Wipperman Chains

winoneday
winoneday Posts: 253
edited November 2008 in Workshop
Very simple really.

Can I replace a Shimano chain with a Wipperman or am I best to go with another Shimano? I'm guessing that Campag. or SRAM aren't compatible.

Thanks

Comments

  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    KMC, Wipperman, and SRAM are ALWAYS a better choice than the equivalent Campag or Shimano chain.

    The wippermann chains will more than work fine.
    I like bikes...

    Twitter
    Flickr
  • andy_wrx
    andy_wrx Posts: 3,396
    Never tried Wipperman, but SRAM and KMC are certainly compatible and as red-d says are certainly better than Shimano chains - you don't get that stupid Shimano joining pin for a start, you get a missing-link which is much easier to use, allows you to open and rejoin the chain time and again without needing to be replaced, and is far less prone to fail because you've installed it wrong.

    Some Shimano chains are actually manufactured for them to their spec at the KMC factory...
  • acorn_user
    acorn_user Posts: 1,137
    I have to partly disagree with the previous posters. In my experience, Campagnolo chains are excellent. You can use a Wipperman link to avoid the faff with the joining pin. I am currently running a Wipperman 10sp chain, and had a Campagnolo 6.2mm chain on before. I can't guarantee the accuracy of the comparison (could be worse set up or a worn cassette), but I preffered the Campagnolo chain. I think I will always use Wipperman links though.
  • magliaceleste
    magliaceleste Posts: 748
    I agree with acorn_user. I use Campag chains with a KMC Campag specific reusable joining pin. None of the faff of the Campag joining method but with a chain that runs better than the KMC IMO.

    I just wish they'd hurry up and bring out the 11 speed link.
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    magliaceleste wrote:
    I agree with acorn_user. I use Campag chains with a KMC Campag specific reusable joining pin. None of the faff of the Campag joining method but with a chain that runs better than the KMC IMO.

    I just wish they'd hurry up and bring out the 11 speed link.

    OK, I'd agree with that, there's wrong with the campag chains themselves, but it's just easier and far cheaper to get KMC chains with the link, rather than campag chains and the special KMC campa-specific link.
    I like bikes...

    Twitter
    Flickr
  • disgruntledgoat
    disgruntledgoat Posts: 8,957
    Just a confidence issue on my part, but I haven't used a Campag chain since one snapped on me causing me to break my elbow. KMC for me.
    "In many ways, my story was that of a raging, Christ-like figure who hauled himself off the cross, looked up at the Romans with blood in his eyes and said 'My turn, sock cookers'"

    @gietvangent
  • DavidBelcher
    DavidBelcher Posts: 2,684
    Wippermann chains are very good on the whole, but avoid the cheaper models for 8sp and below, as the connecting link isn't very user-friendly - either that or get the 'proper' Connex link (see next sentence) after purchase. More expensive 8sp and all of the 9sp/10sp range use a similar link to SRAM's Powerlink and is much more straightforward.

    David
    "It is not enough merely to win; others must lose." - Gore Vidal
  • andy_wrx
    andy_wrx Posts: 3,396
    acorn_user wrote:
    I have to partly disagree with the previous posters. In my experience, Campagnolo chains are excellent.

    I didn't say anything about Campag chains !
    I said KMC or SRAM rather than Shimano - as the OP was talking about replacing a Shimano chain...

Categories