Bike advice

basmic · 14 Jan 2006 at 23:25

Basically I'm looking for a new chain for my bike.

I'm looking at all these 7-speed, 8-speed, 9 speed chains, then there's Shimano, SRAM and ConneX to name but a few.

My bike isn't anything flash - rather a budget thing, but it does for me. It has twenty-one gears in total - seven at the rear, 3 at the front.

Bascially I'm assuming I need a 7-speed chain, but can I choose any that says 7-speed, or do I have to look out for anything else?

Also, any tips for installing the chain would be appreciated.

basmic · 14 Jan 2006 at 23:56

Are SRAM and Shimano compatible with one-another? Ie: is one just quicker and easier to fit than the other?

I have no intentions to change the sprocket. If I have to, I'd rather buy a new bike because the current one is rather tatty.

basmic · 15 Jan 2006 at 00:18

So you're saying I couldn't just put a SRAM chain on my bike?

basmic · 15 Jan 2006 at 00:33

One more question - is there any difference between 7 or 8 speed SRAM chains?

basmic · 15 Jan 2006 at 21:33

Phnom_Penh said:
Thats only for the shifters and derailleurs. The chains are compatible with Shimano and SRAM kit afaik.

The general rule is that you change your chain and cassette together, as they wear together. You get a new chain on an old sprocket, and it will skip etc, and is not advisable.

I can see what you're saying, but then I'd have to buy a tool to remove the cassette, also.

When I can get a cheap bike (which is all I need, really) for £90, I can't justify spending more than £30 on my current one.

basmic · 15 Jan 2006 at 21:56

Phnom_Penh said:
£90 isn't much for a bike, remember, you get what you pay for.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking for an excuse to get rid of the thing. Plus it's too small a frame size for me.

Rednut05 said:
just get the chain as linked. many chains aren't different widths anyway. measured my 9 against an 8/7 and no difference but they can be.
don't make much difference.
on a cheep bike its prob not worth chaging all the cogs and sprockets, get a new chain.

if it jumps about. you will have to look into the wear that may have happened.

I used to spend £50+ on the back set of cogs etc... but now I only have one gear. go single speed! wooo

It's not so much the bike jumping gears, it's more a case of needing a new chain.

Two weeks ago, I dragged the beast from the shed, and the chain was stiff and very rusty. A good oiling fixed that, but I don't want the chain to snap on me.

Plus the bearings (axle) where the pedal is need changing, a job I'm not up to if I told the truth.

basmic · 15 Jan 2006 at 22:44

I'll have a look at the bike properly tomorrow. Might even take a couple of pics.

But I'll just get a new chain, and see how things go.

Any easy ways of getting the old chain off, without a chain removal tool? Or shall I attack it with the dremel? :cool: