There comes a time in every cyclist’s journey when they get tired, lazy or indifferent and break a chain. Shifting under torque, whether intentional or not is a recipe for a bent or broken chain. This may seem like the end of a ride but chain repair can be completed quicker and easier than even a flat tire – if you have the right tools.

The only tool that you need to fix a broken chain is a chain break. Seems sort of ironic that you fix it with a break. . . . but we will have to roll with it. There are many different types of chain breaks and the image above depicts a shop quality too. You will find that many multi-tools are more convenient while on the trails.

The second piece of equipment that will make the repair much easier is a masterlink. These are available at your local bike shop for a very low price. Using a masterlink to repair a broken chain will result in a stronger link and much saved frustration.

Now onto the repair:

The first step is to remove the broken link. In the above picture you can see that one link is severely bent. This will need to be removed before the chain will be usable once again.

You will need to use your chain break to push out a pin on either side of the broken link. Try not to push the pin out all the way as this way it will be easier to keep track of the pieces. Push out the pins so that you will end up with two inner links.

The next step is to connect the masterlink. Insert the pin from each side of the masterlink into the chain from opposite sides.

Push the two sides of the mastelink together to make a single link.

Pull the chain along its length to lock the masterlink into place.

Voila! You have just repaired a chain.

Dustan