plates and press against inner side of inner plates, this way you drive the pin through just one inner and one outer plate, which increases distance between inner plates and allows roller to rotate freely.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

Syd , good to see you showing an interest in bicycle technical matters & having a go ! I have many hacks & secrets that even Seth Alvo may not have conceived in his mind yet . I am a veteran rider now in my 50's .

[@mikecarter6758]

Really enjoying this series. Thanks! Used your tips yesterday to de-honk my son's rear brake.

[@chintandhandha]

Great video again guys! I think it is still missing the one last thing that can get you home. Here's my story: I was riding out when my chain broke while trying to upshift the front under full load. My buddy helped me resize and refit the chain with the one link less like the second part in this video (I didn't have my chain tool on me, thank god my friend did). Ahead comes a climb and I put it in the biggie big and now my chain goes with my derailleur cage and my hanger right into the rear wheel because it's short. The hanger is bent now and so is the derailleur cage and the chain as well and everything is kinda stuck! This was a 100kms from home in the middle of nowhere with not a soul in sight for the next 20km. There's this one last thing we tried where we cut the chain again, as it was stuck this time, took it off. Then took the derailleur out completely from the bike and cut the chain again to fit it as a single speed on a middle gear. I still had the climb ahead of me, boy that was hard riding uphill and for the next 100kms but it got me home! I hope helps somebody! Much love for you guys, and keep the videos coming!

[@sydfixesbikes]

Wait for next week's video 😉

[@adrenaline33867]

The type of content I knew I needed but didn't think I'd find!

[@JethroXP]

Just wanted to say "Thank you!" I broke my first chain today, out on the trail. I had the tool and the parts, but not the know-how. I walked a bit until I had good cell signal and watched your video on my phone, I was back up and riding within a few minutes. Thanks for helping me get home!

[@sydfixesbikes]

Glad to be able to help. And congrats on your first trail side chain fix!

[@freakshow4684]

Best diy channel! Nuf said.

[@stevenstusek7921]

I’m REALLY glad I watched this video. Thanks Syd!

[@davidebearman8297]

A Great video. I am learning a lot from watching Syd fixing bikes.

[@jasonct2249]

Thanks for this video! I used it to open up my chain so i could upgrade my front deraileur on my gravel bike.

[@chrisaustin8913]

Thanks guys, great tips have learned something new with each video....

[@prob316]

Thank you Syd and Mackie for your helpful videos, God bless!

[@jasondoust4935]

It never occurred to me to wear my shop apron on the trail, just in case. ; ) But seriously, thanks guys, great video. Broke my chain 9km down a 26km trail yesterday. The loose outer link then hooked the rear derailleur, mangled it completely. A bike mechanic helped me out to get me away on single speed mode (bypassing the derailleur with a shortened chain). Unforeseen circumstances, though... The short chain worked down a gear (bigger rear sprocket) and the resulting crazy increase in chain tension worked the screws loose on the front chainring, which then fell off. I kid you not. Great day for a walk, apparently... I'm going out now to see what's salvageable.

[@BABALOOEY46]

Love it! Syd, you always seem to find the little gotchyas that might pop up so that’s really helpful for troubleshooting too 👏🏻👍🏻✌🏻P.S. I didn’t even think about using an existing pin! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@sydfixesbikes]

Avoid it if you can (reusing a pin is never as strong) but it can save you in a pinch!

[@joemusicman64]

Nice vid. I now carry a chain tool and multi-link. Should really carry mosquito repellent too. They swarm as soon as I stop.

[@MattScottMusic]

Despite the fact that this video was quite longwinded and sort of bumbley, it was much more helpful than the one that came up first in my feed, which flew right over my head.

[@_SpaceDad]

Thank you! I'm now going to check my saddle bag to see if my quick link is still there.

[@imacf90]

you can get master links for 5/6/7/8sp, 9,10,11 and 12 speeds. bikes never come with chains that have master links in them for some reason.

[@slawdify]

@sydfixesbikes What knee protection shorts you have there?

[@Candesce]

Funny enough, the most common trailside mechanical for me is a bent derailleur. I have bent so many derailleurs, and have never flatted a tyre or broken a chain in the 4 years I've been riding. Fortunately, I've discovered a somewhat effective remedy for a bent derailleur. Which is... put it in the hardest gear, put your bike against the ground and stand on the tyre... And then pull as hard as you can on the derailleur :D Sounds crazy, but it has worked every time for me! Even gets the alignment pretty close to straight somehow. Of course... Worst case scenario you snap your derailleur hanger and/or derailleur off your bike. That has yet to occur though...

[@sydfixesbikes]

Interesting. Seems like a good solution. That being said, you might want to carry a spare derailleur hanger (if you don't already) because after bending it back and forth numerous times it's probably gonna snap eventually 😉

[@Candesce]

@@sydfixesbikes yep! I've got a derailleur hanger in my pack but have yet to need it. One day!

