SRAM PC1 replacement links

[drossall]

I've got a PC1 chain on my On-One fixed, which I need to shorten. Can I re-use the snap-lock connector? I do have connector pliers, though I haven't tried them yet - or is flexing the chain easier (if I can find the connector...)

If I shouldn't re-use, where can I buy a spare? No-one seems to list them for the PC1.

[rogerzilla]

SRAM say you should use a new one.  I would get a reusable 3-piece link or just break and rejoin it using a chain tool.  SRAM say you shouldn't do that either, but all Brompton owners do.

[drossall]

Thanks.

I've been joining chains for decades, so I ignored the snap-lock connector when I first got this chain, and it failed after mile or so. I decided they were serious about the need to use it. Maybe I was a bit careless...

I've always been nervous of traditional three-part split links on fixed. Maybe that's over-cautious.

Can you actually buy spare connectors for the PC1, as you can for other SRAM chains?

[Rev Will]

I would have no problem reusing the snap link for a PC1. In fact, I'm sure I have in the past and I survived.

You can get 1/8th snap links from Edinburgh Bike Coop. They are probably not the only source.

[rogerzilla]

Halfords sell perfectly good Clarks-branded 1/8" snaplinks.

[tiermat]

Or if you have the time, eBay can net you a load, much cheaper than anywhere else (I recently bought a load, the 10 speed ones were £2 each from Hong Kong and the 3/32" ones were 50p each, but from the UK ( http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190711117728?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 ))

[Jonah]

I've got a PC1 chain on my On-One fixed, which I need to shorten. Can I re-use the snap-lock connector? I do have connector pliers, though I haven't tried them yet - or is flexing the chain easier (if I can find the connector...)

If I shouldn't re-use, where can I buy a spare? No-one seems to list them for the PC1.

I always join my chains too.  I bought a Chain Carcker from Hub Jub a while back - it's ace.  I so have a fair few of the PC-I snap-locks in my tool box which I could post to you if you like?  I changed chains to Wipperman a while back (after taking advice from a previous thread on this board).  You can also have the Connex snap-links that I have also saved if you want.

Send me a PM with your address if you're interested

[Manotea]

I generally use PC1s and join chains, partly because I've never got the hang of breaking chains via the snap link - or even finding the snap link when the chain is in-situ - and partly because I just dont really trust snap links. YMMV.

So I'd recommend simply shortening the chain and forgetting about replacing the snap-link.

[drossall]

Many thanks to Jonah for his kind offer, and to others for the advice.

[drossall]

Pleased to say that Jonah's package of spare connectors arrived safely yesterday.

I have discovered that one LBS that I don't often visit (expensive!!) does a range of KMC connectors. These are mostly labelled as compatible with other brands of chain in the relevant size - 1/8", 6/7, 8/9, 10, 11.

SJS have a good range, but ordering such small parts would be a pain.