Breaking a chain on a ride is one of the most exasperating things that can happen.

Fortunately, given the quality of most modern chains, this shouldn’t happen very often (if at all) providing you take proper care installing and looking after your chain. I’ve only had it happen on a ride once and, as luck would have it, it turned out after a quick Google search that I was within walking distance of a local bike shop which happened to be open. You might not be so lucky.

Video: how to replace a road bike chain

Without the correct tools/parts, fixing a broken chain is pretty much impossible, but by carrying a quick link you can normally mend a chain without too many tears. Of course, it helps if you’re carrying a multi tool with a chain breaker on it, because removing the remnants of the broken link can prove rather difficult if not.

There are various types of quick links, but the idea is essentially the same. Remove the broken link from the chain, slot the new link in to place, secure it and you’re away! One handy way of tightening a quick link that certainly works very well for KMC links (on the basis that you haven’t gone full rolling workshop by having a quick link tool in your pocket), is to rotate the chain to the quick link is on the top between the cassette and chainring, clamp down tightly on the brake levers and press forcefully on one pedal. That should be rewarded with a pleasing ‘click’ as the link snaps into place.

One thing to keep in mind when you buy a quick link is to make sure that it’s for the correct drivetrain ‘speed’. Fitting a 10-speed quick link on an 11-speed chain will not give you any joy as the chain periodically skips on your ride home.