Master link in Shimano chain

Bob K Denver · 06-12-2010, 01:49 PM

I want to install a master link in my chain. The local bicycle shop advised that a master link does not work well on a Shimano chain. Is that correct, or will it work?

cyclerUK · 06-12-2010, 02:49 PM

Ask your LBS why?
I have used various master links on both 8 and 10 speed with no problems.
I favour KMC ones as I had a problem with a Sram that I couldn't re-fit after removal for cleaning.
None have given me a problem while cycling in a few thousand miles.

Joe_W · 06-13-2010, 02:12 PM

Just stay away from Shimano's quick links. They were a failure (and are not made anymore).

cyclerUK · 06-13-2010, 03:07 PM

(06-13-2010, 02:12 PM)Joe_W Wrote: Just stay away from Shimano's quick links. They were a failure (and are not made anymore).

That's a new one on me and have been using Shimano chains for 16 years.
I didn't know Shimano ever made "quicklinks".
You learn something new every day?

Did a Google and found:-
http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/Dura-Ace/SI_0074A_001/SI-0074A-001_En_v1_m56577569830655402.pdf

Can see why they failed.

And while Googling came across a post saying that some Sram links can't be re-used a second time ??

xerxes · 06-13-2010, 08:25 PM

I recently bought an SRAM chain which came with a "PowerLink", I opted to leave it out. If you have a chain tool it only takes a couple of minutes to break an re-connect a chain and I carry one in my tool kit. I don't see a huge benefit in using one, whereas in using one one, there's the possibility that there's a weak link in your chain.

cyclerUK · 06-14-2010, 11:47 AM

(06-13-2010, 08:25 PM)xerxes Wrote: I recently bought an SRAM chain which came with a "PowerLink", I opted to leave it out. If you have a chain tool it only takes a couple of minutes to break an re-connect a chain and I carry one in my tool kit. I don't see a huge benefit in using one, whereas in using one one, there's the possibility that there's a weak link in your chain.

If you re-use rivet pins in a Shimano chain it can cause damage to the pin. That's why you should use the special pin or a quick link.
Having said that I have re-used the pins without any problems but now use Quicklinks.

See Park Tool (Procedure for Shimano chain!) for explanation:-
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=25

xerxes · 06-14-2010, 12:01 PM

Quote:Having said that I have re-used the pins without any problems but now use Quicklinks.

I've never once had a problem with re-using pins in thousands of on and off road miles, but I've never used a Quicklink, so thought I'd stick to what I know. Smile

j beede · 06-15-2010, 04:17 AM

My Cannondale 6 series came with a KMC 10-speed chain with KMC's reusable link installed. This was my first experience with KMC and resuable links. Now I clean my chain, off the bike, regularly. I was so impressed with the KMC link that I installed one in my Dura Ace chain and have had no problems--just an impeccably clean and freshly lubed chain, all the time. I am sold on KMC.