eduskator

Hi all,

I was wondering what kind of quick/missing links you guys were using? After doing some research, it seems like the Wippermann Connex Link is one of the best, but I can't find it where I live (not on Amazon either). There are a tons of cheap Chinese ones, however. Did some of you try one of these? If so, how was your experience?

Wippermann: 1 for 30$
Chinese: 4 for 10$

Last thing I want is the thing breaking up while riding.

Thanks!

noodle soup

Why bother? Wippermann, SRAM, KMC, and Shimano chains all come with one.

https://www.bicyclehero.com/us/conne...CABEgIVkPD_BwE

https://www.amazon.com/Wippermann-Co...00750367&psc=1

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Connex-11...SABEgIlhPD_BwE

WhyFi

Yup, I use the one that comes with my Shimano chains. I think that I have a spare one in my tool roll, but I don't even know what it is, I just picked it up at the lbs.

noodle soup

$100?

https://www.thebikesmiths.com/produc...iABEgJj4PD_BwE

eduskator

I'm not talking about this removable link, but the one that can be removed without any tools (quick release if you want!). I'd rather get this instead of buying the pliers.

WhyFi

So why not just mosey down to the lbs and pick up whatever they have? Otherwise, even the 105-level Shimano chains come with them at ~$25.

noodle soup

$57CAD with a new chain.

WhyFi

You don't really need any special pliers for them. To remove, just use a regular pair of pliers and get enough slack so that you can squeeze opposite corners of the link - they pop right off.

noodle soup

home use chain pliers aren't expensive

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bike-Bicycl...sAAOSw7J1eCwbI

WhyFi

Still less expensive to use the pliers already in my tool box.

noodle soup

I haven't seen a traditional set of pliers that will do the job, but I haven't looked because I own a pair designed for the job.

Cypress

I use a Leatherman or any other rough-jawed pliers. Put the quicklink at the top of a small loop, place the jaws of the pliers on the edges of the link diagonally (if that makes sense), then squeeze. I used two rocks to do this to a teammate's bike in the woods once.

As for the link itself, I use the one that came with with Shimano chain. If I need a new one, most LBS's carry just the link for $7.

jadocs

All I use is Connex links, I will not go back to standard links. As mentioned above, Connex chains come with a Connex link. You can certainly choose to purchase the link separately but for not a lot more you could get it with the chain.

Edit, I think you were in the waxing thread. Yes definitely get the Connex link. I used them exclusively even before I waxed my chain. It's so much more easy and convenient to be able to remove the chain by hand.

Noodle posted the 11SO for $44, you can also get the 11SX (stainless steel inner and nickel outer) between $50 and $60.

billnuke1 

My homework today when I get home... to look for maybe a set of tire tools that snap together to make a quick link tool...might have been a multi tool...might not even be...yet...

WhyFi

Put it in the small/small for as much slack possible. Gather up enough chain to double over the chain with the quick link at the end. Squeeze opposite corners of the link with pliers and they'll click right open.

noodle soup

https://www.ebay.com/i/202858913713?...yABEgIxWfD_BwE

eduskator

Yes! They look great, easy to use, but I can't find the product where I live.

The 11S chain is close to 100$ where I live. Not all of us lives in the US of A . Moreover, my current one is far from being stretched to a point where I need to change it. I might just stick with pliers until I need a new one...

eduskator

Can't say I didn't think of doing this, but lets just say that I tend to get impatient very quickly, and end up doing more harm than good when I don't have the right tools in hand. On the good side, I might end up needing a new chain

DaveSSS 

Don't buy cheap no-name chinese quick links. I got some that didn't click-in to hold the link in place. I got my money back on e-bay.

Wipperman links are the best, but the cheapest price I've seen is two for $30 at Bikesmiths.

Now that I'm using Campy 12, there are only two choices - the KMC 12 link or the SRAM eagle 12. The latter fits the best. I got four of those for $15.

canklecat

I use the KMC Missing Links that come with the chains. They still need tools to remove 'em tho, pliers or some makeshift tool. Missing Links are really tight at first, but loosen up quickly with reuse. I use Vise-Grip adjustable angle pliers to nudge 'em apart. Much easier on my hands. I've pinched blood blisters on my hands a few times using regular pliers.

Decades ago I used quick links that didn't require any tools. Wipperman links are the closest I've seen to those. I have Wippermans in my Amazon cart, might go ahead and order a set. They've actually decreased in price since I put 'em in the cart a couple of years ago.

There's a chain commonly carried by Walmart that includes a unique no-tools quick link. Can't remember the chain brand. The quick link has a spring metal plate. You just bend it slightly and it'll pop open. Some users claim it's not reliable. I used it for a couple of months last year and had no problems. It's still in a box somewhere. Only reason I removed it was to install a larger cassette and different rear derailleur, so that chain wasn't the right length.

billnuke1 

This! That! Yes!

billnuke1 

canklecat

billnuke1 That's the one. I just found my chain. It's made by Taya, although it looks like "TAVA" on the links. Although mine uses their Sigma quick link that doesn't need a tool. Seems like a good chain, comparable to KMC.

2cam16

KMC,Shimano, or SRAM are what I use. Never had a problem.

noodle soup

those links all work fine, but are far more difficult to remove without tools, than a Wippermann link.