Hi there, I am sure this is an easy question but I still do not quite know the answer is after some googling:

The Shimano 11-speed chains come with a connecting pin that you use when installing the chain for the first time. What happens now if I am out on the road and my chain tears? Do I need another connecting pin to fix it or is it possible to use one of the standard pins in any of the chain links? Using a chain tool of course....

Thanks!

Lars

Never rejoin a modern chain with one of it's standard pins and that applies even more to 11-speed ones. Either carry a spare proper joining pin or a proper width master link like the KMC or Wipperman links in your bike tool set.

Yes, you can fix it by pushing out a regular pin relinking the chain with a chain tool. I've done it. Usual caveats about how this makes your chain "weaker" apply I guess, but I rode 2000 miles on a chain I repaired in this way before I replaced it due to stretch.

Thanks for the quick replies, guys! So it seems it could be done in a case of emergency but is not necessarily recommended.

I actually bought a SRAM 11-spped power-lock which, apparently can be installed without tools. So I could remove a broken link using a chain tool and then use the power-lock the fix the chain on the road, correct? I guess the power-lock is something similar to the master links that HillRider mentions in his post, right?

Are these power-locks and similar meant to be used for a longer time or are they also just an emergency fix to get you home?

Every chain manufacturer by campagnolo and shimano ships their chains with a quick link. They're more than strong enough. If it wasn't cost prohibitive, I'd have a chain with nothing but quick links for outer plates.

back in the era of 6 speeds the chain pin could protrude out from the side plate, now it cannot
the chain-making machine expands the pin like a rivet head and to narrow everything down to fit 11 in the space of 8
there is no margin of error with flush ends of the chain pins.

now you only can shorten the chain in whole link lengths, the 2 inner links joined by the quick link.

there is rivet making chain tools Expensive & far from fool proof to use ..

I believe you meant to say; Every chain manufacturer except campagnolo and shimano ships their chains with a quick link." I agree the quick links are plenty strong and will last the life of the chain.

Those links are intended for permanent use when you install the chain. I keep a couple of spare quick links, along with the links I removed to size the chain, in my repair kit along with a Park mini chain tool. With these items I can splice in links to replace any removed, damaged ones without shortening the chain. You are then good to go without needing to do anything else, it is a permanent repair. It does not matter how many quick links you have in your chain.

Edit: I would never run a chain with a re-used pin except in a dire emergency; I would go very easy pedaling, staying seated, and would immediately replace it before riding the bike again.

I assume you mean "Every chain manufacturer *but* campagnolo and shimano?

FYI I agree that a fix with the shimano pin or a quick link would probably be better than fixing the chain the old fashioned way, but in my experience fixing the chain using the just chain itself does not guarantee that it will "assplode" like many people think.

'But' was what I was going for, before autocorrect intervened.

Thanks everyone! All the information I needed