Quick Link

Xherdan
Xherdan Posts: 48
edited July 2013 in Workshop
So far as I can tell, although I'm going to double check first, my bike chain doesn't have a quick link. I have a chain tool from working on some other bikes but I understand using this to remove the chain then put it back on weakens the chain? Would it be possible to fit a quick link or is there a reason why it doesn't already have one? It's a 2012 model road bike with shimano gears, chainring, derailleurs if that makes a difference.

Comments

  • chrisaonabike
    chrisaonabike Posts: 1,914
    As it happens, I've just fitted a new chain tonight, so I've been reading the Shimano techdocs. I'm not an expert, however...

    If your chain (as well as all the rest of the groupset) is Shimano, they don't recommend quicklinks - instead they supply reinforced connecting pins. There's one supplied with a new chain but you can get them separately.

    You need to get the right sort of pin depending on whether you have an 8/9/10 speed chain.

    In the instructions for my CN-5600, it says:
    If it is necessary to adjust the length of the chain due to a change in the number of sprocket teeth, make
    the cut at some other place than the place where the chain has been joined using a reinforced
    connecting pin. The chain will be damaged if it is cut at a place where it has been joined with a
    reinforced connecting pin.

    I take this to mean that if you're going to split the chain, it needs to be on an ordinary link pin, not the connecting pin used to join it in the first place.
    Is the gorilla tired yet?
  • lc1981
    lc1981 Posts: 820
    The bike mechanics I know always say that the Shimano connecting pins are rubbish and recommend using a KMC quick link instead. The last time I had a chain break, it was a Shimano and it broke on the connecting pin...
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Xherdan wrote:
    So far as I can tell, although I'm going to double check first, my bike chain doesn't have a quick link. I have a chain tool from working on some other bikes but I understand using this to remove the chain then put it back on weakens the chain? Would it be possible to fit a quick link or is there a reason why it doesn't already have one? It's a 2012 model road bike with shimano gears, chainring, derailleurs if that makes a difference.
    do not re use a pushed out pin it will cause the chain to fail.

    either use the correct joining pin for the chain or use a correct spd quick link. be aware not all quick links are reusable.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I've been using the reusable KMC Missing Links for years on Shimano, SRAM, KMC and Mavic 10 speed chains. So much easier than faffing with the Shimano snap-off joining pins. Just don't be tempted to recycle the missing link once the chain's worn out; it too will be worn!
  • drlodge
    drlodge Posts: 4,826
    I've been using the same KMC Missing Link 11 on my Campag 11s chain for 2000 miles. Its been taken apart quite a few times now and its still trouble free. Thoroughly recommend fitting one.
    WyndyMilla Massive Attack | Rourke 953 | Condor Italia 531 Pro | Boardman CX Pro | DT Swiss RR440 Tubeless Wheels
    Find me on Strava
  • Xherdan
    Xherdan Posts: 48
    After more careful inspection I can see that the chain is KMC but I can't find a quick link on it. It's the same one as was fitted by the manufacturer. Is it likely that there just isn't one? I'm not entirely certain what I'm looking for but judging by the ones I've seen on other KMC chains it's fairly obvious and looks like this:
    http://www.kmcchain.eu/?en/products/con ... ing_links/

    I think I am going to take off the chain and give it a really good clean then fit a missing link anyway...

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