New chain connecting question
04-24-15, 07:23 AM
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New chain connecting question
Hi,
I bought an new Ultegra chain. It came with this connecting pin that is very different to what i've seen in online videos, it doesnt have a breakof piece of the pin. I've included a pic. Is this ok to use?
Also picked up some master links, second pic, would these be better?
thanks
Jon
I bought an new Ultegra chain. It came with this connecting pin that is very different to what i've seen in online videos, it doesnt have a breakof piece of the pin. I've included a pic. Is this ok to use?
Also picked up some master links, second pic, would these be better?
thanks
Jon
04-24-15, 07:25 AM
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I'd use the connecting links (not usually called a master link when referring to a der chain). Andy.
04-24-15, 07:31 AM
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Is that because of ease of installation? Also the bike store gave me a SRAM powerlink, just read the name on them. I have a Shimano Ultegra chain, hope this is ok?
Last edited by jon1981; 04-24-15 at 07:48 AM.
04-24-15, 08:01 AM
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You have an older chain. For a while Shimano partially installed their joining pin in one sideplate like you have and you just pushed it in flush with your chain tool when you installed the chain. Yes, it worked fine but you had to be careful to shorten the chain from the other end or you were SOL and needed another pin. (guess how I know 
)
If you wan to be able to easily remove the chain, say for off-the-bike cleaning, the connecting link is more convenient. I'm not sure if the 10-speed SRAM links are compatible with Shimano 10-speed chains as i've read both yes and no. I do know KMC links work with Shimano chains very well.
)If you wan to be able to easily remove the chain, say for off-the-bike cleaning, the connecting link is more convenient. I'm not sure if the 10-speed SRAM links are compatible with Shimano 10-speed chains as i've read both yes and no. I do know KMC links work with Shimano chains very well.
04-24-15, 08:08 AM
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Yeah likewise I've read yes and no on their compatibility. However, I was clear to the bike mechanic in the shop that I had a Shimano Ultegra chain, so I'm hoping he had the knowledge to know they would work. Hopefully it's just marketing fluff to create brand stickiness.
04-24-15, 08:48 AM
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For a Shimano 10 speed chain, I recommend the KMC connector link. It states specifically on the packaging that it's compatible with both KMC and Shimano 10 speed chains. The SRAM link, on the packaging, states specifically that it's only compatible with SRAM 10 speed chains....But FWIW, I've used the SRAM 10 speed connector links for thousands of trouble free miles on 10 speed Campy chains. I believe it was once posted here that because of very small differences in width between various brands of 10 speed chains, it's best to use SRAM 10 speed connector links with SRAM and Campy chains, and the KMC link with Shimano and KMC chains.
Last edited by well biked; 04-24-15 at 09:24 AM.
04-24-15, 09:29 AM
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Thank you for the advice everyone, I've ordered the kmc links just to remove the risk. I'll keep the SRAM links as backups when out on a ride.
Last edited by jon1981; 04-24-15 at 09:34 AM.
04-24-15, 09:29 AM
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I very much prefer the special two-piece connecting links. Make sure you lubricate it a little before installing.
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04-24-15, 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by well biked
I believe it was once posted here that because of very small differences in width between various brands of 10 speed chains, it's best to use SRAM 10 speed connector links with SRAM and Campy chains, and the KMC link with Shimano and KMC chains.
