Bicycle Mechanics - Wipperman Connex Connector with Campy 10SP

I ordered a 10SP Campy Record chain and was shipped a Record Ultra Narrow. I'm not complaining, but I want to use a Wipperman Connex connector for ease of cleaning the chain. Is it OK to do this with the narrow chain? Thanks to anyone who can help.

Wipperman makes a special link (6.2 mm) just for Campy 10-speed, I think it should work on any Canpy 10-speed chain.

I've used Connex with 10-speed Campy - worked perfectly.

The Wipperman Connex connector is 6.2mm. I think the new style Campy Ultra Narrow Chain is 5.9mm. You don't think the tiny bit of difference is a problem?

Works fine on my 10 speed which is narrow, not ultra-narrow. Remember to make sure that the 'hump-back' profile side of the connector is to the outside of the chain.

The Wipperman Connex connector is 6.2mm. I think the new style Campy Ultra Narrow Chain is 5.9mm. You don't think the tiny bit of difference is a problem?

I wouldn't do it. I've heard that the Ultra Narrow runs smoother, quieter, and requires less trimming. With a wider link you'll loose those advantages. Plus I wonder how well it will fit, maybe too loose?

Al

Remember to make sure that the 'hump-back' profile side of the connector is to the outside of the chain.

Can anyone post a photo/picture of the right and wrong ways to use the link? Thanks.

There is a drawing in Zinn's recent edition of his road bike maintenance book. That is where I learned it. If I recall right the Wipperman 'package insert' doesn't address this.

I switched over to a Wipperman in the spring. Just didn’t feel like shelling out over $50.00 for a chain that I couldn’t get a removable link for. Like you I like to remove my chain for cleaning.
Now that Campy made the chains narrower I couldn’t find a removable link.
So far the Wipp shifts just fine and I think it’s quieter than the record 10 s. I’d see if you can swap the campy for a nickel plated wipperman. The price difference should cover the shipping.

Good luck

I use a Wipperman Connex with my Campy Record C10 - no problems so far…

- Wil

I've used both combinations (Campy/Wipperman and Campy/Campy) and both work fine. However, I find the Campy ultra narrow to be quieter. Half the time, I have to look down to confirm a shift...it's that quiet.

The outside of Wipperman Box for the Connex Connector says specifically that the Link may be used on any 10SP chain 6.2mm or narrower. So that's good news. Thank you all.

I'm ready to install this on my Record chain and was wondering if it will "back out" and unlock when I'm on the road. I can easily move (slide) the plates between the pins (front to back and back again) when the connector is on/off the chain. Should this "snap" into a lock position when installed on the bike chain? TIA

All brands of current 10 speed chains have the same 5.9mm outer width, but the are NOT all the same across the inner plates. The last time I measured, Campy and SRAM were both .1mm narrower than the other brands. That may not sound like much, but the noremal side clearance is in the .1-.2mm range. Using a wider Wipperman link makes for a lot more side clearance with Campy or SRAM chains. It probably won't hurt, but that's how it fits - kind of sloppy.

Thanks for the information. One more question...... I have to break a newly installed Campy chain to use the Wipperman connector. Where is the best place to break (and install the link) the new chain?

I'm ready to install this on my Record chain and was wondering if it will "back out" and unlock when I'm on the road. I can easily move (slide) the plates between the pins (front to back and back again) when the connector is on/off the chain. Should this "snap" into a lock position when installed on the bike chain? TIA
The link is under tension after it's installed and will not spontaneously come open if installed correctly. I've used Connex links on Wippermann's own chains and on Shimano chains and they've all worked perfectly and completely reliably.

Thanks for the information. One more question...... I have to break a newly installed Campy chain to use the Wipperman connector. Where is the best place to break (and install the link) the new chain?

Remove the pair of plates with the original joining pin, to get rid of it. That's the weak link in the chain. It's not hard to spot the pin - the end looks different than all the rest.

Remove the pair of plates with the original joining pin, to get rid of it. That's the weak link in the chain. It's not hard to spot the pin - the end looks different than all the rest.

Thanks, that makes sense and that's what I'll do.