Is an 11-speed Connex Link compatible with an 11-speed KMC X11EL-1 chain? It seems the 11-speed Connex Link doesn't fit on all 11-speed chains, as someone else got a Connex Link to put on their 11-speed Shimano CN-HG900 chain, but the Connex Link pins wouldn't fit in. So they went back to using their KMC Link (they didn't say the model number), and my chain is currently using a KMC CL 555 link.

No, You First.. Try it and report your findings...

KMC links are easy to find at my LBS [( except if special ordered), they don't carry Whipperman chains]

Why do you post this kind of stuff? Are you angry at someone?


Connex links work fine with any chain of the same "speed", including KMC.

Apparently no body just does things since having this crutch ...

Ha ha I've decided to hold off on that for the time being, I didn't realize until earlier today that masterlink installation pliers could be bought for so incredibly cheap. So I'll go with that for the time being now that I can get my KMC masterlink on and off easily.

I thought the pliers were going to be up around the price of a Connex Link, in which case I would have preferred to opt for the Connex Link, given a choice between the two.

After comparing the amount of chain stretch on my current KMC chain with the numbers quoted on a Park Tool video, it seems my KMC chain is already stretched too much for recommended use. It hasn't seen many miles either. Perhaps my mistake was procrastinating on dealing with the factory lube for the couple of hundred miles after getting the bike.

I think my next chain might just be a Wipperman's with accompanying Connex Quick Link. A bit more money, but I hear their chains have very good longevity, and I have actually heard one or two other people reporting they only got a few hundred miles out of their KMC chains, not much more than I've got with a little better care.

Thanks very much.

Asking if two parts are compatible is hardly a crutch. I wouldn't tell you to spend $11 on a non-returnable link to try something thousands of people already have. It's not like he's asking if he'll like foie gras or not.

no the insecurity over needog hand holding for a $3.00 part..

supply your accurately measured data on the differences id any between those 2 brands of parts
to the hundredth of a MM

It's an $18 part, not $3. Does that clarify things for you?

KMC is $3. might get the whole bubble card of then for $20..


waiting for ... you to supply your accurately measured data

on the differences if any between those 2 brands of parts
to the hundredth of a MM , just 2nd decimal place..

A KMC is not a Connex, so it really doesn't matter with a KMC costs. Is anyone asking if a KMC with work on a KMC?

I have calipers and some of the links on my desk. What does your question have to do with the simple yes/no question of compatibility? It doesn't sound like it has any connection, so you either need to explain what you're talking about or admit that you are just being difficult.

Below is the cheapest Connex link available to me, Dropkick. I'm not asking about the compatibility of a $3 part:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wipperma...q6M1qoa6to6DDQ

Yes that's very odd, I don't see the connection either. I'm not sure his brain is engaged at the moment.

You're right, I'm obviously not asking about the compatibility of a $3 KMC link, although there theoretically could be sensible reasons for confirming the compatibility of a $3 part anyway.

For example, if like me you live in the sticks and have to order most of your parts, it might be inconvenient to potentially waste the 3-weeks it takes to receive your part only to find it doesn't fit and have to re-order again, with a 6-week turn-around if the second part fits.

The idea of just buying with a trial and error philosophy doesn't make much sense in my mind if you've got the option to ask. In some circumstances time and effort is as much an issue as cost. Why not ask if it might save time or expense?

And if like me you're just getting into biking and are having to learn and buy everything all at once, it's a very time-consuming and expensive setting-up process. I can't afford to make a lot of mistakes at the moment, both with time AND cost. I'm not already set up and just buying or finding out about one component at a time. I really don't understand the chaps difficult attitude, isn't this a large part of the purpose of this forum to begin with?

Everybody gets different mileage out of their chains but KMC are very good chains and will last as long or nearly as long as any other brand. I've owned 2 Wipperman chains which were also very good but don't recall them having noticeably more durability than the Shimano or KMC that I normally use. Not a lot of money lost by trying a Wipperman to find out for yourself but don't lose faith in KMC.

I understand, I'm sure KMC is no poorer than most out there, it's probably because I rode a bit too long without cleaning my chain, and same with those others. And as I said, I didn't deal with the factory lube so I had a chain attracting a lot of grime. The chain doesn't look too dirty, however when I touch it my hand comes away with plenty of dark black grease.

I haven't done a lot of riding on it, but obviously enough. Doesn't take much does it, if you do several good rides on a soiled chain, it seems you can quite quickly stretching it past the recommended point?

Park Tool says the ideal length of a chain is 12 inches for 12 links, and that if 12 links of your chain is stretched BEYOND 1/16ths of an inch past 12 inches, then you "should consider replacing your chain". Which implies that right on 12 and 1/16th of an inch is still ok.

My chain is a bit longer than the 1/16th inch mark, but not longer than the 1/8th inch mark, inbetween 1/8th of an inch and 1/16th of an inch. 12 links of my chain is about 12 and 3/32nd of an inch long. If you're right on 12 and 1/16th inches, apparently that's ok, as they say it's "more than" 12 and 1/16th inch.

So my chain is not very stretched, but it is a little past the too-long point.

Sooner chain is replaced, the longer is the cassette's and chainring's wear life..

True, I'm just figuring that out. I've ordered a new cassette, chain and sub-compact chainring, so will swap them all out at the same time then keep them in good condition. I've just about got everything else I need for the upkeep of my drivetrain, both in knowledge and products, so I should be able to keep things from going downhill so quickly from here-on in and get a bit of decent mileage out of the drivetrain.