How safe is a broken chain

I shouldnt' be allowed near tools.

Took my chain off for clean and when I was putting it back together I cracked one of the plates. Do you need a special chain tool for 1/8 chains?

It still seems pretty firm. I was wondering if it would hold up to very ginger riding 6 miles to the LBS?

have you got a front brake? Don't do it unless you really have to.. But is it really 6 miles to the closest bike shop? Isn't witcomb pretty close to you?

Yeah, I do have a front brake.

I was going to take it to Brick Lane Bikes as usual, 'cos I won't be able to get anywhere else early, and I need my headset looked at. (tried to do it myself and scored my stem with the allen key) :-(

I was thinking of pedalling for a bit and then if it felt dodgy or broke properly, I could try and walk/jog it.

You don't need a special chain tool. How did you crack one of the plates? Were you using a hammer and punch to put it together or somfink?! :P
Can't you just drop a link out and rejoin the chain, or is it too short?

How much do you like your teeth?

hippy You don't need a special chain tool. How did you crack one of the plates? Were you using a hammer and punch to put it together or somfink?! :P
Can't you just drop a link out and rejoin the chain, or is it too short?

I'm gonna guess he was putting it back and the plate wasn't centred with the pin, the pin pushed against the plate instead of going into the hole.. Broke a few plates like that myself!

Ah, try hippy's suggestion of dropping a link, it might actually fit..

stompy Yeah, I do have a front brake.

I was going to take it to Brick Lane Bikes as usual, 'cos I won't be able to get anywhere else early, and I need my headset looked at. (tried to do it myself and scored my stem with the allen key) :-(

I was thinking of pedalling for a bit and then if it felt dodgy or broke properly, I could try and walk/jog it.

I think witcomb might know a thing or two about headsets as well.. :P

unxetas [quote]hippy Can't you just drop a link out and rejoin the chain, or is it too short?

Ah, try hippy's suggestion of dropping a link, it might actually fit..[/quote]

I am so smrt. S M R T! smrt!

i wouldn't ride with a broken chain. there's bound to be a point where you'll get out of the saddle unconsciously and nad yourself because your pedals suddenly goes slack and you'll split...well....anyway.

this will probably increase hippy's chanting even more...but he's right. check to see if you can take a link out.

I'll let Homer do it for me..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkPRGl4lcwI

Definitely shouldn't be allowed near tools.

I don't have the clearance to take a link out.

On the plus side, I didn't realise that Whitcombe was so close to me. I hope they are open till a reasonable time tomorrow.

yeah, don't ride with a split chain, no way jose!!!

Don't have any spare links to add to it? deflate the tyre for clearance? run a smaller chainring? :)

hippy Don't have any spare links to add to it? deflate the tyre for clearance? run a smaller chainring? :)

May you get pustulent saddle sores.

Just trying to help ya big sook bag! Anyway, saddle sores are a given for unwashed roadiescum like me :P

hippy Just trying to help ya big sook bag! Anyway, saddle sores are a given for unwashed roadiescum like me :P

I take it you've tried Germolene on them? A single application sorted my less than beautiful behind out a treat.

(on reflection, I am not sure I should be encouraging this direction of discussion, ah well it is done now...)

I was just joking man.. but thanks for the tips. I never used anything before but finally splashed out for some of that Assos cream to go with the £75 knicks. Used it for the Brit cyclosportive and Dunwich. It's nice. I like. But I don't wanna make a habit of softening up my @rse and the knicks really aren't £75 worth.
I got some De Marchi for £12 that are sweet.

Could an admin delete this thread, please; so I don't look like a complete numpty for even thinking about it.