[@glebivanovsky7886]

@Karina, have you considered switching to internally geared hub?

[@Candesce]

@@glebivanovsky7886 You mean a rear wheel geared hub? I don't think anyone makes a competitive internally geared hub do they? At least, not that I've heard of. One day when I destroy my derailleur for good, I'll replace it with an AXS one with the impact protection clutch. Bending my derailleur back works for now :)

[@glebivanovsky7886]

@@Candesce Yes, I mean exactly that. They are not competitive enough to win you races and championships, but they are good enough for some amateur racing and non-competitive riding. I have a NuVinci (the heaviest IGH in existence) on my do-it-all bike and I don't feel handicapped when I occasionally do some XC rides with my friends.

[@madpogue]

You FOUND that fly multi-tool? Dayum, lucky! Best I ever found was a cheap pair of pliers. I've *LOST* a multi-tool, however..... Another practice tip -- practice using the chain breaker on an old shot chain. Especially to learn how to do the no-quick-link option, and how NOT to push the pin too far and push it all the way out. Also, on the no-quick-link option, there's another position on the chain breaker you can use to tweak the pin / plates and resolve the stiffness you get when you first put the pin in.

[@greggr1591]

This poor MTBer is having lotsa trouble lately. Fortunately he has a top-notch mech following him around, and if I was him I’d be really nice to her.

[@christianromero6604]

...sounded like he was more knowledgeable.....like she was the apprentice and was essentially testing her...

[@CandidZulu]

If you have trees around, and know a few knots, and have som paracord, no one shall need to miss their bike work stand at home! I would start with a Truckers hitch and a Prusik... 9sp HG chains can not use Quick Links or anything similar. And you can not reuse the same pin, a new one must be installed every time. Only time I hade a chain brake was when I had installed it wrong. Been riding for decades, but seriously since 2004. I've watch a lot of videos here now, and get the impression Mac is ex military!? a very good instructor anyway! Syd is a natural talent in front of the camera too!

[@thomaskuhn6541]

I didn't realize you can reuse a pin by not pushing it all the way out, I usually carry a new pin with me but good to know if I don't have one handy.

[@glebivanovsky7886]

Some of chain manufacturers don't recommend doing this. But if it can get you home, it is better than walking.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yeah, we never do it as a permanent solution, but it'll help get you out of the woods!

[@siguureinartraustason8564]

No I'm not fan of multi tools so I carry mini bit ratchet with me and chain tool.

[@michaelburrows9219]

When the bike is flipped over on the trail, I store pieces parts and tools on the underside of the bike seat.

[@OleTobs]

Amazing series. Keep up the good work!

[@KB-gu2sc]

was really helpful, tore my chain within a first minute on my new e-bike.

[@airliftpilot]

Quick links are probably the best invention in cycling since the invention of brakes! The old school take out a link method works, If the link is too tight you can actually move the chain to the next position closest to the breaking pin and put a slight amount of pressure to loosen the link up a bit!

[@tomgroenbeck7620]

How do you find the proper derailleur hanger? My wife has a ~20 year old Specialized Stump-jumper, but we are not sure which derailleur is the proper one. I was able to get the tool and bend it back to proper shifting again, but we were afraid it would just snap and she would be left w/o a bike. We would like to get a spare one.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Google is probably your best bet. Or getting in touch with a specialized dealer. They should be able to tell you which hanger model you need.

[@SteveF153]

Most chain break tools I've seen come with a new pin; I've never reused one before. You would press that new pin in with the tool and you could break it off at the right place after. Did things change since the last time I had to do this?

[@sydfixesbikes]

You can purchase replacement pins, but they don't come with the chain break. Didn't know that was a thing!

[@SteveF153]

@@sydfixesbikes Cool to hear from you! Ya, it was a while ago, but it was a Shimano tool that came with the snap off pins; you can break the inserting end off after pressed in with pliers.

[@hollenjoe]

I bend like 3 of those, i mean the multi tool... Those links are hard

[@coolcycles]

Does pushing back the rivet still work for Shimano 12-speed chains? The last complete bike I bought came with a KMC X93 10-speed chain and those definitely can not be reconnected without a master-link. The rivet, once broken loose, won't be retained in the outer link, when repositioned. Don'r switch to these KMCs, as all three I have used so far broke at the 'master'-link. I then ordered a bag of cheap replacement master-links from China and they actially work reliably.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yup, we were doing it on 12-speed chain and it held surprisingly well. That being said, we never treat it as a permanent solution and always replace a chain if it breaks (unless, as you mentioned, it breaks at the quick link because then it's probably a quick link issue).

