Bicyclists - what did I buy?

Yeah, I’m a bit spooked by this too. Didn’t notice it till I got it home.
I hope what happened was the chain broke (or?) and the bike got put up. Then new tires got installed (look nearly new to me) and the chain got put on incorrectly.

I’ll know more after I get feeling better (takes a day or two) and get the chain off there.
Thanks for the SRAM suggestion

Just looked. The current chain is marked: PC 951 and it has a magic link so it will be easy to remove.
wfe - are most chains basically the same as far as using them on a bike like mine?
Obviously I don’t need anything fancy.
The SRAM at $22 seems like a good deal to me. I’ll count the links/measure after I get it off the bike.
https://www.amazon.com/SRAM-9-Speed-Bicycle-PowerLink-Connector/dp/B07XYG3M38

All the Best,
Jeff

you do need to get the correct ‘speeds’ for the cassette

there is “6-7-8” speed, for 6, 7 or 8 cogs

then all the rest are unique, 9, 10, and 11 each have their own width
pc 951 is a sram

reuse if you can, it is prob not worn (“stretched”)

Just loosen that socket head cap screw that is holding the arm to the upper pulley wheel and loosen the cap screw in the idler pulley, then the arm can be moved to let the chain ride in the correct position, then reinstall the arm and tighten the screws. No chain break required.

You are correct that the chain is not threaded correctly. It should be inside the derailleur cage, not riding on the tab. If you are lucky, there will be a master link that you can open. That’s a lot easier with an $9 master link tool https://www.ebay.com/itm/353565699003 but if you remove the tension on the chain as shown at 1:09 in this video it is easier. Bicycle Chain Master Links: Tips & Tricks KMC Shimano SRAM - YouTube If your chain has no master link, then you need a chain tool for opening one of the pins or simply cut it if you are going to replace it.

The alternative is to unscrew the bolts that hold the jockey wheels in place, re-rout the chain, and reinstall the bolts. This is a bit difficult because it is tough to deal with loose parts and the chain. A new chain will make it a lot easier. The KMC chain with a master link is the OEM chain on a lot of bikes.

You can get a good price on eBay compared to going to your local bike shop. Just count the number of gears on the cassette and select the right chain.
KMC X8.93 6,7,8 speed chain $13 postpaid https://www.ebay.com/itm/284426075943
KMC X9.93 9 speed chain $19 postpaid https://www.ebay.com/itm/393386368206

Thanks all,
Got a chain tool on it’s way. The SRAM chain I have has a master link.
All the Best,
Jeff

the sram chains can be opened up without a tool though

look for their masterlink videos

it can be a little hard but don’t use a chain tool

you will just make the chain weak where you break it

powerlink

Not mine! Tried everything except Devine intervention.
Almost got it when my snap ring pliers gave up the ghost.
That sucker is really on there.
Think master link pliers is my only hope.
All the Best,
Jeff

ok - you could still take that one bolt out of the derailleur cage and fix it!!

if you do break the chain, get another powerlink to put it back together
very easy

wle

Just thought I’d update.
Got in a Park Master Link tool.
8 seconds later the Master Link is out with no damage.
Wow is this chain in need of a clean and lube. It’s so gummed up with old lube it will almost stand up on it’s own.
Thanks everyone for all the help!
All the Best,
Jeff

it;s probably ok as is, put it in kerosene if you feel like you have to do something :slight_smile:

wle

sram chains do not have a ‘master link’ though

usually those are for single speed chains that do have a master link

you may have taken out one of the regular links

the powerlink [if it is a sram chain] would not really respond to a ‘master link’ tool

so i am a bit confused.

if you did take out one of the regular links, you should use a powerlink, to replace it

if you just jam the original pin back, it may be weak there…

wle

If the chain had a master link, then that would explain how it could get improperly routed such as it was.

Kennybobby (post #47 above) has the exact best solution to this problem. No chain break required. Seriously. Take it to a bike shop. They could fix this for you in about 30 seconds.

that is true
probably for about $20, too or less
wle

Doesn’t matter, post 53 it was done in 8 seconds, plus he gets to dip the whole chain in a bucket of kerosene.

After the dip and wipe down with old newspapers, he can soak it in a can of oil; another wipe down and get the excess oil off and it will be the best lubed chain on the block.

I once bought a bike off auction. A really nice Specialized one. I had checked for maximum seat height, but… had neglected the seat post to front post distance. It was really too short. I could ride it, albeit hunched over, but when I had someone photograph me and a buddy with his bike that fit him properly, I looked like a giant on a circus bike. I hope your sizing is good. If you plan to ride much, you really want that part right. You may want to take it to a bike shop to get it properly serviced, and while there make sure a tech can verify it’s a good fit for you.

Don’t know what to say. The link came apart without any damage.
I did miss used the term Master Link (for the SRAM Link). But that is the term used for the name of the tool.
The link I removed is indeed an SRAM link.

No matter what I tried, I could not get that sucker off there. Watched the videos – no joy. Lots of cussing and trying various techniques.
Soon as I put the Park tool to it, a gentile squeeze and it moved to the position where I could pull it apart.

This tool, not a chain link pusher.

All the best,
Jeff

Yep. gonna get the goo off then measure for chain stretch/ware.
Thinking of using some Mobile 1 I have leftover from my Pantera days.
That should do until I decide if the bike is a keeper and can get some proper lubes - if I’m so inclined.
Thanks All!

so you did get the chain threaded ?

wle

Not yet. Waiting until tomorrow to de-goop it, check the length, and apply some lube.
Going to clean up the derailleurs while the chain is off. They too have thickish coating of dried crud.
Might as well do this now so it looks better to sell if I decided it’s too small for me.

Got a bike light from the Amazon Deals thread. $19.99.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FDK43X7
It’s on the battery tester now.
All the Best,
Jeff