Cyclone MBC

Subject: Shimano Chains - SRAM Powerlink Mon Nov 13, 2006 8:32 pm

Anyone out riding on last Sunday would have known that I snapped my chain and had John (Swampy) to thank for coming to the rescue with his Gold SRAM powerlink. So here's my question

Is the 9 spd SRAM powerlink compatible with Shimano 9 spd chains (e.g HG 93) or I am risking more problems with my chain in the future.
With the Powerlink in place, removing the chain is a toddle, so do people in the club bother to remove the chain and bath it in degreaser?

Anybody know of a cheap degreaser, as Finish line is all environmentally friendly but bloody expensive?

XT Joined : 30 Oct 2006 Posts : 189

Dude I have been running a Shimano HG 93 9sp chain with a £1.99 Taya powerlink as an emergency as I couldn't find any Shimano pins in time. I have done 300 miles with no bother what so ever. I was a bit skeptical at first but it's been absolutely fine. The Taya link has the pins attached to the same side whereas the gold SRAM powerlink I just got has a pin attached to each side.

Personally I wouldn't recommend over dis-assembling the power link but I have no evidence to support that feeling. As for degreaser, I use petrol and a Park Tools chain scrubber, probably not that green but I save 105 car miles each week by taking the commute bike to work for 3 days so I figure on the green balance I am still up.

Subject: Re: Shimano Chains - SRAM Powerlink Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:34 pm

wow Petrol, had never considered that, as I have a petrol mower there's always some in the shed so I'll give it a go and should save me a fortune.

Subject: Re: Shimano Chains - SRAM Powerlink Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:37 pm

I always run SRAM chains and Shimano cassettes as I was told SRAM chains have better tolerance. Went the opposite now and run an SRAM cassette with a Shimano chain. Both set ups seem the same !?!

I have 2 x SRAM gold links in an XTR Shimano chain, And have done for about 150 miles !!

Degreaser: Have you got a Costco card. I use Kirkland brand cleaner/degreaser. £7 for 5 litres (5000ml yes!!!!!!) Water it down in a spray can thingy, and it is EXACTLY the same as the stuff you get from Phils. Spray it on, leave it, then hose off!! I have one still that I bought this time last year.

Just try it.

XT Joined : 30 Oct 2006 Posts : 189

I ran out of unleaded so started on the unleaded mixed with Stihl oil for the hedgetrimmer - works a treat.

Top tip - make sure you wear gloves if you have the sightest sensitive skin and don't do it near the back door else the Mrs will be complaining that the house smells of petrol.

Subject: Re: Shimano Chains - SRAM Powerlink Tue Nov 14, 2006 8:53 am

Yeah.....I used to use Radox shower gel, now I use a brillo pad with salt and margarine mixed together in a paste!! Works a treat, but the hairs tend to come off in clumps !!

pirat

XT Joined : 30 Oct 2006 Posts : 189

Try substituting the salt with sugar. It's not as harsh and doesn't taste as bad if you get some in your mouth. tongue

Subject: Re: Shimano Chains - SRAM Powerlink Tue Nov 14, 2006 1:02 pm

Good thinking, but ref. the mouth, my Swarfega mixture is working wonders on the veneers I made myself from ceramic tiles.

Subject: Re: Shimano Chains - SRAM Powerlink Tue Nov 14, 2006 1:04 pm

Good thinking, but ref. the mouth, my Swarfega mixture is working wonders on the veneers I made myself from ceramic tiles.

Subject: Re: Shimano Chains - SRAM Powerlink Tue Nov 14, 2006 2:12 pm

Paul, now you're using a powerlink remove the chain and drop in a large jam jar with some cheap white spirit. Shake the jar and leave for a while, hey presto a gleaming chain.

Will check out that costco stuff though when I'm next in there.

Subject: Re: Shimano Chains - SRAM Powerlink Tue Nov 14, 2006 3:53 pm

That's an OK method but a little time consuming.....I prefer tackling the 106 links, link by link, with a tooth pick and a pair or tweezers from my Swiss Army knife. Then I inspect each piece of discharge under a Spectrometre to ensure no particels of metal have been disgarded.

Apart from that its a piece of pi55 !!

XT Joined : 27 Oct 2006 Posts : 169 Bike : Scott FX

My ex bikin buddy elephant

has a power link and takes her chain off after every ride and cleans it, never had a problem with the power link, you can re-fit it as many times as you like.