Originally Posted by
Bushman
what makes Shimano poor quality: planned obselesence, by needing a new pin every time you break the chain for removal or immersion cleaning.
According to Shimano, you should
never remove the chain for cleaning.
Ignore the manufacturers instructions and blame them when a problem results? That shows poor judgement, at the least.
Btw, as much of a PITA as replacement pins are, they are pretty cost effective. The cost of four pins is roughly equal the cost of a (stand-alone) quick link, so if you R&R the chain fewer than four times (entirely reasonable if you're not removing it for cleaning) you save $$.