lopek77

Hey there.
Just wonder if the PowerLock link (which is a little different shape than the rest of the links) can affect cassette, jockey or crankset rings/cogs in any way.
Is it important to use the same brand quick link as the chain? I think Sram and KMC says it's universal fit, but I remember I read somewhere on Shimano website to use their own brand only, even if chain rollers seems to be not affected size-wise/shape-wise while using other brands...

hueyhoolihan

if there is no problem, i wouldn't worry about it.

lopek77

The PowerLock link acts differently when it goes on the cassette while back pedaling slowly. You can hear, and you can see the difference in the way it goes on the cogs, comparing to the rest of the links. I don't think I can hear or feel any difference while riding though.

JanMM

I've used KMC and SRAM quick links on KMC and SRAM 8- and 9-speed chains for more than a few years and haven't noticed any problems or peculiarities.

headloss 

IIRC, use KMC with Shimano (and a different Campagnolo-specific KMC link with Campy).
Use SRAM with SRAM.

There's also Wipperman.. and another, but the name eludes me at the moment.

There are very small variations that can result in a sloppy fit...

Are you backpedaling a Shimano (mono-directional) chain? I imagine that would cause a problem regardless of what link you use.

Andrew R Stewart 

Is it me or is the chain on the left really worn/stretched? Andy.

lopek77

This is the same chain. It's on a "winter" bike, and needs to deal with everything mother nature throws at it. Will check tomorrow for stretch, and update this reply.

Andrew R Stewart 

The same chain or the same model? The pin to pin dimension looks to be greater on the left. Perhaps this is a photo illusion.

To answer some of your questions Shimano never suggests that their components work with other brands. This way they control the performance. But there's many "B" fits and interchanges that work well enough. The problem is that sometimes the tolerances are all the wrong way to have a "B" fit not be an issue. Or that the adjust range will narrow down to a too hard to maintain amount for many riders.

We use SRAM chains on Shimano cassettes all the time and KMC Missing Links on Shimano chains too. But I don't use SRAM PC links on Shimano chains. Andy.

HillRider

The Wipperman link is called a "Connex" and works wonderfully on Wipperman's chains. I've never used them on other make chains but anticipate no problems if I did. However, the Connex link must be installed in the proper orientation as spelled out in Wipperman's installation sheet.

davidad

No.

lopek77

The same chain - one chain on the pic. Wear, according to chain wear tool, is at around max. It lasted around 2500 miles. These chains last anywhere between 1500-2000 miles before they hit "replace soon" mark on the chain tool. Good eye Andrew!

I still have few new Shimano chains, but I think I will try Connex again. I used them in the past on single speed bikes without any issues.
The ones I like to try are hard to find though.






Short and right on point. Thanks!

rydabent

In a word-----no.