RockyMtnMerlin

I had remarked some time ago that the Wippermann Shimano 10 spd Connex link worked very well with a Campy Record Ultra Narrow chain. I am now not so sure. My chain is well within spec (Park chai checker) and until recently was working great with the Connex. Over the past few (trainer and outdoor) rides, I noticed that whenever I was using the 11 (on an 11-23) tooth cog (large -50- or small -34- chain ring) the chain would skip periodically. Granted I almost never use that combo but it just bugged me to know that there was a problem. I put the bike on a repair stand and could not replicate the problem. It only was happening under load. I readjusted the limit screws and the r der to no avail. Then I replaced the Shimano 10 spd Connex with a new Lickbike Superlink for Campy 5.9 chains and presto, no more problem. I don't know if the Connex wore faster than the chain as I did not have another Connex to try. So I don't know for sure what the problem was, but I did find a solution. Just thought I would share my problem and solution.

Rutnick

or you could have just flipped the wippermannn link. Yes, it is possible to install the wipperman link upside down.

RockyMtnMerlin

Ah yes, but I checked that.

2372ighost

I just finished finally figuring out the same problem with a 9 speed Wipperman link on a new 9sp chain. I got a skip under load on the 11t cog. Could not duplicate on the stand until I devised a way put a load on the drive train. Under load the Wipperman causes the first following link to ride up the third tooth back from the link and drops back when reaching the 12 o'clock position. This is not present on the 12t and up.
Replaced with a Powerlink and all is well.

mp123

Interesting report. I'm also running the Shimano 5.9 Wipperman link on Campy Ultra Narrow but with a 12-25 cassette. Seems to work quite well so far but I only have a thousand or so miles on it. Maybe the problem is specific to 11 tooth cogs and the Wipperman link?

awiner

I have been running the SX10 Wipperman Connex link on my Campy UN chains for almost a year. I use a 12-25 and have had no problems.... My next cassette with be a 11-25 so I guess I will have to take note here !

Bob Dopolina 

I had this issue. I think it is related to wear. My set-up started out fine, got noisy in the 11T, spread to the rest of the cog and finally failed just before the start of a race.

I no longer recommend them on 5.9 chains.

2372ighost

I believe it is 11t specific, my link is new, chain is new, cassette is new. The taller Wipperman link rides up on the 11t lock ring and causes the following link to ride up the cog until the Wipperman almost clears the cog between 11 and 12o'clock depending on how much pressure is applied. It feels just like is skipping. Move to the 12t and the problem dissappears.

RockyMtnMerlin

Interesting observations all. In any case now I will see what the Superlink does.

edit: I see that Wippermann has a new line of chains that are compatible with all 10 speed drive systems. Pin length of 5.9. Wonder if that means they have also reworked their connex connectors? Guess I'm a bit late learning this.