Chain / Link direction

[MrSimmo]

Ok, I've finally lost the plot with f*cking chain direction.

Does anyone have a definitive answer around directional vs bi-directional chains / power links which they could help me with?

- SRAM MTB chains are bi-directional for all mtb chains?
- SRAM MTB power/quick links are bi-directional?

- KMC MTB chains are bi-directional for all mtb chains?
- KMC MTB power/quick links are bi-directional?

- Shimano MTB chins are sometimes bi-directional but usually directional, to tell you have to make sure the logos/writing is on the outside?
- Shimano MTB quick links are bi-directional?


Cheers

 

[Mikerb]

Ok, I've finally lost the plot with f*cking chain direction.

Does anyone have a definitive answer around directional vs bi-directional chains / power links which they could help me with?

- SRAM MTB chains are bi-directional for all mtb chains?
- SRAM MTB power/quick links are bi-directional?

- KMC MTB chains are bi-directional for all mtb chains?
- KMC MTB power/quick links are bi-directional?

- Shimano MTB chins are sometimes bi-directional but usually directional, to tell you have to make sure the logos/writing is on the outside?
- Shimano MTB quick links are bi-directional?


Cheers

yes,no,yes,no,yes no

power/quick links need to be fitted so that the chainwheel pulls the chain pin into the slot....IE slot towards the chainwheel on the top line of the chain. Power/quick links for a directional chain still need to be the right way round...typically with stamped writing visible on the outside.

 

[MrSimmo]

Cheers, I did think as much but various different “mtb” magazine articles online seem to contradict each other and themselves which led to the confusion

Plus I pulled a Shimano quicklink off my existing chain and both pieces/sides are identical - ie stamped writing and an arrow on both sides which ended up when fitted pointing in different directions

 

[#lazy]

I thought some quick links are curved so need to be correct and some are flat so no bother which way !

 

[jimbob]

So shimano chains need to be installed in a particular direction?

 

[Mikerb]

So shimano chains need to be installed in a particular direction?

not all of them apparently. If its a new chain it will tell you in the instructions. If it is an existing chain the best guide seems to be to have any stamped writing facing away from the bike...assuming that stamped writing is only on one side of the chain. Its no big disaster if the chain is put on wrong but changeing gear will not be as smooth as intended because the inner and outer plates are shaped slightly differently on a directional chain.

 

[steve_sordy]

Cheers, I did think as much but various different “mtb” magazine articles online seem to contradict each other and themselves which led to the confusion

Plus I pulled a Shimano quicklink off my existing chain and both pieces/sides are identical - ie stamped writing and an arrow on both sides which ended up when fitted pointing in different directions

You only pay attention to one of the arrows, the one viewed from the "outside" (ie away from the bike).