raduray

I've read that Shimano has had problems with their re-usable quick links and has discontinued them (eg. Dura Ace 7900, Ultegra 6700). I've also read that KMC offers a compatible chain with a "missing link".

I'm curious how well the KMC missing link chain works. If KMC works fine, why is it that Shimano can't get theirs to work? Seems to me that this feature would really come in handy.

fixedgearinker

I've been using a KMC Missing Link link with my 10sp Shimano Ultegra (6600) chain for about 1,000 miles now with no issues or complaints at all.

deepakvrao

^^+1. Using the KMC link with Shimano chain for about 1000 km - no issues. Seems like a good combination and evans.com has the KMC links as sets of two.

coasting 

i used a kmc link with shimano 105 chain then replaced with another shimano chain (i had it in stock) and used the same link. no problems. but i won't be buying another shimano chain. the kmc chain i put onto another bike came with a link and the chain doesn't rust as easily as the shimano.

Shimagnolo

I've never seen a Shimano link in person, but after looking at the instructions, I would suspect the problem is not the link, but the confusion it causes for the people trying to install it. It looks like a mechanical puzzle.

I used Superlinks with Shimano chains for years, but these days I just take the easiest route and use SRAM chains which include the Powerlink/Powerlock.

khatfull

KMC DX-10SC here and I've removed the chain from the bike a couple dozen times (or more) in the last 4 months (obsessive/compulsive drivetrain cleaner)...not an issue, evah. Shift little-little, removable by hand with a paper towel. Easy as cake. I'd never have another chain (well, maybe the SL version) I don't think.

I have several spare MissingLinks (got 4 for a total of $13.69 on eBay) and keep two in my seatbag. Need to find a small light chain tool for on-road fixes.

deepakvrao

My experience has been only with one KMC but it rusted pretty fast. Probably because I rode a bit in the rain, and as I was traveling at that time, I did not lube it enough. No such issues with Shimano and SRAM however.

nayr497

Two questions on this topic (I'd like to add master/missing links to remove chain for cleaning):

1) Using a Shimano HG 8 speed chain. Looking to add a missing link. In other threads people have commented on the difficulty in getting some 8 speed master links to fit on, such as the SRAM Powerlock. Should I try a SRAM 9 speed link? Has anyone used a KMC 8 speed link on Shimano? If others use KMC + Shimano I should likely be fine.

2) Using a Campagnolo 10 speed UN chain. Would like to add a missing link. Anyone use one they particularly like on this setup? I've read Fo(r)ster, KMC, and a SRAM 10 Powerlock.

Also, when adding a missing link do you simply take off one existing link with a chain tool to keep the chain length correct?

coasting 

i've bought 10 speed links. you need to make sure you get the right one for 8 speed.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=25439

cut the chain to leave 2 inners on either side. when you measure before cutting, if the correct length results in an outer, ADD half a link rather subtract. i made that mistake and ended up with a too short chain.

Medpilot

I've used both Shimano and Wiperman with Zero problems.

subframe

KMC DX-10SC here, on both bikes. Zero problems with the chains or the quicklinks, and the chains have held up incredibly well.

curiouskid55

Shimano does not recommend the use of quicklinks with any of thier chains or drivetrains.

khatfull

Of course, they don't sell them right?

DaveSSS 

The links that fit the Campy UN are Forster superlink model 4, the SRAM 10 powerloc and a special KMC link made just for the Campy UN, not the same link that comes with a KMC chain. That link fits KMC, Shimano or Wipperman chains.

Adding a master link is a no-brainer. Remove two outer plates and replace with the master link that consists of two outer plates.

Homebrew01

Not the recalled ones I hope ('M' or 'N' on the sideplates)

I've been using KMC chains & links with my campy drivetrain ... satisfied customer.

Scorer75

+1 on the KMC, they work really well.

nayr497

I just want to confirm this before ordering.

- Want to add a master link to a 10-sp UN Centaur chain. Looking at a KMC Missing Link for Campagnolo chains.

https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A0309

Is the link (linked) above:
1) reusable?
2) require a special tool to add/remove? (or is a regular chain breaking tool all that is needed? I have a decent Wrench Force tool)

mechBgon

All KMC links are re-usable. Installation will not require anything special, just trim the chain to have two "male" ends using your chain tool. Removal is easiest with a Park Tool CP-1 master-link compression pliers, but if you squeeze the side plates towards eachother while pushing them endwise to unlock them from eachother, that usually works too.

I've had a fair number of master-link failures. KMC, Wipperman/Connex, SRAM. Chain breaks, master link missing in action. Did it break, or just have a random disconnection? Hard to say. Some incidents were clearly due to my reckless power-shifting habits, some were while literally JRA and shifting normally.

coasting 

i use the shimano compatible model of "missing link" on shimano 105 chain. i have reused it on the same chain (taking off for cleaning) and also on another new shimano chain. no special tool.

you might want to consider not buying the link at all and just buying a kmc chain. they come with the link as standard and you can use it on your centaur chain. after all, it's not like you won't need to replace the chain at some point later on anyway.

scirocco

Wipperman links with Shimano chains, 9spd and 10spd, many 1000's of k's, no problems at all.

Homebrew01

+1 to KMC here too except w/ Campy.

SourDieseL

Perfect thread for me right now as I'm about to break the bike down to winterize. So I'm riding a SRAM 10spd chain and for the life of me cant get the damn powerlink off. Ok so I read it's not easily removable like the KMC missing link where you pinch and push to disconnect the chain. So here I am off to swapping out my chain, would you suggest me just picking up a missing link from KMC and putting it on my SRAM while removing the powerlink? Is that even compatible to do? Or should I just remove the chain all together and go with a KMC x10SL w/missing link.

mechBgon

The SRAM PowerLock 10-speed master link is not intended to be re-used, unlike SRAM's 9-speed and 8-speed PowerLink. Since they're not supposed to be re-used, they aren't made to disconnect easily, which is one reason I use a PowerLock on my race bike. It's one of two types of master links I haven't had a failure with. Yet.

SourDieseL

So i've read after fiddling with greasy hands. So I'm still asking would a KMC missing link work if I cut the powerLOCK out or would I be better off just swapping all the way to a x10SL?

coasting 

i don't know but here's an idea. get the kmc chain and take the link it comes with and try it on your sram chain. you aren't going to waste anything. if it doesn't work it will work on the kmc whcih you can put in your spares box. you are going to buy another chain at some point and the sooner the better, before prices go up in the future.