I used to worry about re-using quick links. I run 11sp Shimano chains and wax them regularly. But i haven't had a quick link issue in the last 2-3 years. I DID HAVE A PROBLEM with chain rotation though - I didn't know it was a thing, and it messed up my shifting. Fortunately my Local Bike Shop showed me what I'd done wrong. No charge! Brilliant.
Between you and me, Brian, I re-use them too, as do most other people. I go with the rule of, 'if its tight to do up, it'll be fine'. Yeah, good old Shimano chain direction, it's caught many people out. Interestingly though, Shimano compatible KMC chains aren't directional, but they shift just as well!!
I've been using the KMC missing link for years. I read somewhere recently that you should only reuse a missing link 5 times. My last one I reused at least 20 times and never had any issues with it.
Hi Thomas, Most people go with the rule of 'If it’s tight to do up, it'll be fine'...... As do I if I'm honest! The official amount is 3-5 times. More from KMC here: www.kmcchain.com/en/series/chain-connector-12s-11s-10s-9s-8s-7s-6s-speed
I just tried to re-use a Shimano 12spd quick link after waxing the chain (thanks to your videos!) and noticed a small amount of play in the link so I replaced it. I also replaced the link on my Shimano 11spd after waxing even though it didn't have play just to err on the side of caution. I did put one in my saddle bag for "just in case" as you suggested! Thank you for the videos!
Hi Gary, Glad you're enjoying the videos. To be fair, most people reuse links, me included. I go with the rule of, 'if its tight to do up, it'll be fine'.
Using kmc 11spd and i reuse split links until the chain needs replacing. So, on and off 1-4 times, probably. Never had a single issue. If only my tyres were so lucky! Cheers for the video
Great video. I use the Wippermann Connex reusable missing link 11spd. These are tool free too, although i do still carry a chain tool, and spare connex link, in case i get a derailleur jam and damage another link in the chain. Wippermann do a 12 speed reusable link. It’s costly at nearly £30 but well worth considering.
Hi John, I'm glad someone has mentioned the Wippermann link. If I'm being totally honest, I've been aware of it for a while, but always looked at it and thought "That looks like it'd pop open far too easily" How have you got on with it? Are my suspicions unjustified? Thanks, Jon
@@ribblevalleycyclist I'd say they are unjustified. Been using them for years from 10 speed days back in 2003! Never had an issue. I tend to replace them when I replace the chain, although that is infrequent now I wax the chains. The connex makes waxing a chain a breeze. I have had two Sedis (SRAM) links fail in the distant past when I was too tight to buy another connex with the new chain. Not seen any reports on how people are getting on with the 12 spd Connex yet.
@@ribblevalleycyclist I've been using the same Wippermann Connex link for years; I open it every time I remove and wax the chain. I keep two chains (one on the bike, and one in the cabinet ready to go), but only one link. The Connex link has had dozens of open-and-closes, and still works fine. There's a bit of extra metal on the Connex link (note the "bean" shape) which, I suspect, adds to the durability... but it means that the link is directional: when the chain ends are below the drivetrain, remember to put the outboard link in the run of chain coming from the chainrings and the inboard link in the run of chain going to the cogs, lest you get the annoying "tic - tic - tic" of the chain link knocking when you're in that smallest chainring. (Don't ask how I learned that, or how annoying it was to figure out, since it matched neither the pedal rotation nor the wheel rotation...)
I, too, use the connex link and have done for quite a while, and it’s been great. I wax my chain so it’s removed quite regularly. Not cheap but well worth it in my opinion.
I reuse my Shimano 8s quicklink many times without any failures over the past 5 years, but I do carry a spare. I did not know Shimano chains are directional. I’ll have to check that out.
@@ribblevalleycyclist I know that the writing stamped on the Shimano chains has to face out (to the right) when the chain is installed, but I'd be curious to know if the direction matters. I've never paid attention to the direction, provided the writing faces out.
