Only used them on a SRAM chain, so this might not help but for what it's worth putting them on is a doddle (though so is using a normal shimano pin on a shimano chain) Taking them off is ... well, I can't do it, try though I might.
I'm sufficiently incompetent that even when I've got the chain off (by treating it like a normal chain and punching out a normal rivet) I still can't undo the damn powerlink with any combination of fingers / pliers / prayer that I've yet found!!!
I fully understand the theory (I believe) and you'll find a zillion videos on youtube showing you how to open them. I suspect once one has been on and off a few times they're easier, and / or there's some magic technique but I don't take my chain off to clean it, so the only time the link gets used is either to change the chain, or if something catastrophic happens.
If you're out and about and your chain breaks, a spare powelink would help you put it back together. Seems to me though that you'd still need a chain tool (to remove the plates from the disconnected link thus letting you put the powerlink in), so if that's the case, why not just have a spare shimano link?
I'm sure you'll find people who can explain why they're such a good thing.
"The only absolute statement is that everything is relative" - anon
I use KMC missing links on Shimano chains and they work very well, I would recommend them. Easy to get your chain off for cleaning. Also good to carry as spares for a quick repair.
Not sure about powerlinks on shimano chains. I understand that SRAM don't recommend it but plenty of people have done it ok. The 10 speed powerlock link is not designed to be seperated. Again I think you can do it with some pliers but maybe not a great idea!
Only used them on a SRAM chain, so this might not help but for what it's worth putting them on is a doddle (though so is using a normal shimano pin on a shimano chain) Taking them off is ... well, I can't do it, try though I might.
I'm sufficiently incompetent that even when I've got the chain off (by treating it like a normal chain and punching out a normal rivet) I still can't undo the damn powerlink with any combination of fingers / pliers / prayer that I've yet found!!!
I fully understand the theory (I believe) and you'll find a zillion videos on youtube showing you how to open them. I suspect once one has been on and off a few times they're easier, and / or there's some magic technique but I don't take my chain off to clean it, so the only time the link gets used is either to change the chain, or if something catastrophic happens.
If you're out and about and your chain breaks, a spare powelink would help you put it back together. Seems to me though that you'd still need a chain tool (to remove the plates from the disconnected link thus letting you put the powerlink in), so if that's the case, why not just have a spare shimano link?
I'm sure you'll find people who can explain why they're such a good thing.
Al, did you know that Park Tool make a set of pliers specifically designed to open quick links? It's a bit exuberant to have a special tool for this, I know but you can remove the chain from your bike in about 2 seconds!
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I'm sufficiently incompetent that even when I've got the chain off (by treating it like a normal chain and punching out a normal rivet) I still can't undo the damn powerlink with any combination of fingers / pliers / prayer that I've yet found!!!
I fully understand the theory (I believe) and you'll find a zillion videos on youtube showing you how to open them. I suspect once one has been on and off a few times they're easier, and / or there's some magic technique but I don't take my chain off to clean it, so the only time the link gets used is either to change the chain, or if something catastrophic happens.
If you're out and about and your chain breaks, a spare powelink would help you put it back together. Seems to me though that you'd still need a chain tool (to remove the plates from the disconnected link thus letting you put the powerlink in), so if that's the case, why not just have a spare shimano link?
I'm sure you'll find people who can explain why they're such a good thing.
Not sure about powerlinks on shimano chains. I understand that SRAM don't recommend it but plenty of people have done it ok. The 10 speed powerlock link is not designed to be seperated. Again I think you can do it with some pliers but maybe not a great idea!
Al, did you know that Park Tool make a set of pliers specifically designed to open quick links? It's a bit exuberant to have a special tool for this, I know but you can remove the chain from your bike in about 2 seconds!
That's only the 10 speed ones. The 8 and 9 speed ones can be undone and redone many many times (best to change it when you change chain though).
Squeeze this with the pliers and it flys off
Simon
Now that is a useful bit of info. I have the special tool but this idea would be good when touring.
Now that is a useful bit of info. I have the special tool but this idea would be good when touring.