Thanks for the info. I did realize I needed a better chain breaker - a bigger lever as it were. I had my LBS take care of it. It only cost $17, an hour of driving and shop time and a bit of embarrassment. I’m still considering updating the drive train to 11 speeds so knowing the chained require even more effort reveals the need to a better tool. Ahh! Hobbies
its only the linkglide system thats chain cassette derailer and shifter combo. the chain is a bitch to close and you cant reuse the quick link. plus the chain only works in one direction, so you ahve to pay attention to what way you put it on. its more durable then a regular setup we have it on the tandem and it shifts under load too.
Fantastic. So, for the cost of ten trips to the bike shop I can break the chains I change every two or three years! What a bargain.Here's $185 tool. I wonder how many they actually sell at that price? I guess it is a tax write off for a shop.
Details
Two years in the making, this chain tool is built to stand the test of time.
The threaded body and lead screw are made from cro-moly and receive a low friction powder vapor deposition (PVD) coating to give it a silky feel you've never felt in a chain tool before. Large handles ensure ease of use with any chain. The freely rotating pin is made from a shock rated tool steel and will likely last as long as the rest of the tool. The chain tool comes with a spare chain pin in the handle and they are cross-compatible with Shimano and Campagnolo pins.
The greatest part of the chain tool has to be the interchangeable mid plate. The saddled part that holds the chain in position can be swapped to work with nearly anything the industry comes out with. This ensures that your investment won't become obsolete when company "X" comes out with an 18-speed cassette in 20 years.
The tool also peens Campagnolo 11 and 12 speed chains to factory specs using a backstop that threads into the backside of the tool as a stop.
Compatible with 9-12 speed chain, including the new 12-speed chains from Campagnolo and Shimano's XTR 9100.
Then I pour proper chain cleaning liquid, close the jar and give it a long violent shaking. It washes most of grim from the chain rollers. Then I wash the chain in running water and let it dry. Finally, I reinstall the chain using the pliers and apply the chain lube to each roller individually (I do it with the e-bike rotated).
Install the quick link with the chain off the chainring. On bikes with powerful clutches such a Cues I install the chain with the derailleur detached.
Thanks for the terrific advice. If I’d it would have saved me an hour and the vast sum of $17 (@BEC111: There is a simple trick how to reconnect the chain without any tools. Place both chain ends at the top. Temporarily remove the chain from the chainring, so the chain is loose. Apply the master link then delicately place the chain back on the chainring. Rotate the crankarm backwards and place the drive-side pedal in 2 o'clock position. Now, apply a violent kick to the pedal from the top and voila, the master link is reconnected!
Now, foofer is right you need a big chain breaker and chain pliers. Let me share some thoughts.
Not sure what kind of magic works for you but 4,000 miles would mean at least two chain replacements for me (with the 10-speed system). It might turn out your new chain would be skipping on the cassette cogs despite what you think. The chain pliers are needed for advanced maintenance of the chain. Here is what we call "chain shaking". Once in a while, I disconnect the chain and place it in a jar (together with the master link); my favourite jar is a big Nescafe one
I re-use the liquid next time as the dirt has sedimented in the jar before the next chain shaking.
The above keeps my chain clean and lubed. Of course, the pliers are important for me, too. As I own two e-bikes, I might do as many as four chain replacements a year. so the big chain breaker and chain pliers are important tools in my arsenal.
I wrote the above to give you more information. If you elect using your shop for the chain maintenance, please do it. (I myself like to be in the control of my e-bike maintenance).
Cheers!
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). At my age you’d think I’d have dealt with this before, but I’ve actually only been riding bikes as an adult for seven years and had never removed, let alone replaced a chain. 
