paulv

Quick question...

Is it ok to use my Park tool CT-3 on a Campagnolo Ultra-Narrow chain? Campagnolo says to use their fancy tool only. All I want to do is remove a few links to install a Superlink.
Thanks!

Psimet2001 

You should be fine. All you are doing is pressing out, and the CT-3 is compatible with narrower 10 spd chains.

paulv

Thank you! I understand that reattaching the chain would be an issue with a lesser tool than Campagnolo's proprietary UT-CN200 but simply for pushing the pin out I am good.

rodrigaj

Before you install, compare the links on your campy chain to the Superlink. No comparison. Yes it works, but the Superlink will cause a "click" sound. It drove me nuts. I ended up replacing it with the campy connector links. The clicking sound disappeared. Since the campy connector links are $24 bucks this was an expensive lesson in so called campy compatibility third party alternatives.

I just keep the chain clean and oiled and I'm good to go for about 4K miles before I replace the chain. No quick disconnect needed.

rm -rf

The Connex 6.1 mm quick link works great with a campagnolo ultra narrow chain.

paulv

The Superlink is supposed to be clicking to indicate wear according to the instructions, but it always clicked for you? Uh. I already have it outside of its package so I'll use it for now, and will replace with a better solution if needed. Also I did some googling and I'll be careful to insert it the link the correct side up.

Thanks for the tip. The Connex exists in 6(.05?)mm (intended for Shimano chains) and is supposedly an even better match to the Campagnolo 5.9mm chains.

Szczuldo

so anyone mind explaining why such things are even needed...if you want to take your chain off without pulling a pin, unscrew the dérailleur cages and just pull it out. if you are changing a chain there is no point to be speedy about it either, probably takes 10 seconds longer from taking old chain off, sizing and attaching new chain

Psimet2001 

Well...because after you unscrew the RD pulley you'll have to fire up a torch or grab a pair of tin snips ()to cut through your chainstay.


You see the chain is looped through the bike frame. You can't get it off the bike unless you open it or the frame. I would recommend opening the chain.

Hammertoe

^^^ Ya...what he said...




I use the Superlink 5.9 mm connector for my Campy Record chain and have an a click every 4 or so crank revolutions. I thought it was my cassette or hub because it did not happen when I used someone else's wheel. I than decided it was the chain and now you may have confirmed it...

I have no idea which side I am supposed to add links to the chain (Campy chains seem to be side specific)...

Can I replace the 2 links I need to either side of the chain and can I use my circa 1980 chain break...

Sorry for the hijack...

Psimet2001 

Kinda. The circa 1980 chain break will have a wider spacing and allow the chain to push out while you are pressing the pin. This can lead to damaging the chain if not watching it closely. Generally speaking as for driving a new rivet I would not recommend it.

Hammertoe

Thanks, that certainly makes sense...

I might be better off spending $60 on a KMC X10SL chain than $90 on a chain break...

DocRay

Arrogant roadies, you can't tell me what to do.

This is another advantage of steel frames, you just melt the rear brazing, slip the chain right off, then re-braze and repaint the frame, easy.
Chain tools are for wussies.

Psimet2001 

Yes, and maybe. Yes the KMC is a great chain. Maybe in that you don't have to spend $90 to get a chainbreaker that works with Campy. Supposedly the Park CT-3 mentioned earlier in this thread will handle a Campy ultra narrow chain.

Personally I have not tried it to tell you for sure.....because I use KMC and Wippermann chains.

Psimet2001 

Yeah that's why I mentioned the torch. The tin snips was for carbon frames.

DocRay

Advantage of carbon is you leave the bike in the sun and let it melt a little, then slip off the rear hanger.

Szczuldo

I knew i was missing something....Yes it all makes sense now...but how long do these links last? if it is only 1-2 chains then i'd rather just buy pins and take the chain off that way if i ever needed to deep clean it.

DocRay

Using a brush-type Tornado chain cleaner from Park or wherever will clean the chain on the bike as well as any other method. No need to remove.
It takes 30 seconds and can/should be done every week.

Psimet2001 

Replacement pins are not available for Campy. They use a replacment section of chain. It is not cheap. Stresses on these pins are pretty high with a 10spd chain. They are not very forgiving. If the pins are installed incorrectly (easy to do if you don't have much experience doing it) the chain will come apart and you will most likely lose a testicle or two (Hint: it never happens when you are just tooling around the parking lot).

Quick links provide most home users the ability to easily de-link and relink the chain in order to clean it, or swap if you are changing over cranks, or chainging to a wickedly different cassette.

As DocRay mentioned it is usually just easier for many to just clean the chain on the bike.