Are KMC Snap-On quick links reliable?
 

Up until the past two chains, I've been using Izumis with their spring clip quick link and am thoroughly convinced of the clip's ability to hold my chain together. My last chain was an SRAM and came with a snap-on quick link. I didn't use it, opting to instead reuse the spring clip from my last Izumi. It held again, famously by the way.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...61d8a14fd1.jpg


I just installed a new KMC chain with a snap-on quick link and have decided to give it a try. While understanding the design of it, I must admit that I'm a bit uneasy about it. Has anyone ever had one fail on them? I can't see them failing unless the chain was tweaked laterally at that precise point somehow... but still.

Also, on the subject of chains: Is it just me or isn't the feeling of a new chain simply one of the best things in the world? It has to rank close to a new pair of socks, for sure. My drivetrain feels so responsive again! And so quiet.

So far no I haven't had the issue. I have a KMC X1 on my Single Speed/Fixed Gear RandoCross FunTime Machine and no issues.

Right on for that, thanks. Yeah, that's the one I have. I'm probably worrying unnecessarily but can't help being a little tentative about having only a few millimeters holding that plate. And it doesn't help I ride brakeless. Guess it's time to dig out that front brake.

Don't remember if I've used the KMC,but that looks just like the PC1 links,and I've never had an issue with them at the shop. Took a bit of practice to get them to pop on the first try,but never had one fail.

Yeah the only reason to run a bike without brakes is on a velodrome, in the real world on roads and paths having proper brakes is extremely important. If you don't skid your undies don't skid your bike. And if you do skid your undies, try wiping better (or use a bidet trust me bidet is the best)

I wouldn't worry about the chain, KMC makes really high quality stuff and I haven't had any issues or seen any with KMC chains and have installed quite a few single speed chains from them on various customers bikes.

I do like the old screw type Izumi ones personally but I guess I like that sort of connection.

Yeah, see? That's the thing. It wasn't that difficult to snap on. There was some resistance and a noticable clicking in place but it popped right on when I tweaked the chain sideways.
So I've heard. Since you opened the door, I use a little hand sanitizer on toilet paper then push some in with a finger and swirl it around a bit. It may take a few applications dependant upon fecal consistency.

I haven't been riding fixed that long, about 7 years, so I admit I had to look that up. Yeah, one of those would set my mind at ease for sure. And you're right about liking that connection. It's like that with me with the spring clips. Once that clip was in place, it was secure.

I'm about to go ride right now. So, see ya.

I use the KMC single-use "Missing Link" and they have been very reliable on both my FG and single-gear bikes. Never have a problem with them coming off or getting loose. When I take the chain off the bike though, I do use a new Missing Link.

Wise move. Yeah, I did notice that it's recommended to use a new link should you unfasten the current link. Makes sense because the pins most likely lose tensile strength when manipulated more than once. I just so happen to have a new spare link from my last chain, plus a few used spring clip fastened links.

I actually tried to put a clip over the snap-on plate just for fun. Squeezed the hell out of it with needlenose pliers and nearly pinched the webbing between thumb and forefinger in the process. End result: No go! If I had gotten it on, I probably would have had to break the chain in order to remove it again.

So, there's some experience to be noted for posterity.

Thanks for the input.

Trust me bidet, all the way. No mess no fuss and technically no need to wash your hands because you don't touch anything though it doesn't hurt to wash hands.

The connection is great, I don't know if the newer Izumi Super Toughness chains have changed but my current chain is still good and I think I got a spare years ago so no need at the moment for a new one.

So, as long as you tighten the nut securely, the link stays put? That seems miraculous because nuts loosen due to vibrations and torque and the chain gets alot of that. The one I'm looking at doesn't appear to have a locknut.

I used to secure my toe clips to the pedals with a standard screw and nut, made for the purpose of securing a toe clip but with just a standard nut. One or two of them used to loosen alot. I seem to remember even losing one while riding. That's when I went and got 2 new sets w/locking nuts. They now stay tight until I remove them. I suppose that's a more direct, different type of pressure than the one on a chain though.

Maybe I'm overthinking it. I tend to do that alot.

Wabi Cycles has a Super Toughness online for $90, by the way. Yikes!

Yeah I haven't had looseness issues yet. I don't really worry too much as I haven't yet lost a fixed gear chain.

A Super Toughness is generally around $80-90. Wabi has them for 70 on sale at the moment, the KAI is a higher end version of that chain. If you find any bike parts at a lower price than usual it is probably a bad sign unless an authorized dealer just happens to have them on sale.

You're right. I must've mistook the 7 for a 9 at quick glance. That's still quite a price, at least for me. What's the lifespan compared to a standard type chain? Assumingly, it's at least double?

The tension of the chain holds KMC and other removable links of that type in the locked position. I've never had a failure of one of those types of links. I have had a failure of the link type you have to bend inward slightly to seat the outside plate - it fatigued and the chain fell off. Now I carry a variety of quick links in varying widths (7.3, 7.1, 6.6, etc.) in my toolbag for myself and others - they weigh almost nothing and they're really needed when they're needed.

Yeah, I realize that now. Like I said, I overthink alot.
Now, I'm confused because that's what I have, the KMC S1 with the snap-on quick link. I had to bend slightly inwardly to seat the plate.

Are we on the same page here? Figuratively, of course.

That is the type that eventually failed on me. I may have reused it a few times. The mirror-image "Missing Link" type of link doesn't flex to install - it just snaps into place and should be more resistant to fatigue, although the narrowed part could eventually wear out.

Well, to be fair, it does tell you it's one use only. Man, you had me worried there for a bit. I was already contemplating replacing it with one of my spring clips.

I should be good though. Thanks for the input.

Almost forgot about this part.

Unfortunately, I'm poor and live in subsidized housing so I'm stuck with my hand sanitizer on the TP method. Yes, it does burn a bit. Just a little. Kind of like that warm feeling you get when putting Icy Hot on a strained muscle.

Not sure but I do know you can get an attachment for the toilet that is what I have and it is excellent. Was not super expensive and no need for TP anymore.

I'm sure that quick-links are reliable, but I don't bother using them on my fixed gear bikes. Unlike modern road chains, 1/8" chains aren't riveted, so there's no problem using a chain tool to push a pin put far enough to open the chain, then push it back in place to re-join the ends.

Riveted road chains don't tolerate that, because pushing a pin out breaks the peening on the rivet that secures the pin, and re-joining without a quick link leaves a pin that can disengage from the link at an inopportune time.

Inline with this discussion and as a follow-on to JohnD's response above, how many here don't use a quick link? When I started riding a "Track bike" (what we called them back in the 70's) I joined the ends back together with a chain tool. I did that to my Wabi's when I first got them and then converted over to quick links when I changed chains.

Although I've not had any problems with the quick links I do wonder about a fixed gear somehow working a quick link off the chain. I've not heard of that happening though.

Thoughts?