Tandem Cycling - Wipperman Connex Link

We just broke a Wipperman Connex link going up a fairly steep hill. We're about a 300 lbs team. It appears that the pin separated from the link. It was a 10sp Shimano compatible link so it was fairly narrow. Has anyone else had problems with this connector?

Superlink.... I've never busted one of these.

http://www.lickbike.com/manfline1.asp?MANF='SuperLink'

I have used a them alot on 9 speed and carry several for long trips. The chains themselves are awesome extremly tough - I especially like the nickel plated ones, but pricey $50 or more - just put a telfon blue 8 speed one on my wifes's touring bike. Compared to shimano, campy, or scram these are a level above.

How many niles do you get off a Wipperman chain?

I am still running the nickel model I put on the Bilenky - and it's still running strong after 3000 miles. Pretty picky about chains after breaking a shimano one on a hill which also took a new rear XTR der. in the process and breaking another shimano one on a a trip around Vancover Island. Note it does take alittle pracactice to put on their quick link . Now days on a long trip I take a host of chain related tools including a chain tool, pieces of chain in various lengths, a quick link - adds weight, but I don't want to get stranded. Just a note I broke a chain 3 years ago on a hill and a single rider stopped had a chain tool and a quick link and got us fixed up to get us home. I hope pay back that favor to someone in the future.

How many niles do you get off a Wipperman chain?

I had 200 miles on the Wipperman chain when the Connex link broke. I've had Superlinks on 9sp chains without any problems (based on previous recommendations of TandemGeek). I ordered some 10sp Superlinks and hopefully they will perform better. They're on backorder but expected to come in next week.

I had 200 miles on the Wipperman chain when the Connex link broke.


200 miles? We have just over 2,000 miles on our Co-Motion and the frame cracked. Should I toss it in the bin too or consider a possible defective unit?

200 miles? We have just over 2,000 miles on our Co-Motion and the frame cracked. Should I toss it in the bin too or consider a possible defective unit?

Nope, just get it fixed like I will do with the chain. I'll just replace the link (but not with a Wipperman though). Yours will be a little more complicated.

I won't install connecting links myself, but have had shops install them a few times without asking. They have worked Ok. I prefer a regular pin. I get a couple of thousand miles on a chain.

200 miles? We have just over 2,000 miles on our Co-Motion and the frame cracked. Should I toss it in the bin too or consider a possible defective unit?

So, are you saying that Co-Motion hasn't done anything? Or, did they request that your dealer send them the frame so that they could honor the warranty by doing a complete inspection and then present you with their recommendation on how best to address the claim?

So, are you saying that Co-Motion hasn't done anything? Or, did they request that your dealer send them the frame so that they could honor the warranty by doing a complete inspection and then present you with their recommendation on how best to address the claim?

Co-Motion doesn't have the bike yet. My LBS tends to put me to the rear of their things-to-do-list, whether it's order me a part (I've waited as long as a month for something I could've had in 4 days off the net) or warranty my bike.

I was implying that 200 miles on a busted connex link is like 2000 miles on a cracked Co-Motion frame...something was amiss in both instances cause neither case is normal.

I have no doubt that CoMo will fix the bike. I'm hoping they decide to trash the frame and we can pay the upcharge for couplers and a flashy new paint job on the new one!!!

Co-Motion doesn't have the bike yet. My LBS tends to put me to the rear of their things-to-do-list, whether it's order me a part (I've waited as long as a month for something I could've had in 4 days off the net) or warranty my bike.

Well, I have it on good authority that Co-Motion called for the frame about a week ago so the ball's in your dealer's court. I guess they must sell a lot of $4k+ bikes if you're that far down the list.

I have no doubt that CoMo will fix the bike. I'm hoping they decide to trash the frame and we can pay the upcharge for couplers and a flashy new paint job on the new one!!!

Make sure you mention your hopes to CoMo directly.

Well, I have it on good authority that Co-Motion called for the frame about a week ago so the ball's in your dealer's court. I guess they must sell a lot of $4k+ bikes if you're that far down the list.


This would be considered entrapment. I'll bet you knew the above before you asked the following:


So, are you saying that Co-Motion hasn't done anything? Or, did they request that your dealer send them the frame so that they could honor the warranty by doing a complete inspection and then present you with their recommendation on how best to address the claim?


My wife does this all the time. And I bust her chops for it everytime (she doesn't have any balls to bust). Just remember, I'm paranoid. Everyone is out to get me. I have shifty eyes. :D

I use 10 speed Ultegra for my timing and drive chains. In the past I have used Super Link III connectors. Now need to buy more and I've been told that the KMC link works better than a Super Link III as it is 5.88mm wide so matches the chain better. Any advice? Which is easier to remove from a used chain?

Thanks,