Hi guys it's dumb-noobie time

So the bike I've got had a chain on it that appears to have done little work although does have a little corrosion (same with sprockets) I've cleaned it up really good and had it soaking in oil for weeks and it looks and feels pretty good under inspection.

So here's the next step...I'm wanting to stick this thing back on. It's a chain by Regina and is correct for the bike (530 pitch 110 links) so all I need is a link but there are so many kinds out there I dunno which would be right.

So A) Must I use only soft rivet type links on the chain? (and not the spring clip type?)
B) Is is likely that most HD (heavy duty) links fit most HD chains provided they are the same pitch?
C) If I just buy a new heavy duty o-ring chain that's 530 with 110 links will it be okay for the bike? (the sprockets are stock as far as I know)

I'm hoping your experience can point me in the right direction. I just don't wanna pay big bucks for something I could get for cheap that works the same.

Thanks alot dudes!

 

If there aren't any tight links it's probably fine to put it back on. I did the same with mine and after soaking in oil it felt fine & has been working well for 2 years. I would only use the rivet link on this bike though. It makes enough power to be a risk using a clip link and I'm not willing to take the chance

I'm not sure about different brands of links being interchangeable, but there could be differences in some measurements between brands. If everything was made exactly the same size I don't see how it could be a problem, but I have no personal experience there.

 

Thanks Tahoe - I'll definitely go for the rivet link like you advise. Looks like I'll have to do some careful measuring of the chain to get the right link.

Many thanks and safe riding this year dude

 

I believe the length is 110 links.
remember measure twice, cut once.

 

 

It doesn't matter what the length is if you're buying a master link. I would just make sure you stick with a regina link, it's an o/x-ring and that it's a 530. And I would get a rivet style for my own peace of mind.

Which reminds me that I need to find my chain tool. Someone moved it, and I suspect it was the wife or boy, but I can't prove it. When I do prove it, though, there will be hell to pay.

 

A bike shop might be able to match up something that fits too if the Regina link isn't available. I think the main concern using a different brand of link is if the pin diameter is different between the chain & the new link.

Hope you get it sorted soon and ride safe as well

edit: above post pretty much covers it, and good luck finding the chain tool

 

You can find regina master links. Probably about $10, though.

 

Hi Guys, thanks for all your input. It's helped a lot - so much so that after careful measuring of the chain's relevant areas I've got a 530 HD x-ring rivet link on it's way to me. I found a seller on ebay that had done a detailed diagram and given tolerances of the link I'm getting. So fingers, toes etc crossed that it'll be okay lol. I've even treated myself to a chain riveting tool! Just gotta work out a plan to keep it away from my little kids. They can lose anything at all in under 10 seconds.

Anyway thanks again and I'm praying I don't have a "doh!" moment when I try the link or another one when I over-tighten the rivets

 

Hi Guys

My new link came today - the pin diameter fits very well and it looks like it'll go together nicely.

Just have a little question: should the end of the pin and the plate be an interference fit? the plate hole is very slightly smaller than the pin diameter. I'm thinking the riveting tool will help get the pin through the plate hole.

Just asking cuz I aint never done this before

Cheers mates