I've finally got all the components together so that I can replace the chain on my bike. This looks to be a fairly simple thing to do, but I've got a couple extra pins just in case I make a mess of things. (I'm installing an Ultegra chain).
Any tips from the "wrenches" out there?
You can simply count the
You can simply count the links on your current chain and break your new chain to match the old one. You will then connect the two ends using a master link - your new chain should come with one. Otherwise, there's not much to this operation. I'm not sure you'll be able to add any pins to add links to a chain with standard equipment. I've tried this with a chain breaking tool(?) and it's pretty impossible to get right. Not sure what else you want to know about this. Have fun getting to know your bike.
Unless they recently
Unless they recently changed, Ultegra chains do not come with a master link.
I dislike using pins, so I'd spend the extra $12 to get a Wipperman Connex master link (removable) or a KMC link (supposedly not removable, but I've done it).
While you've got your chain off, take the opportunity to give your front and rear derailleurs a really thorough cleaning. Especially the rear jockey wheels, which collect a lot of grime.
As PJT wrote, I like the
As PJT wrote, I like the removable links. When I was wrenching my own bike, I liked being able to easily remove it for cleaning (not that you have to remove it to clean it). However, the master links is literally a weakest link, so I don't think they're good options for high-stakes racing and long term use (just an opinion). I change my chain every 1,000 miles or so anyway, and I'm too busy now to do the work myself so I just drop it off after a shop ride, have it serviced with other stuff (ie, recabling, new cassette, or this and that), and pick it up before my next shop ride.
Finally had a moment to get
Finally had a moment to get this done. It went smoothly. I swapped to an Ultegra chain. The feel for when the pin is in the right place is fairly obvious. Snapping of the extra bit of pin once it was in place was simple as well.
Thanks for the suggestion about cleaning everything while the chain was out.
I didn't think about my chain lube tho. I use a dry lube and it suggests that you remove the factory protectant before you apply it. I should have scrubbed it before I installed it.
I think I'll ride it as is for a bit, then make sure I clean it well before I put the dry lube on.
Thanks for all the feedback.