Shimano HG70 Chain and other narrow Shimano chains. The Reinforced Connecting Pin.

What is the f'n point of buying this chain if it's so easy to ruin it with your average chain breaker?  Why would Shimano EVER consider selling this shit to anyone...and why the hell do I need a special link pin for this garbage?  Chains break sometimes, albeit rarely, and it's never happened to me, so why Shimano?  WHY?

What is better?  I'm looking at a Wipperman Connex 708 instead.... but am I going to get the same line of bullshit from Germany that I am from Japan?  If my chain breaks, I want to be able to whip out my Alien tool, cut out the problem link, and shorten the chain until I can get to the next town to find a good replacement.

Shimano, why are we defying years of sound logic in chain design?  I get that 10-11 cog rear cassettes need some special help, but THIS IS PART OF THE &*(!@# REASON WHY I SWITCHED TO FEWER GEARS!  WTF?!!

$30 down the toilet.  Screw you on this one, cycling overlord.  Otherwise I like many of the things you produce, BUT THIS CHAIN SHOULD NEVER HAVE LEFT THE FACTORY.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on December 6, 2014 at 7:18pm


I did push down on the right pedal, and then the crank arm.  It was very stubborn, and I just cooked up a reasonable alternative.  No doubt this will be easier next time around since the sharp edges have been rounded a bit inside the master link (aka PowerLink) from the installation. Thanks!

....but the really cool thing was that I didn't have to shorten it or add any links.  It just popped right on without any modification.


djm said:

Ive never needed to use any tools to open or close SRAM PowerLinks.  To close, line up both pin grooves in their side plate keyholes and apply tension on the chain by pushing on a pedal (by hand) with the rear brake applied.  Unlocking the PowerLink is a little more difficult:  you need to squeeze the side plates together while simultaneously sliding the pins (via the side plates) toward each other.

Matt M. 18.5KM said:

Thanks everyone!  I returned the Shimano HG and exchanged it for a SRAM PC 830.  Very quiet and smooth.  SRAM tried to get me to buy the weird master link tool in their installation instructions, but it slid together beautifully with a standard pair of pliers (with no damage or deformation to the links).

BruceBikes said:

I'll third SRAM chains.  A little chain-breaker and an extra PowerLink in your bag will get you home from most chain failures. Never had any complaints about their chains.

Permalink Reply by Juan Primo on December 8, 2014 at 6:07am

When you install a new powerlink, position the link at the top of the chainline, where the chain travels above the sprockets, not on the underside.  Just some hand pressure on the crankarm while holding the wheel with your other hand.

Permalink Reply by Marc A. Irwin on December 8, 2014 at 10:26am

My personal opinion is that SRAM is a godsend and Shimano has outgrown it's usefulness.

Marc

Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on December 8, 2014 at 4:40pm

Very funny..... :-)

Whatever OTHER stuff I have from Shimano is extremely solid - tried and true gear.


Marc A. Irwin said:

My personal opinion is that SRAM is a godsend and Shimano has outgrown it's usefulness.

Marc

Permalink Reply by Marc A. Irwin on December 9, 2014 at 12:52am
Oh there's nothing wrong with the quality, I have many of their products. I think they've gotten too big. We deserve more options, and they need the competition to keep them responsive.

Marc


Matt M. 18.5KM said:

Very funny..... :-)

Whatever OTHER stuff I have from Shimano is extremely solid - tried and true gear.


Marc A. Irwin said:

My personal opinion is that SRAM is a godsend and Shimano has outgrown it's usefulness.

Marc

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