What budget 9 speed chain?

[G]

Bent a link of the chain on my 2012 Charge Scourer hybrid (2x9).
I've straightened it with some pliers now, but don't really trust it.

Does it make any difference, or should I just go for the cheapest branded one on Amazon?

Chainset: FSA Tempo compact 50/34
Chain: YBN S9 CR
Cassette: Shimano HG20, 11-34t

Probably at the point I should be considering new sprockets too, but don't want to be chucking money at it right now, so prefer something to tide me over until I really need them (no problems so far).

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Shimano or FSA will be fine. I always stick to SRAM chains now though. For the few quid difference I've never had an issue with a SRAM chain so stick to them.

Same as motorbike chains really. A cheapie will probably be fine but for the minimal cost difference do you want to risk it?
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[bamt]

I normally use SRAM or KMC chains, avoiding Shimano solely because Shimano 9 speed close with a single use pin, and if you take the chain off you need to get another of those pins.

(If you don't already know, 9 speed chain rivets are peened over, so you can't safely push them out and back in again with a chain tool like you can on single speed and 5 speed chains).

SRAM and KMC have a powerlink connector that can be opened and closed repeatedly - so you can easily remove the chain without tools and replace it, which is useful for general maintenance tasks. I also carry a couple of spare powerlinks in my toolbag on the bike, which means I can easily fix a broken chain at the roadside.

My choice between SRAM and KMC tends to be dependent upon which is on offer at the time; I do high mileage and haven't seen a big difference between them.


SRAM PC951 for £8.49 delivered is probably what I'd buy at the moment.

[G]

Cheers - same price at Amazon and will be with me for Monday.

Have done 36 miles or so today and it did ok, but slipping occasionally which it hardly did before.

[KLR600]

Pfft, bent link? Try two different chains on the same bike! Granted it's a single speed but still, bodgeriffic

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v331/serenaur/photo_zps7ad9b929.jpg

I'd of ridden a bent link until it snapped but then judging by the photo you can guess my level of mechanical sympathy.
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[G]

When I put a +10 on the back of my CRM125 I actually had three separate chains in one for a while. Got a feeling there may have been a mixture of O ring and not, too - extracted and revitted with a Whale tool, which I'm not sure you're meant to do either .

However, I'd prefer not to be stranded right now, so new chain on Monday.

Is it possible to 'cleanly' remove chain links on the existing chain (doesn't seem to be a join) or should I just cut it at the bent link?

[bamt]

You can remove links with a normal chain tool - I use a Park CT-5 as it is robust but also light and small enough to carry on the bike. You may well need one of these anyway to shorten your new chain.

Your existing chain may not have an easily visible join if it is a Shimano with the special joining pin. In that case you shouldn't try to remove that pin anyway, you should always push out a normal pin (as otherwise you'll be putting too much strain on the side plates).

[G]

I went for the SRAM one you linked to, though ordered from Amazon.

Unfortunately I don't have my push bike chain tool here; have been offered one to borrow, but it would seem it's actually a motorbike one, so not sure if it'll have a small enough pin in kit.