Just wondering.

I've always used KMC

kmc even has 11-speed connectors now

I don't know what it's called, but I use shimano's link that their chains come with. I like how it:
* Doesn't squeak
* Doesn't break
* Installs easy
* Isn't wider than the rest of the chain

I've tried them, but find them to be a PITA so I tend to stick with Wippy. I can't tell if that's because I'm not working them correctly or they're harder to use. I do like the price.

wipperman link on everything but the 11-sp chain, i'll pick up a wipperman link for that when they come out with one, or i may try the 11-sp kmc quicklink

I use 7 and 9 sp chains and join them with their own pins, no problems ever.

Yeah...I'm done with breaking chains and replacing the pins. I haven't found a reason not to use the KMC at about $1.50 each.

I can't answer both, but I have a pin on my road chain and a KMC on my mountain and cross bikes.

you have to squeeze the plates together to get them to slide. otherwise you'll lose your mind trying to separate them.

This.

Master links are garbage. Get a chain checker and you'll see that they start stretching at the master link in about 1000 miles or less. By the time you start seeing the stretch at the master link, it is already stretching minutely at the other links of the chain because of the initial stretch at the master link. I have documented this with my lbs and they agree with my findings after checking it out with several other bikes they have had in for repair. The pins are the way to go for chain and drivetrain longevity.
This is with the KMC links, not sure of other brands. I no longer use KMC and only use Shimano. My chains are lasting 3 times as long now.

dura ace chain with a wipperman connex link.

Thass what Im talking about.

Help me understand how the stretch at the master link transfers itself to the other links? (I mean compared with a pin). The "stretch" is not stretch as such, it's the elongation of the holes in the links. How does the master link make the other links wear faster than if a pin was used?

And even if that were true, I would still sacrifice some chain longevity for the ability to whip the chain off at a moment's notice for bike and chain cleaning, transport, whatever. +1 on the Wipperman, 1000's of uneventful miles on several bikes for me.

Whatever comes with the chain, currently KMC.

agreed. especially saying that you can get a half dozen of them for under $10, I think I like being able to take off my chain with a link as opposed to pin... makes cleaning waaay easier.

Just got through replacing my stock CAAD9-5 chain after 2700 miles. I waited too long and now I have learned.

I bought a new Ultegra 10-speed chain. It was a bit of a learning experience because I bought the chain and it had 116 links. I counted the one that came with my compact and it had 106 so I needed to remove 10 links. I did that and then screwed up with the Shimano bullet-integrated guide/link. I bought three more just so that I would have a couple in my flat kit and when I read the INSTRUCTIONS that came with my Park CT3 tool it was a piece of cake to join the links.

So my first ride will be tomorrow with the new chain. If it breaks I'll come back and tell you how much Shimano sucks. If it works flawlessly I'll tell you that Shimano is the only way to go.

I must admit it looks really smooth and shifted flawlessly on the bike stand.

I can easily get 4000 miles of life on a chain (based on careful measurement) and never take it off the bike to keep it cleaned and lubed. It takes about 1-2 minutes about every 2-3 days to lube it and wipe it down on the bike. My chains always look immaculate.

I wouldn't pay a nickel for a master link. In fact, if you are using it to remove the chain to soak it in solvent (and remove the lube from the most inner surfaces of the chain where it is needed most), the master link has done you more harm than good and cost you extra money on premature chain replacement.

People who don't use master links think that the people that do use them do so to make it easier to clean the chain. It does (not that I personally ever clean the chain in solvent) but that's not the point. What it does do is make it easier to clean the BIKE.

It is so much easier to go over the chainrings, cassette, derailleur pulleys and FD with a rag if the chain is off. You don't have that luxury with a pin.

Shimano (pin) or SRAM (powerlink), whatever is on sale.. Never a problem with chains.

Also, when you swap cassettes, it's much easier to swap chains which is useful for length and wear reasons.

the real reason to use master link is should your chain fail somehow (happened to me once before), you can easily remove the defective pins with a very compact chain tool & hook the chain up with the master link & be ready to go in less than three minutes

This makes no sense whatsoever.....

I get about 4000 km out of a chain riding in dusty abrasive conditions and during the winter months on my multi speed bikes, and single speed bikes enjoy about 6000 km of chain life... and sometimes more.

I use KMC and SRAM chain and their respective quick links.

Pinning 8-11 speed chain is not advised as it is easy to screw things up while pinning 5-7 speed chain does not usually cause any issues.