I took my chain off yesterday to give it a good clean before switching to Squirt lube. It's a KMC chain, and I've just noticed it isn't directional. There's lettering on both sides.
Of course now I've no idea which way round it was on before. What issues if any might I have if I end up putting it back on the other way round?
Slightly pointless question I suppose since I'll just have to guess whatever the answer!
EDIT The more I think about it I suppose it won't be a problem. I was thinking it might cause accelerated wear but I guess the rollers don't care so much about direction.
I put one on inside out once.
Try it. You might like it.
Depending on how long it has been used already if you get it wrong it may make a bit more noise at first. In which case you can flip it round again or just wait carry on regardless.
I put a Shimano chain on the wrong way (inside out) once. It was noiser and shifting wasn't as clean and both improved when I re-fitted the correct way around.
So based on that, you might have lucked out and "accidentally" got it the right way round!
The quick links can be directional.
Directional chains and quick links 🤔
Never noticed this. I’d expected them to be symmetrical.
old style master links (C-links?) on non-derailleur bikes were directional. Not seen one of those since the advent of the Shimano snap off pin and sram/KMC quick link.
I just replaced the 9-speed SRAM chain on one of the children’s bikes and just popped it on as it came.
I can imagine putting an old chain back on might have some issues if the drivetrain has worn unevenly.
The quick links can be directional.
I did think of that, but in this case (KMC silver Missing Link) they don't seem to be - two identical parts as far as I can see.
I've put the chain back on but not ridden yet.
