Connector link compatibility
#1
Faster than yesterday
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,510
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Connector link compatibility
I've heard of people switching out the master link for a sram, wipperman, kmc, or whatever else they like, seemingly without regard for compatibility with the chain. I assumed it didn't matter.
Went to the LBS today, as I needed a new master link for a 10 spd KMC chain. He only had a SRAM Powerlock, and said he didn't think it would work. But it was only a few bucks, and I thought it would.
So who is right? Can I use the SRAM Powerlock with a 10 spd KMC chain? Are all these interchangeable, like I thought?
Went to the LBS today, as I needed a new master link for a 10 spd KMC chain. He only had a SRAM Powerlock, and said he didn't think it would work. But it was only a few bucks, and I thought it would.
So who is right? Can I use the SRAM Powerlock with a 10 spd KMC chain? Are all these interchangeable, like I thought?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 9,438
Bikes: Trek 5500, Colnago C-50
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
I think your LBS was correct. If you're going to use a master link (I don't) you need one that is no wider than any part of the chain. Most new 10 speed chains are 5.9 mm overall width.
Al
Al
#3
Faster than yesterday
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,510
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Most new 10 speed chains are 5.9 mm overall width.
#4
Licensed Bike Geek
If the Powerlock is for a 9-speed (it's gold) lotsa grief can come your way. SRAM claims their 10-speed Powerlock is only for use on their chains and is good for a one-time use.
KMC Missing Links are inexpensive, about $5, and reusable. When you get a chance, buy more than one.
KMC Missing Links are inexpensive, about $5, and reusable. When you get a chance, buy more than one.
#5
Faster than yesterday
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,510
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If the Powerlock is for a 9-speed (it's gold) lotsa grief can come your way. SRAM claims their 10-speed Powerlock is only for use on their chains and is good for a one-time use.
KMC Missing Links are inexpensive, about $5, and reusable. When you get a chance, buy more than one.
KMC Missing Links are inexpensive, about $5, and reusable. When you get a chance, buy more than one.
#6
Senior Member
You're looking at the wrong dimension. While the outside widths are all the same, the width across the inner plates is not. A SRAM 10 powerlock will fit SRAM or Campy UN chains properly. It's too narrow across the inside for any other brand. You want a minimum side clearance of .004 inch, but not much more than .008 inch.
What you need for a KMC chain (or Shimano or Wipperman) is a KMC 10 link, wipperman connex or Forster superlink, model 3. The model 4 superlink is narrower across the inside, for SRAM or Campy UN.
What you need for a KMC chain (or Shimano or Wipperman) is a KMC 10 link, wipperman connex or Forster superlink, model 3. The model 4 superlink is narrower across the inside, for SRAM or Campy UN.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SEAcyclist100
Bicycle Mechanics
16
01-11-11 04:29 PM