Originally Posted by
wens
Problem with inserting pins into many modern chains is less length and more hollow pins that are peened at factory assembly. How long ago did you break a kmc road chain? They've had master links for at least five years.
I agree the narrowing of the road chains and the relative shortening of the pins is causing more problems.
I bought two KMC chains last Winter (along with a couple of Shimano chains). One KMC was a 10EL which did not come with a master link, but the other is a X10SL that I stil have in new in the box and after checking it, I see that this one has a master link. With my history, I like to stay stocked up with spare chains and pedals. I put the 10EL on my bike last week, so I'll see how long is lasts. Hopefully it will get me to the Spring. I believe the two chains I broke this year were both Shimano Dura Ace which I assembled using the supplied Shimano breakaway pin. The Shimano chain was designed for this breakaway pin, so I can't imagine that using their supplied pin and following their instructions is the wrong way to assemble the chain. Anyway, I am at a loss as a far road chains, but I'm pretty confident with my track chain choice. Does anyone know of an equivalent (at least in reputation) to the Izumi V for the road?