Well, I decided to whip an extra link out of my chain today to see if it would sit better in the drops.  Sadly it puts the axle right on the edge of the dropouts, and I can see things going wrong very quickly indeed.

Sooo... how do I put the old link back in?  Ive kept the pin etc, but how do i make sure it doesnt pop out?  Or should I invest in a half link to improve the tension and keep it at a reasonable position in the drops?

You cant put a pin in thats been pushed all the way out. So if you dont have some extra chain where you can grab a couple links with the pin pushed, but not separated, youre up the crick w/o a paddle.

Got a 10 link length that I didnt use.  That ok?

Quote from: maximusotter

You cant put a pin in thats been pushed all the way out. So if you dont have some extra chain where you can grab a couple links with the pin pushed, but not separated, youre up the crick w/o a paddle.

Got a 10 link length that I didnt use.  That ok?

Long as its the same brand. Make sure you get the pin to stick out exactly the same on both sides. Flex laterally till its not sticky anymore. Ride.

So have I but its preferable not to if you can. Some bike chains dont like it at all.

Got me a half-link for 75p at the LBS.  Its all gravy  

why would they order specialist parts in to give them away for free?  better than a fiver which is what they go for on ebay