Hi @@thomaskuhn6541, Shimano HYPERGLIDE cassettes have specially positioned shift ramps and tooth profiles for improved shifting. If you look closely at a modern Shimano cassette, you will see some of the teeth look a little different to one another. To take better advantage of this unique cassette design, Shimano also incorporate HYPERGLIDE technology into their chains. And this is why they're directional. You can identify a HYPERGLIDE chain by the 'HG' stamped on it. If you install a HYPERGLIDE chain in the opposite direction, it'll have an opposite effect on shifting performance. Thanks, Jon
You can make a chain hook out of any suitable piece of wire. I used a coat hanger wire. I carry one, along with a spare chain link in my on bike tool bag. Neither take up much room, and if you ever break a chain, you will be happy to have them. I use Connex Quick Link because requires no tools and is reusable. They can be used with other chains.
Don’t really need a chain hook though - just temporarily remove the chain off chainring to remove tension while you split and/or rejoin the chain A lot easier ;)
Reusing SRAM rival 12 speed for two years. Usually separate and rejoin 5-10 times per link. No chain failures but wore out my small chain ring after 6500 miles… most likely normal wear .
@@ribblevalleycyclist I just switched from finish line Teflon lube to Silca secret wax. I am using 2 new chains and rotating them, so I will be swapping every 150 miles. Hopefully no issues with quick links
Single-use links are technically possible to reuse but part of the metal gets damaged or bent when you undo it and it cannot be restored. You will notice that undoing it the first time can be tough, but then it's very loose the 2nd time. Unfortunately, it is this looseness that means that it will eventually wriggle out of place on a ride, then fail due to bending. You can accelerate this failure by riding at a high torque, sprinting, changing gear a lot and cross-chaining. I save mine for the turbo bike where failures take much longer and are safer, but they only last about 30-40 hours.
Yes, very important. Wash it in warm water, and then dry it off and lubricate. A great trick to drying your chain is to take it outside where there is plenty of room and spin it above your head like a cowboy with a lasso. The centrifugal force and air will get it nice and dry
Sorry if this is a daft question, but can you only use a Shimano quick link on a Shimano chain or can you use another brand eg KMC re-useable link with a Shimano chain ? Also do you have a preference on chain manufacturer? Thank you.
As a fairly new do it myself maintenance bike wannabe/Tight Yorkshireman I'd of appreciated a bit more time spent on the link you referenced as the weak point in the chain... How to identify it for example.... Just a bit longer on the subject. I've also noticed those chain split tools often have two positions for the chain to sit... One of which pushes the pin at a slight angle. The other straight in or out....
Hi Jason, Sorry for the speed, I was trying my hardest to cram it all in, whilst keeping it short. The connecting pin shows up best on a clean chain. Look at the connecting pins in the below link, they're dark, like pencil lead. However, the rest of the pins in your chain will be the same shiny silver as the links. www.merlincycles.com/shimano-11-speed-chain-pin-67882.html Chain tool location. I always use the thicker one furthest away from the driving pin. The middle thinner one is what is known as a 'Shelf', for loosening tight links.
@@ribblevalleycyclist Brilliant.... Appreciate that. Thanks Just picked up a 12 speed kmc missing link from my local bike shop (Chevin cycles Otley) Unofficially agreed that they can be re-used...... Unofficially lol 😂.
If it works, stick with it. In fairness, they all used to look like that years ago, and were very good. They were copied and copied, and became really cheap and nasty things that fall apart. But if you have an old one, then all good 👍
![[DRIP] ‘BILLIONAIRE’ PREVIEW](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/m0eXQD0gIeE/mqdefault.jpg)
I used to worry about re-using quick links.
I run 11sp Shimano chains and wax them regularly. But i haven't had a quick link issue in the last 2-3 years.
I DID HAVE A PROBLEM with chain rotation though - I didn't know it was a thing, and it messed up my shifting. Fortunately my Local Bike Shop showed me what I'd done wrong. No charge! Brilliant.
Between you and me, Brian, I re-use them too, as do most other people. I go with the rule of, 'if its tight to do up, it'll be fine'.
Yeah, good old Shimano chain direction, it's caught many people out. Interestingly though, Shimano compatible KMC chains aren't directional, but they shift just as well!!
I've been using the KMC missing link for years. I read somewhere recently that you should only reuse a missing link 5 times. My last one I reused at least 20 times and never had any issues with it.
