11sp chain, 10sp KMC link

Ben6899

Has anyone made this work okay?

My new bike is fitted with 11sp GRX and all my other bikes are 10sp (enough, IMO, but anyway). I keep a handful of spare KMC links in my tool bottle in case of chain breaks when out on the bike.

Will a 10sp link get me home on the 11sp chain?

I’m thinking it’s fine, given the outer width difference between a 10sp and an 11sp chain is only 0.4mm (inner width unchanged despite many myths), but anecdotes are always nice.

First.Aspect

Are you talking about a quick link?

If not, a certain "no" I would say. If yes, the question will be whether the 10sp link will fit between sprockets of the 11sp cassette.

Regardless, this is squarely in the "false economy" category in my view.

pblakeney

How much does a quick link cost?
Worth the investment I'd say. Use it as one of those "top up for free delivery" items.

i.bhamra

In my experience it works just fine.

veronese68

I once managed to break a chain, or I thought I had. When shifting on the front mech I somehow snagged the quick link and it came undone. I didn't notice that's what had happened at the time, it was on my pub hack and it was dark. Contributory factors probably included worn components and a clumsy shift. I'd worry something like this may be more likely, but still pretty unlikely, with a slightly loose quick link. So I'd say get some 11 speed ones.

Ben6899

Will order some 11sp links.

sungod

Ben6899 said:

Will order some 11sp links.

wipperman connex ones are good, very easy to fit/remove for travel/maintenance, i've used them for many years, never had a problem