Skydog75 - The Z50 is meant to be broken and rejoined the old fashioned way using a chain tool to remove and reinsert a pin.
I don't know where Skydog's original post went but I'd love to see someone show me on KMC's site where it says the above is true. Their chain installation guide at http://kmcchain.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/KMC_chain_installation_guide.pdf says "Always use a new ML (Missing Link) on your new chain for safety." I'm an old-school mechanic, having started in the early 70's when a chain tool was the only way to install a chain, so I'm no snob. It's just reality that modern chain design does not lend itself to reusing pins safely. IF one can confirm that a given chain does not use peened pins/rivets then it's possible to reuse them, but I still would not recommend it. Park tool's discussion of the subject is on this page:http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/chain-installation-derailleur-bikes
It is false economy to not install a reusable link, which is not only safer but much more convenient. The extra cost over the several years life of the link is trivial. If one is reselling bikes it is not only ethical to use a link (and protects one against angry buyers) but also is a selling feature, as the person buying the bike does not need a chain tool for maintenance.
As for having a chain tool being a factor in chain choice, it's needed no matter what in order to size the chain.
p.s. I was able to find a couple reviews where it mentions that the z50 comes with a partially installed pin at one end. That would seem to indicate one could use that pin to join the chain after sizing it properly, but I would only use that method once at most. In any case, as the z51 is available on Amazon for $9.90 with a Missing Link, what is the advantage of the z50?
Last edited by cny-bikeman; 01-30-15 at 08:09 AM.