In reply to The Lemming:
> (In reply to The Lemming)
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> He also said that if I replaced the chain then I would need to replace everything else.
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> Is this correct or can I just replace the chain alone?
Essentially correct - a worn chain usually means a worn cassette (the cogs at the back) and maybe worn chain rings (ones at the front). If you don't replace the cassette at the same time as the chain you can get the chain slipping and jumping as you ride.
If this is an old bike then you could just keep riding with what you've got, until its totally knackered or you decide what to do (i.e. upgrade or buy a new bike etc).
> I also wanted to get one of those chain links, mentioned further up this discussion, and he tried to sell me a gizmo to remove the pins in a link. He pointed out that this would be a one-time tool. I asked if I actually needed it and he said without looking at my chain he could not answer. He'd only seen the chain moments before. And when I asked if a Centre-Punch could do the same thing, I could almost hear his brain explode at the loss of another sale.
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You can remove chain pins with a centre punch and a hammer (I've done it in the past) but its a total pain in the ass. A chain splitter is much easier if you intend to do it more than once or twice.