Phil (ascentale)2d ago

@ai6yr asks:

I broke a chain for the first time, far from home! Luckily, the local bike shop was downhill. I coasted down & paid them to replace the chain (needed a spare anyway, took the old broken one home to add new links and re-wax). It appears I'm not packing all the tools I need.

Q4. What tools should I carry on all bike rides? (I usually carry a patch kit & small pump, but no chain tool nor master link) What else am I missing?!

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter cc @bikenite

Show threadSam Whited2d ago

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite I generally carry a multitool that includes a chain breaker and a small set of chain quicklink pliers (that has a storage compartment for a spare link) so if I need to I can re-wrap it and fix it in one gear even if it's too short, but I normally tell people not to worry about chains, there's only so much you can prepare for. For most people I just recommend a basic multi-tool, some tire levers, and a spare tube.

#BikeNite

Show threadAI6YR Ben2d ago
@sam @ascentale @bikenite #BikeNite Thanks! Sounds like I should look for small quicklink pliers, if the multitool I am ordering doesn't have them built in.
Show threadAlper2d ago
@ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite Quicklinks can be undone with a 4mm string. Not the most elegant solution but lightest to carry and do the job as needed.
Show threadInky says "What the hell?!"

@alper @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite How do you do that?

#BikeNite

Apr 5 at 1:59pmWeb
Show threadrand ❌👑15h ago
@InkySchwartz @alper @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite You just need to squeeze. so you loop the string to each side of the quicklink, then tie it into a loop and then insert a stick or tire lever and turn (and turn and turn). The loop will contract and open the quicklink. #BikeNite
Show threadAI6YR Ben13h ago
@rand @InkySchwartz @alper @sam @ascentale @bikenite BRILLIANT!
Show threadInky says "What the hell?!"8h ago
@rand @alper @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite Very cool. So what kind of string do you use? Monofiliment?
Show threadrand ❌👑3h ago
@InkySchwartz @alper @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite you could probably use your shoelace. But I’ve never tried it, but I see no reason it wouldn’t work.
Show threadAlper7m ago

@rand @InkySchwartz @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite Normally I only use brute force. Never needed mechanical advantage with a lever. The only issue doing it by force is that link come undone very unexpectedly and sometimes violently.

Any string that is thin enough to pass the narrow link and not stretch is usable. You need to apply reasonable amount of force so it need to be long enough to wrap it around your hands too.