[@christinawhite3859]

I have taken up riding again, and need to carry a repair kit. My bike is a 21 speed mountain bike from 1995. I recently had new tires put on, and had required maintenance professionally done. I cannot find information on which chain quick link to include in my emergency repair kit. I want to ride rail trails predominately, and will be long distances from help. I need to be self sufficient. Please advise. 😊 68 year old overlander with aspirations to explore.

[@sydfixesbikes]

You want to match your quick link to your chain size which is determined by the cassette. I would assume you're running a 3x7 speed so you'd want a 7-speed quick link.

[@WBOS72]

Awesome vid. I'm studying up while I await my new Norco. Subbed... thank you.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Welcome!

[@anzaborrego399]

For chain routing I remembered it easily as "first inboard" (around the first derailleur pulley) "then outboard" (around the next pulley down).

[@canadahasfallen5091]

You youngsters today will never know the struggle of a real breakdown.

[@SolarizeYourLife]

My clutch on my rear derailleur never worked right, is that fixable??? You didn't have to take the pin 'all the out', the other pin was already out, you just need to break the first plate...

[@huntinfishinlovineveryday1424]

Can't seem to find that mule tool for purchase. Any source that you know of?

[@sydfixesbikes]

bit.ly/muulmounts

[@melosaurrn]

This poor mountain biker keeps having problems! I love your videos, btw!

[@noiseshapes]

Very good video. Much appreciated.

[@dr07828]

Yes, there are other ways to do it. You take a small torx bit, one that is just smaller then the pin. And a small socket, like 7mm, and a vice. You press the bit into the pin, and push it into the opening of the socket.

[@brettneuberger6466]

Thanks guys! This was helpful. Bike chains have a way of making me feel very un-smart. 😉

[@jonsnider3084]

Great set of videos. Enjoyed it a learned a lot. It’s uncanny, too, how this same poor, hapless MTBer keeps breaking stuff and then has a trail angel show up deep in the backcountry in a shop apron to help! :)

[@Emtbtoday]

I noticed I have a quick link already on my brand new shimano chain on my brand new 2024 embt I just got not sure if this is normal jsut something not seen on a brand new bike before 7 grand embt how many QLs can you or ment to have on your chain at any one time does it matter?

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yeah, that's normal as nowadays chains are initially installed using a quick link and it's no problem to add another one if you need to due to a mechanical. Theoretically, you can add multiple for multiple mechanicals, but if you keep breaking your chain there's likely some issue with it (or some other part of your drivetrain) and you should likely get it replaced.

[@shannonchurchill4556]

I haven’t broken a chain since I stopped using Shimano chains over 30 years ago and started using Sachs chains which was later acquired by SRAM. But I still carry a chain tool and spare link because never say never. Last time I didn’t, my buddy’s Shimano chain broke and we had to pound it back together with 2 rocks and a screw driver just to get back to the truck.

[@jaredroxas9867]

Is it fine to put 2 quick links on a chain?

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yup

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

True story, if I'm not working at my stand, I LITERALLY have to remove my cats from my tools because whatever I'm using that I put down, they cover it. #JealousKitties #ToolBlockers

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

I have seen chains fail due to manufacturing plant equipment maintenance inadequacies . But this is rare .

[@andrew_gardner]

Shouldn't the arrow on the master link be pointing in the direction of the chain travel, not the toward the front of the bike(on top of chain path)? These videos are great, thank you!

[@sydfixesbikes]

That's correct. Direction of chain travel, which is forward if it's above the chain stay and backwards if it's below

[@BastHoen]

Another great video!

[@d0u6s]

Entertaining education ... Good stuff!👍

[@benjacobson7490]

I've seen 8 speed with quick links

[@endangeredgnome5337]

9spd and up chains need quick links. No re-pinning will last very long.

[@mrrm236]

True, especially with SRAM. I’ve tried reusing a pin and it didn’t last long.

[@troylindsey1444]

Excellent video! Thx!

[@Giraffe27]

First time I went out on a trail by myself I broke my chain and started crying 😹 Shoutout to the gentlemen who stopped to help my out.

[@alexanaya973]

Excellent instructions! I unfortunately failed at step one... cat removal ;-)

[@dakotawilliams7541]

I do the bottom as well. I think it's works better for me

[@davidhaldorsen2781]

Thank you!

[@dr07828]

Multi tool? Chain break? Quick link? PFFFFFT... One time I had a chain break half way though a ride, and for whatever reason I didn't bring any tools. I guess we all make mistakes. But it happened. SNAP. And I was at least 5 miles from the trail head. I got the chain back together with rocks. I straightened out each link and them hammered it back together, and flattened the pin so it would stay together. I literally walked around and looked for a rock that had just the right shape. I found one that had a few different shapes that would work. Then I found a bolder to use a work surface. I went to work. Took me about 30 minutes. But I get that chain back together. That chain held for about 7 more rides until it broke again. But at that point, I had my quick links and tools. Let's see you guys do that...

