Bike Chains

merlinghnd

Hello Guys,

I have just bought a new bike chain on Chainreaction (great prices it seems). I bought a Shimano 105 5600 chain as it replaced what I already have.

A couple of questons;

Will it come with a "quick release link", not clear if it does, my old chain has one, do they need replacing too? I cannot find a Shimano replacement.

For future reference, will say an Ultegra chain be OK on a 105 gear and it does not seem obvious to me but is there a chain that is better than all the rest.

Thanks for any replies

skellator3

shimano chains dont come with a quick link but a KMC or SRAM, they come with those silly joining pins which are a right pain in the ass, so first thing to do is get a SRAM power link or A KMC Missing link approx 8-10 Quid for 2 use 1 allways carry the other on a ride in case your chain breaks.
IMHO KMC and SRAM chains are far superior to shimano chains anyway,

keef66

105 chain should come with a Shimano joining pin, although unboxed OEM chain sometimes doesn't.
You can instead use a KMC Missing Link (reusable) or an Sram Powerlink (shouldn't be reused but often is) available separately.

Make sure that you get the right speed link (I'm assuming 10 speed?) and if KMC that it's for Shimano not Campag.

When my 105 chain reaches 1% wear I'll be replacing it with the cheapest KMC 10 spd chain which comes with a Missing Link.
SRAM or Wippermann also well regarded. Ultegra will work OK on 105 kit. More expensive chains sometimeshave special coatings to reduce wear (and add bling), but often also hollow pins and slotted plates to reduce weight (few grams) but maybe at the expense of durability.

CiB

Just to clarify / highlight, don't rejoin a Shimano chain by re-using the pin that you pushed out. The chain will split about 11 miles from home, altho you'll be near a nice little pub and you'll have to wait for the emergency recovery in the form of the wife to arrive.

keef66

Good point! And once joined using the special pin, if you have to split the chain in the future, drive out one of the normal pins, and on reassembly fit a new joining pin.

(You can see why the Missing Links are so popular)

Whatever you do, never use suspiciosly cheap Chinese chain from a budget LBS. It will turn orange at the mention of rain, and it will snap when you're standing on the pedals on the steepest part of the hill with disastrous consequences for your testicles. It will also be dark and raining. You will have forgotten to take your mobile phone. And the batteries in your rear light will be about to expire. Probably.

e999sam

The latest Dura ace and Ultegra chains come with a reusable link. I've used a Wippermann and Decathlon quick links on older shimano chains.

richardspooner

It may be just my setup/ the way I ride, and I won't dispute any body else's experiences... I think Shimano chains are the worst out of the SRAM, Campag and KMC equivalents. Road and MTB. I've used them all over the years and time and again I've come back to KMC on both my road and MTB's. I've just found the KMC's keep the shifting smoother, more positive and quieter for longer. I persisted with the Shimano XTR chain on my new MTB for two months and spent all the bloody trail rides dealing with clunky changes and a general vague feel when shifting. Even after setup and services. Changed to the KMC equivalent and my bike hasn't missed a single change since. Same with my road bike, lovely positive changes especially on the climbs under heavy torquing.

My two penneths worth.

markos1963

Bought a cheap KMC chain to replace the Shimano 105 one and its definatly better shifting even if I get through 2 to 1 compared to the 105 it will be worth it.

Mettan

merlinghnd wrote:

Hello Guys,

I have just bought a new bike chain on Chainreaction (great prices it seems). I bought a Shimano 105 5600 chain as it replaced what I already have.

A couple of questons;

Will it come with a "quick release link", not clear if it does, my old chain has one, do they need replacing too? I cannot find a Shimano replacement.

For future reference, will say an Ultegra chain be OK on a 105 gear and it does not seem obvious to me but is there a chain that is better than all the rest.

Thanks for any replies

For the future, a modest priced KMC or SRAM chain, might be worthwhile on your setup - they'll all adequate enough though - I'm happy with KMC - I use the KMC pliers to remove the Missing link - makes the job dead easy, literally 5 seconds to unclip to chain apart - just place the pliers around the rollers and squeeze. Always had 100 % reliability with KMC aswell.

alfablue

Agree with KMC (who make Shimano chains), and they are available at good prices at Merlin Cycles.