Quote Originally Posted by SnappyPix
Great tips on here.
I'd really like to take the chain off - and do have a chain removal tool. I've used it several times before, but on a much older bike.
My current bike has a Shimano HG chain - am I right in thinking these have special pins which aren't designed to be removed and reinserted? Can anyone shed any light on this?
Maybe a master/quick link would be a good idea if that's the case.
Any chain has to be breakable or it couldn't be installed on your bike. I'm not aware of any difference in HG in this regard. But I wouldn't try a master link on a HG unless it was specifically made for that chain. The HG links are beveled in specific ways. Keep using the old chain tool. Regarding master links, it's an old idea that's been recycled. Used to be that only 3-speed and single-speed bikes used master links. How many times did people come into the bike shop in the 70s asking for master links, and we'd reply "Master links don't work on 10 speeds (ie. with derailleurs)".