fff

Is this a universal part? Say you have a 10 speed powerlink and you want to use it with a 10speed Forte or Shimano chain...would it work?

fff

I'm only talking about same speed chains....

My chain didn't come with a master link even though it was supposed to be included

JayC

The 10 speed chain has a power LOCK, not a power LINK. Its not removeable once you snap it closed, at least its not supposed to be.

But, it should work on any brand chain.

spdrcr5

If you're talking about the SRAM emergency repair piece then yes, they are compatible with most chains. I always have 1 or 2 of them in my bag. Had to use one today to repair a chain.

njm

But, does it? Chains are designed with pretty tight tolerances, no?, so I think the OP and other people considering a PowerLink (myself included!) would love to hear people who use it with a Shimano chain. If so, is it the 7/8-speed version or the 9-speed version?

???

Is this the "emergency repair piece"? This picture is the PowerLink that the OP asked about, taken from Sheldon Brown's site.

I'm sorry to bump this thread but I've had this question and I'd love to read a definitve answer on here.

(quick note: tried searching and read a few posts but didn't find anything to answer this question.

Bekologist

what? Sram powerlinks generally do NOT work with other brands of chain.

UmneyDurak

??? I think a bunch of people, including me, who used their 8 and 9 speed versions would disagree with you.

Bekologist

maybe I'm drunk, but i seem to remember trying this out at the shop. the sram 10 speed link does not work with shimano 10 speed chains. i don't think it works with campy chains either.

i've not tried SRAM 8 speed on shimano 8 speed chains, does shimano make an 8 speed chain still?) but thought the 9 speed sram didn't work on shimano 9 speed chains. I'll be trying it out at the bike shop tomorrow.

gabdy

I removed the masterlink of my 9speed shimano chain and have used a SRAM power link with no problems. Makes it easier to clean IMO.

derath

My Shimano 9spd chain with Powerlink would definitely disagree.

-D

Cyclist0383

+1

gmason

Campa 9s and "wide" 10s chains take SRAM and Lickton Superlink links just fine. The Campa UN 10s chain takes the Lickton Superlink IV.

TJHOO

Yep, the IV worked w/ my Campy UN 10.

kergin

You're drunk. I used a SRAM power lock on my 105 10S chain after cleaning - it works fine.

bbgobie

The SRAM 9 sp power links worked fine with my Shimano 9 sp chain. A little more snug.

The SRAM 10sp Power lock is not the same thing. It is not meant to be disconnected. It might fit a 10sp Shimano chain, but the Shimano chain is .2mm wider. So it might be snug.

cycle17

For what it's worth...I can attest that the 8 and 9 spd SRAM power links work just fine on Shimano chains.. I've used them a lot. I have not yet tried the 10 spd version...mostly because my Madone SL came with a new Shimano Dura Ace Chain and I haven't ridden it enough to replace it with a SRAM. But rest assured that the 8 and 9spd links works on most other chains. I only use SRAM chains now anyways. Once the 10 spd DA chain wears out I'll be putting a SRAM on it.

Will G

No problems with a Powerlink on a 9 speed Shimano for the life of the chain.

jbwilmoth

I use a powerlink on my Ultegra 10sp chain. Works great!

bsyptak

Rather annoying that SRAM decided to make their removable powerlink a 1-time-use powerlock on the 10 speed chains. Why bother? Guess they don't have much confidence in their product. On the other hand, KMC makes a nice 10 speed chain with removable link. Performance sells them rebranded as Forte in the low $20s and 228g. Lighter than Shimano or SRAM. Put 2 on my wife's 10 sp bikes and she said they were smooth as butta. Me, I'm still running 9 speed with SRAM or Shimano chains, all with powerlinks for ease of installation/removal/cleaning.

I believe Wipperman 10sp chains still have removable links too, but they're too expensive IMO. If it costs more than DA, it's overpriced.

TJHOO

Do you prefer the Shimano or SRAM 9 speed chains?

bsyptak

Well, most of my bikes have come with Shimano as original equipment, but all of the replacements have been SRAM (or KMC on the 10 speeds) as they all have the removable powerlink. Personally I can't tell the difference with any of them, they all work for 2k+ miles. Buy on price, weight and features (powerlink).

Shimano chains (DA vs PC-990) are usually cheaper than SRAM, so you could buy their chains, but buy a powerlink to use with them. And the powerlink should last 2 or 3 chains without problem.

Geoff326

wth, why doesn't SRAM make a 10 speed chain with the powerlink? the powerlink is the main reason why I use a SRAM 9 speed chain and not shimano or some other brand.

cycle17

That's a good question actually... Why would SRAM go away from something that works so well and cycling consumers are so happy with?

kleng

Wipperman make a connex link for many different chain types, there are different versions for Campy and Shimano. The link are reuseable and can be bought by themselves.

Have a look in their website under "connectors"

https://www.connexchain.com/

Mitro

+1
I've got one of the Wippermans ones on my SRAM 10 speed chain. I've got 500 miles or so with it on, and no problems.