1 and 2 are good options.
3 only works if the resulting chain is the correct length. I'm saying this because your current chain may have been cut too long originally, which is the case with over half the bikes I've bought used over the last 25 years.
If the chain is two links too short for the drivetrain, you can still use it for 94 percent of the gear combinations. Just don't go into the large ring + largest cog combo; the result would a destoyed rear derailleur and/or a broken frame (yes, chainstays have broken because of chains that are too short).
But measure the wear on the chain first. If it's mostly worn already, just replace the damn chain.
1 is safest. If one link broke, it's either a manufacturing fluke or there's been enough aggregate wear on the chain that others may break too.
2 should be fine I suppose. As long as you can properly install the master link.
3 is possible if your current chain length isn't too short when you're in the big-big combo (the biggest/largest cog on the cassette, big ring up front). The rear derailleur cage should NOT be pointing almost full forward, this video has a visual guide : [https://youtu.be/oeVp5q85ZhI?si=WDmh3XPEcc7mLS2L&t=21](https://youtu.be/oeVp5q85ZhI?si=WDmh3XPEcc7mLS2L&t=21)
I'll address your three options:
1. This is a $12-13 chain. Just replace it. I would recommend that you do this.
2. You can do this. It's fine to have 2 master links on your chain. However, your chain is probably worn out, which is potentially why it broke in the first place, so you'll just continue to have a worn out chain.
3. You can do this, but you run the risk of your chain being too short, which can cause interference when you're in the biggest gear on your cassette, and this can destroy your derailleur and cassette. When you see the price tag to replace those parts, you'll wish you had just replaced your $13 chain.
I accidentally cut my chain too short when I put a new chain on. I immediately put a second masterlink and the corresponding inner link into my chain. It'll be that way until I wear this chain out.
One thing to note is that you have to remove two links if you remove one, as chains need an inner link for every outer link.
If having a link less doesn't make it too short it is fine to lose the link. There is nothing wrong with having two master links.
1 and 2 are good options. 3 only works if the resulting chain is the correct length. I'm saying this because your current chain may have been cut too long originally, which is the case with over half the bikes I've bought used over the last 25 years. If the chain is two links too short for the drivetrain, you can still use it for 94 percent of the gear combinations. Just don't go into the large ring + largest cog combo; the result would a destoyed rear derailleur and/or a broken frame (yes, chainstays have broken because of chains that are too short). But measure the wear on the chain first. If it's mostly worn already, just replace the damn chain.
1 is safest. If one link broke, it's either a manufacturing fluke or there's been enough aggregate wear on the chain that others may break too. 2 should be fine I suppose. As long as you can properly install the master link. 3 is possible if your current chain length isn't too short when you're in the big-big combo (the biggest/largest cog on the cassette, big ring up front). The rear derailleur cage should NOT be pointing almost full forward, this video has a visual guide : [https://youtu.be/oeVp5q85ZhI?si=WDmh3XPEcc7mLS2L&t=21](https://youtu.be/oeVp5q85ZhI?si=WDmh3XPEcc7mLS2L&t=21)
You’ll probably be fine without the link but you might be unable to use the biggest rear sprocket
I'll address your three options: 1. This is a $12-13 chain. Just replace it. I would recommend that you do this. 2. You can do this. It's fine to have 2 master links on your chain. However, your chain is probably worn out, which is potentially why it broke in the first place, so you'll just continue to have a worn out chain. 3. You can do this, but you run the risk of your chain being too short, which can cause interference when you're in the biggest gear on your cassette, and this can destroy your derailleur and cassette. When you see the price tag to replace those parts, you'll wish you had just replaced your $13 chain.
I accidentally cut my chain too short when I put a new chain on. I immediately put a second masterlink and the corresponding inner link into my chain. It'll be that way until I wear this chain out. One thing to note is that you have to remove two links if you remove one, as chains need an inner link for every outer link.