Vado 5.0 SL replacement chain: Advice

[KAM2005]

Hello,

Specialized website (https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/t...893?color=263667-154893&searchText=93920-3002) says that the chain is SLX 12 speed (it is from 2021 model but not aware of any differences with 2020 model). So, I think it is this part (https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/prod...ZUY7er2sUUBdkTBDkAeAuRYsv-l8lk25WpyIRmzVnVn7U) but anybody confirm?

Also, do I need to buy the specific Shimano tool (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01MZC9JIC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A78KJF5XDCZ5M&psc=1) or can I get by with the generic chain replacement tool (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07SBSLBWQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Thank you and regards,

 

[Stefan Mikes]

It seems nobody has answered yet.
The chain you have shown is the proper one. Do one thing in advance though: count the links in your existing chain. If the number of links is equal to 126 or less, just buy the CN-M7100-12 chain (126 links).

You will need a chain tool for 12-speed chains, for example this one:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/900-bike-chain-tool/_/R-p-100390

You will need that tool to remove a pin at some link in the new chain to make the number of links in the new chain equal to the one in the old chain. (Bear in mind the Quick-Link will add to the total number of links).

Now, the Shimano Quick-Link pliers (TL-CN10) are not mandatory but will make your life easier. If you had no pliers, you might install the Quick-Link by hand, then support the bike and stomp on the pedal very hard. The Quick-Link would loudly click when it went in place. But the specific Shimano Quick-Link pliers let you fasten Quick-Link easily, and their greatest feature is you can unfasten the Quick-Link when needed, too.

P.S. There is the Shadow clutch in your derailleur. It is a grey plastic tab, which normally is locked in the forward position. Move it backwards before the chain replacement.

 

[KAM2005]

Thank you very much.

 

[linklemming]

It seems nobody has answered yet.
The chain you have shown is the proper one. Do one thing in advance though: count the links in your existing chain. If the number of links is equal to 126 or less, just buy the CN-M7100-12 chain (126 links).

You will need a chain tool for 12-speed chains, for example this one:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/900-bike-chain-tool/_/R-p-100390

You will need that tool to remove a pin at some link in the new chain to make the number of links in the new chain equal to the one in the old chain. (Bear in mind the Quick-Link will add to the total number of links).

Now, the Shimano Quick-Link pliers (TL-CN10) are not mandatory but will make your life easier. If you had no pliers, you might install the Quick-Link by hand, then support the bike and stomp on the pedal very hard. The Quick-Link would loudly click when it went in place. But the specific Shimano Quick-Link pliers let you fasten Quick-Link easily, and their greatest feature is you can unfasten the Quick-Link when needed, too.

P.S. There is the Shadow clutch in your derailleur. It is a grey plastic tab, which normally is locked in the forward position. Move it backwards before the chain replacement.

Didnt you get a chain installed that was two links too long? If so counting the stock links seems like it 'could be bad advice'

Here is a surefire way to verify your chain is the correct. I personally prefer this to counting a dirty old chain or trying to line up two chains

 

[TS25]

... counting the stock links seems like it 'could be bad advice'
I personally prefer this to counting a dirty old chain or trying to line up two chains

No, it is good advice to count the links of your existing chain - be it dirty or not, which is up to you and your chain care - before ordering a new chain. So you'll know the length needed you're looking for.

Putting the new chain on afterbuy you're best off following that guide you've linked.