Sticky chain link

[MagnaMan]

A couple of weeks ago I installed a new chain on my bike. Aside from the usual "first timer" adventures, everything went smooth. There was one small glitch that I may have to deal with though.

I use the pressed link kind that flattens out the pins rather than a master link. My digital calibers were actually not zeroed out so I ended up flattening the pins a little more than needed. As a result my connecting link is a smidgen tighter than the rest of the chain.

I ran it around the sprockets and while slightly stiffer, I thought it ran just fine and that possibly it would work out the stiffness over time.

I've put on about 150 or so miles and hear more frequent chain slap like the chain is loose. Last night I adjusted the chain and ran the bike in first gear with the rear wheel off the ground. When the stiffer link goes around the smaller front sprocket it bounces the chain slightly. It's not severe but enough of a bounce to cause the slapping noise I'm hearing at low speeds. This is above and beyond the normal chain clank you here.

So my question is should I just leave it alone or do I need to get a new link and redo the connection? If so, any idea on where I can get that link? I've never seen them sold by themselves.

[Curtis_Valk]

GET A SHAFT!!! (in reference to the chain bash thread on list serv, HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I was going to yank your chain (pun intended) over there, but this opportunity was better!!!

(Move along people, nothing to see here.)

<grin>
Curtis

[MagnaMan]

Yeah. I knew I would catch some flack for posting this after saying I wasn't a chain basher.  It was just a matter of whether it was you, Greg, or Allen first.

[Greg Cothern]

Rats, Curtis beat me to the punch, oh well it will now be a chain reaction event hehehehe.
Jesse if it bothers you and you have the tool and can get another link then replace the link.

[MagnaMan]

I'm not sure that it bothers me as much as I'm concerned that the extra little slap may wear something out prematurely. I'll keep an eye on it.

[Greg Cothern]

Jesse you know it will drive you crazy, you will be hearing that slap and you will not be able to fully concentrate and enjoy the ride!  LoL, change it hehehehe.
It may 'free" up some and quiet down, but if you know you have it a smidgen too tight then swap it, then you know for sure and can enjoy riding without the worry.  Seriously whats a new link cost??  And a few minutes to swap it?  Piece of mind has to be worth more??

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

Jesse, I would go for a new link. They are cheap compared to the chain. Nothing more aggrevating than that noise getting in the way of the ride. I am sure it will have an effect on the chain as well.
On the other hand, I have had the same issue with what I put on but was too lazy to change it. Mostly because it has worn a lot already. When it warms up and I have the opportunity to do more pleasure riding instead of general transportation riding I plan on putting a new chain on. I have tightened this one beyond specs and may even need the sprocket change as well.