Wippermann chains - recommendations?
 

Looking to replace my current Shimano Ultegra chain with one that'll take a easy-connect/disconnect link.

There are a few Wippermann chains I'm looking at, but before I spend $50-$85 on a chain, I was wondering if anyone had any experiences/recommendations with these models:

Wippermann 10S0 - standard nickel-plated Shimano 10 speed chain w/ ConneX link. The cheapest of the bunch.

Wippermann 10S1 - stainless steel Shimano 10 speed chain w/ ConneX link and hollow pins. Lighter than the 10S0, and about twice as expensive - $85.

Wippermann 10x1 - stainless steel 10 speed chain w/ ConneX link, no hollow pins. This is not a Shimano 10 speed-specific chain, so I don't even know if it'll work on an Ultegra 6600 triple drivetrain. Cheaper than the 10S1 by about $20.

Any thoughts on which one I should buy?

Get the Ti one. Lightest evar.

Your's for ONLY $400.00!!!






Get the 10x1 if you must. I run a Dura-ace chain with a Sram quick link. I've been running it for 3 seasons with no problems.(9 sp Ultegra)

I have a 904 (9 speed) and it IS really easy to work with. And from what I know, 10sp is 10sp, any of them should work.

I got the 1011 for my Record group. Works good. Very strong chain.

I bought a Wipperman 10S0 about 3 weeks ago. I have not seen an SRAM 10sp chain or link. At first I loved it.

Now the fun part. I get a small high pitched squeak with it. I have determined that it is from the longer pin in the Connex link when it transitions from the derailer pulley on to the cog. It is the outside surface of the pin rubbing against the inside of the cog face/adjacent tooth as the link takes to the cassette.

Imagine a string with a knot tied on it and pulling it through a hole barely big enough for the string. When the knot hits it there's interference as it slips through. In this case the sliding surfaces produce a nice squeak. White Lightning stops it, but it wears out within a half-hour. I find it in all gears. Hanger is straight, etc.

I am going to play with more adjustments later, but if I had to do it over....I hate to say it, but I'd get the stock Ultegra chain.

Take a file to it.

I might have to resort to that, but it is not like there's much there to file. It almost seems like Wipperman used the Campy version of their 10sp Connex - which is wider - instead of redesigning a narrower one for the narrower spacing on the Shimano side...

You could try a SRAM link instead... I've never had an issue with mine.

I've never seen an SRAM 10sp link. The 9 would be wider than what I've got.

I bought the 10x1 and it works fine for my ultegra 10 setup.

Is it possible you got a defective ConneX link/pin? Anyone else have this problem with the 10S0 and Ultegra 10 speed?

You know what...I'm going dust off my calipers to measure it when I get home. Can someone post the Spec dim for the 10S0 Connex link - Outside to outside accross cage and outside to outside accross pin?

Update - after checking the compatability chart on Wippermann's website, it looks like the 10x1 is for Campagnolo Record and Chorus drivetrains only. Only the 10Sx series are Shimano compatible.

Also, the 10S0 is on sale at Performance now for $44. Not a bad deal.

I got the connex 10spd stainless. Its not cheap, but its smoother that my campy record chain. Highly recommended. And...it won't rust!

That and my team points is what made my decision for me. I seriously think they threw a Campy Connex link in with the Shimano chain. Who knows ...maybe they use the same connector for both.

Who knows....maybe I just have a mouse in my basement that is a cycling fan that is really cheering me on.... :p

You may very well have gotten a Campy ConneX link. Apparently the Campy chains are 6.2mm wide while the Shimano models are 6.05mm. And there are different models of ConneX links available for sale.

make sure the connex link is in the proper orientation. the bumpy side should face out/away from the chainring.

You can get a separate Wippermann link to install on Shimano chains, if your current chain isn't worn out yet. Less than $10.

My Ultegra is pretty much brand new, so yes - this is an option I'm considering.

The only issue is that the shifting on the TruVativ Rouleur triple crank is a bit sketchy, which is why I am considering a chain change. However, my suspicion is that it's more a problem with the crankset than the chain. I've got an FSA SL-K carbon MegaExo crankset on the way to me next week, so maybe these issues will all go away.

I couldn't find a "Bumpy side". I did go back and check the wonderfully translated instructions that came with it, and it appears that I did have it flip-flopped from what they advise.

It is stamped as the shimano 10S1 connex - Shimano 10sp specific connex. as an FYI the pins on the link stick out further than the other pins by about .006 or 2 human hairs. :(

Oh well, I'll try it tommorrow and see if flipping it helped.

The Wipperman chain has not improved my shifting performance. Period.

If anything I actually get a little more chain noise now (apart from my squeak) and I have noticed a few slightly more sluggish shifts. I swapped out cables as well so for now I am blaming the sluggishness on the cables until they finish "settling in".

If you already have the crank coming then I'd just hold off and see what happens once you've swapped it.

That's what I'm planning to do. At the very least, I may just put in a ConneX link in the Ultegra in the meantime to make drivetrain cleaning easier. Thanks very much for your input.

Mavic sells a 10spd chain for Shimano with the Connex link and sells for around $25. Never used one, so this isn't an endorsement...

Anyone tried one?

Steve

Mavic simply rebrands Wippermann chains.

Thanks Khoun, that's what I thought. You can find them on eBay for $25 at the moment. I've been looking at them for a bit and was hesitating...

Steve