Topeak Chain Hook and Wear Indicator Silver

I use this when refitting a chain. Works well and pretty much essential if you don't have a spare pair of hands. For the price, I don't think it is worth the hassle of a DIY alternative with bits of wire or spare spokes, assuming you have any, and I don't.

A simple but useful tool

You can play around with bits of wire or coat hanger, or you can buy a relatively cheap and well made tool to hold the chain tension when fitting a link. It holds the chain perfectly, creating the slack you need to link the chain together with ease. It acts as a chain wear indicator too, but I've not tried this out yet.

Beautiful little tool

This chain wear indicator is beautifully crafted and such a simple design. You hook step 1 and then if step 2 goes all the way down your chain is passed its due date. This can easily be seen in the photographs attached. Guess which chain needs changing? The one with no space between the tools and the chain. There is no way of telling your chain is worn easier than this. It should come as default with each bicycle and it will help you save changing the freewheel and/or the crank. Besides it feels good because the metal has been crafted beautifully.

Buy it you'll use it . . . Then wonder why you didn;t buy it earlier !

Don't ask how many times I've guessed this and more to the point it's ability to assist when changing chains as you try to fit the new link . . . One of those stupid things you know you don't need but realise life's so much easier when you have it . . . Then wonder why you didn't buy it sooner !

Easy to used

I’ve always used a steel tape measure to measure chain wear. Its difficult though trying to hold the tape in place and stop any arm / hand movements to get an accurate reading. So finally I bought a chain checker. This is a great little tool. Light, strong, well made, and cheap. I found out imediately that my chain needed replacing. And just to reassure myself , I did use the ruler ( with care and patience ) and the chain measured 12” and one eigth. So the chain checker was spot on. I wont have to use a ruler again ! Wish I’d bought one years ago. A neccesity for any bike really.

Great tool. Really sturdy.

I recently changed my bike chain (the old one snapped in half) and connecting a masterlink was a bit difficult because I had to find a way of making the new chain loose (I temporarily tied the rear derailleur to the bottom of my bike frame after threading the chain through the derailleur). This bike Hook would have made that easier, looks better than other ones than just look like a bent piece of wire (probably stronger too).

High Quality Feel and Fit

I popped this in the basket to reach the free shipping point!I'm glad I did, because I now I know my chain is well on it's way to needing a replacement!The fitting hooks are also a great feature, I tried them out fitting a new chain to my daughter's bike and it certainly makes life a lot easier! :)

Makes life better (if you are a bit of a geek)

Do you loose sleep, worrying about the wear on your bikes drive train?Do you document the mileage your components have covered?Then this is a toolbox must!Cast aside those chain streatch related wear issues. This neat and lightweight tool will check your chain with ease.Plus, when the time comes to swap over the, recently checked and found to be defective, chain. This handy item can be flipped over and used as a chain hook!Does life get any better!!Well, it does. Stop worrrying about the worn drivetrain and just ride your bike!

Nice tool

This is useful in checking the health of your bicycle chain which stretches over time. The worn-out is chain not only irritating while shifting gears but it can potentially damage drivetrain components. Also streched chain can break during the ride. This tool helps in replacing worn-out chain in time.

Very handy purchase

I needed to check my chain wear before replacing the cassette, I received the item super quick and tested the chain for wear and it's perfect, plenty more usage yet. Plus it doubles up as a chain holder when fitting or fixing. Double thumbs up.