[@brandonfiorito8104]

What is the “mule tool?”

[@sydfixesbikes]

bit.ly/muulmounts

[@Cycle774]

Great video!

[@tataricky534]

Thank for the tips

[@stuartkevan6099]

Just one point, instead of twisting the chain from side to side to free it up, that is what the other "shelf" on the chain breaker tool is for. You put your chain in it and tighten the handle a small amount to loosen up the links. Perhaps it would be good to include that in another video. But it's a good video anyway.

[@dr07828]

OMG, 3rd comment on this one.. sorry. For the second way, it is important to now that when you break the chain with the break tool, it shears off a flared end which is what keeps the pin in place and the outer plates in place. when you replace the pin with the break tool, that flared end is gone, and it is more likely to come apart at that point. You should replace that link with a quick link or replace the chain. Unless you put it together smashing it with a rock.... lol.

[@edt5276]

Great video. But it's much easier for people to learn why rather than what. For example instead of telling people what to do ("arrow should point forward on top of chain and backward on bottom of chain") it would be much easier for people to remember why ("arrow should always point in the direction the chain is pedaled"). Also, it is an extremely valuable tip to tell people not to push the rivet all the way through and out of the chain. It would be a lot easier for people to appreciate that if you explained why. For example (1) if you push the pin/rivet all the way through the chain you're going to lose it in the dirt. And much more importantly (2) it is very very very difficult to get a free pin back into the chain!

[@hughmongous6613]

One time on a particularly difficult ride I broke my "spirit" and was unable to continue...😢

[@anuragthombre3084]

Pls one help rare shock up makeing voice

[@stevepittman2735]

Syd’s freaking beautiful

[@rockefelleragent1357]

I don’t like quick links cause it looks ugly and is uneven match with the rest of the chain link and the rolling is not perfectly butterly smooth that's why I go with the Campagnolo chains with ultra link.

[@chargeriderepeat7024]

I fixed a broken chain with a hairclip. It lasted 3 weeks.

[@littlehawk299]

Can't understand why there isnt just a spare chain one could buy that just clicks together in two minutes . It's 2023 lol surely it's possible. Great video, thanks

[@sydfixesbikes]

Assuming you mean carrying a full new chain, you could certainly do that, you'd just want to pre cut it to the correct length for your bike.

[@chrisrobson2203]

Awesome video... hello anxiety

[@richr7516]

If you have to shorten your chain, don't forget to adjust your low limit screw so you don't accidentally shift into your lowest gear.

[@nuclear9977]

Good tip My boi Richy

[@tomgroenbeck7620]

How do you shift w/o a rear derailleur (in this video)?

[@johnhanley9946]

It doesn't say what to do if you push the pin all the way out though, that's fun to do outside, lol...

[@sydfixesbikes]

You can try to push it back in, but generally we just cut it down another two links and be even more careful riding out.

[@johnhanley9946]

@@sydfixesbikes There's actually a technique for replacing a pin that has come all the way out of a bike chain that involves balancing the pin on a level surface and placing the joined pieces of chain over the end of the pin. You then tap the chain hard enough to partially drive the pin into the chain, and connect it as you normally would. It's a pain in the ass to do outside with limited equipment though, I know from experience, lol!

[@glebivanovsky7886]

@@johnhanley9946 Every time you install a new chain you have a little leftover bit. Use it to practice your chain tool fu! ;)

[@Justin-fs1te]

I did that, First time using a chain break I broke one of the walls off that hold the chain in . Lol

[@tjbarke6086]

To remember "low" vs. "high" gear, just think of the wheel as the "bottom". Bottom up, low to high.

[@SeanoHermano]

I like to use the phrase “low = lazy” and “high = heavy” in reference to shifting / gear tension.

[@kevinadams3484]

note ; if you do have to shorten your chain , do not shift into your easiest gear. replace the chain before you go riding again.

[@Freebird_67]

8 speed shimono don't have quick link? Own A Aventon ebike

[@peterwillson1355]

Broken chains only really happen with 9, 10, 11, 12 speed chains...And its probably easier to carry a spare chain with its own quicklink

[@AlexandrTVOfficialChannel]

I don’t have many tools or money, so I managed to zip tie a chain together...

[@patrickh4540]

Good video, thanks for that 👍. Imagine this: I have the same multitool and never realized it had a chain tool on it. But hey, this old man just started riding mtb a few months ago....🤡

[@jeremyemilio9378]

Where can I find a girlfriend like Syd?😅😂😂

[@hughmongous6613]

That's what I've been searching for my whole life!

[@cliffordrichardc]

wish more new video

[@user-bollocks-yt]

or bring a spare chain