KMC Kwik-Link Compatability
01-14-16 | 01:19 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
KMC Kwik-Link Compatability
I found a spare chain in my parts box that was given to me that I wanted to use on my latest C&V build. When I tried to use the KMC kwik links they look to fit but just wont click. After trying the links on another chain they are a frustrating .001 of an inch short in reaching through the chain to link halves. Strange. Are the KMC kwik links that finicky with other brands of chains?
01-14-16 | 01:25 PM
#2
Is it the correct 'speed' of link?
__________________
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
01-14-16 | 01:46 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
01-14-16 | 02:11 PM
#4
Interesting. I've used 8, 9, 10, and 11 speed links on a variety of chains. I don't recall any issues (but a few tight fits). If the chain you are trying is just a little wider than the original KMC chain - well - it wouldn't take much.
__________________
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
01-14-16 | 02:27 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Thanx!
01-14-16 | 05:18 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
01-14-16 | 06:47 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
Bikes: 89 Schwinn 754, 90 Trek 1100, 93 Trek 2300, 94 Trek 1400 (under construction), 94 Trek 930, 97 Trek 1400
I use KMC chains and "Missing Link" connectors. KMC recently introduced new models of the "Missing Links" in different sizes. From what I've read, the new models are wider than the original parts. I don't remember for sure which version of the "Missing Link (Original or II) is .2mm wider.
So at least for KMC connector links, you need to know the width of the chain you you are joining, to figure out which "Missing Link" you need to join it.
So at least for KMC connector links, you need to know the width of the chain you you are joining, to figure out which "Missing Link" you need to join it.
Last edited by RoadGuy; 01-14-16 at 06:52 PM.
01-14-16 | 07:03 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,726
Likes: 2,105
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
For several years they had two widths for eight speed chains. Perhaps your six speed is one of those? The reason I know is that I inadvertently bought both widths of chains when I intended to standardize on one width for all my bikes.
8 Speed & Below Archives » KMC Chain
8 Speed & Below Archives » KMC Chain
01-14-16 | 09:13 PM
#10
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
I use KMC chains and "Missing Link" connectors. KMC recently introduced new models of the "Missing Links" in different sizes. From what I've read, the new models are wider than the original parts. I don't remember for sure which version of the "Missing Link (Original or II) is .2mm wider.
So at least for KMC connector links, you need to know the width of the chain you you are joining, to figure out which "Missing Link" you need to join it.
So at least for KMC connector links, you need to know the width of the chain you you are joining, to figure out which "Missing Link" you need to join it.
Close but no cigar.
01-14-16 | 09:52 PM
#12
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
01-14-16 | 09:56 PM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 14
From: City of Brotherly Love
Bikes: Raleigh Companion, Nashbar Touring, Novara DiVano, Trek FX 7.1, Giant Upland
01-14-16 | 10:04 PM
#14
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
