05-16-2014, 11:23 AM
Yup. On an O-ring chain, a binding link usually indicates that the O-ring failed and the lube has departed the roller. With a damaged O-ring, there's no way to reliably get lube back into the roller (and keep it there). That usually means the chain is done for. You definitely do not want to ride with a binding link. The chain could snap at any time. Best case, you're stuck on the side of the road. Worst case you're spread all over the road.
If you were determined not to replace the chain, I suppose you could cut out the damaged link and replace it with a master link. This can open up another can of worms, since 99% of the broken chains I've seen were the result of an improperly installed master link.
If you were determined not to replace the chain, I suppose you could cut out the damaged link and replace it with a master link. This can open up another can of worms, since 99% of the broken chains I've seen were the result of an improperly installed master link.