cjrich

Hi all.

Will soon need to replace the chain on my Scott S30. Stock chain is Shimano 10-speed 105 CN-5600, and looking at options that allow me to easily remove the chain for thorough cleaning once a month, ie with a Wipperman Connex Link or KMC Missing Link.

All my usual online outlets only sell Wipperman Links to suit Campy chains. Can the Campy version be used on Shimano chains?

Iv'e read that the KMC Missing Links are a single use only link and difficult to pull apart?

Other option is just to purchase extra Shimano pins but not sure how many times you can replace these without damaging the master link?

Any suggestions?

Thanks

DaveSSS 

There really is no connex link currently made that fits a Campy chain. The only one that is close is the no longer made 10S1 model, that actually fits what was called a "Shimano compatible" chain. Wipperman now only makes one width of chain of chain and they chose to match their inner plate width to Shimano and KMC that are wider than SRAM 10 or Campy 10 UN.

The bottom line is if the link has 10 SPEED stamped on it, it should fit a Shimano chain. The 10S1 model is too narrow, across the inside of the plates. The SRAM 10 powerloc is also too narrow.

KMC links made to fit a KMC chain (not Campy) will work also.

desertdork

KMC does have a reusable link, and I believe it is stamped "CL559S." I bought a quantity from this ebay seller. They sell in lots of 2, 4 or 6.

I, too, had a difficult time finding these links locally. I originally bought some from one shop, but their stock is unreliable. Two other shops suggested buying their SRAM chains, but I still had several Shimanos. Another out of town shop wanted to sell me a Connex for $16.

DMF 

Removing the chain to clean it goes against manufacturer's recommendations.

DaveSSS 

Removing a chain to clean it is absolutely the best way to do the job. Those on-bike cleaning devices need to be used at least twice, so the chain is not swimming in dirty solvent.

The idea that cleaning a chain is "damaging" in some manner, is ridiculous. Once the chain's lubricant is contaminated with dirt, the best thing you can do is remove it as completely as possible and relube.

Another silly notion is that it's difficult to get the new lube into the chain.

Dan Burkhart 

Once you have installed a new replacement pin, you break the chain somewhere else. You don't replace the same pin every time.

Wanderer

Niagara has KMC missing links, reusable, in 6 pack cards for about 10-12 bucks. They work great, and keep the old ones for road repairs, along with a few link sections.

DMF 

The job being to solvent-clean your chains. I disagree that the job should be done at all, and so does Shimano. They instruct that you should never remove the chain for cleaning. That doesn't mean use a cleaning machine, either. Wipe down any external dirt and add a little lube. That's all you need to do.

pmt

I don't remove the chain to clean it, but it's a lot easier to clean THE BIKE without a chain in the way.

DMF 

It's a lot easier to clean without the crank set too. Do you take that off as well?

daven1986

I use the KMC on my shimano 10 speed chain and on a KMC 8 speed chain. Works fine - easy to get off