Hi Thomas,
Most people go with the rule of 'If it’s tight to do up, it'll be fine'...... As do I if I'm honest!
The official amount is 3-5 times. More from KMC here:
www.kmcchain.com/en/series/chain-connector-12s-11s-10s-9s-8s-7s-6s-speed
That wire chain holder is a great idea. I am making one tonight (for the infrequent chain removals that I do).
They’re great. Don’t know how I’ve coped 😂. Wire coat hanger would work best I suspect
Great video, simple but invaluable for a home bike DIY
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
I just tried to re-use a Shimano 12spd quick link after waxing the chain (thanks to your videos!) and noticed a small amount of play in the link so I replaced it. I also replaced the link on my Shimano 11spd after waxing even though it didn't have play just to err on the side of caution. I did put one in my saddle bag for "just in case" as you suggested! Thank you for the videos!
Hi Gary,
Glad you're enjoying the videos. To be fair, most people reuse links, me included. I go with the rule of, 'if its tight to do up, it'll be fine'.
Another good instructional video thank. Always learniing . Keep up good work.thanks for sharing
Thanks, Wayne 👍
Great video, never had problem with reusing my split link between waxing my chain
Between you and me, I re-use them too, as do most other people. I go with the rule of, 'if it’s tight to do up, it'll be fine'.
Using kmc 11spd and i reuse split links until the chain needs replacing. So, on and off 1-4 times, probably. Never had a single issue. If only my tyres were so lucky!
Cheers for the video
Hiya Pigeon Poo,
To be honest, most of us reuse them without issue. Hoping to get a tubeless troubleshooting video done soon.
Great video. I use the Wippermann Connex reusable missing link 11spd. These are tool free too, although i do still carry a chain tool, and spare connex link, in case i get a derailleur jam and damage another link in the chain.
Wippermann do a 12 speed reusable link. It’s costly at nearly £30 but well worth considering.
Hi John, I'm glad someone has mentioned the Wippermann link. If I'm being totally honest, I've been aware of it for a while, but always looked at it and thought "That looks like it'd pop open far too easily" How have you got on with it? Are my suspicions unjustified?
Thanks,
Jon
@@ribblevalleycyclist I'd say they are unjustified. Been using them for years from 10 speed days back in 2003!
Never had an issue. I tend to replace them when I replace the chain, although that is infrequent now I wax the chains. The connex makes waxing a chain a breeze.
I have had two Sedis (SRAM) links fail in the distant past when I was too tight to buy another connex with the new chain.
Not seen any reports on how people are getting on with the 12 spd Connex yet.
@@ribblevalleycyclist I've been using the same Wippermann Connex link for years; I open it every time I remove and wax the chain. I keep two chains (one on the bike, and one in the cabinet ready to go), but only one link. The Connex link has had dozens of open-and-closes, and still works fine. There's a bit of extra metal on the Connex link (note the "bean" shape) which, I suspect, adds to the durability... but it means that the link is directional: when the chain ends are below the drivetrain, remember to put the outboard link in the run of chain coming from the chainrings and the inboard link in the run of chain going to the cogs, lest you get the annoying "tic - tic - tic" of the chain link knocking when you're in that smallest chainring. (Don't ask how I learned that, or how annoying it was to figure out, since it matched neither the pedal rotation nor the wheel rotation...)
Thanks both, I think I’ll give them a closer look 👍
I, too, use the connex link and have done for quite a while, and it’s been great. I wax my chain so it’s removed quite regularly. Not cheap but well worth it in my opinion.
I reuse my Shimano 8s quicklink many times without any failures over the past 5 years, but I do carry a spare. I did not know Shimano chains are directional. I’ll have to check that out.
Worth checking it. If it's running in the wrong direction, you'll get increased wear and poor shifting performance.
@@ribblevalleycyclist I know that the writing stamped on the Shimano chains has to face out (to the right) when the chain is installed, but I'd be curious to know if the direction matters. I've never paid attention to the direction, provided the writing faces out.
Hi @@thomaskuhn6541, Shimano HYPERGLIDE cassettes have specially positioned shift ramps and tooth profiles for improved shifting. If you look closely at a modern Shimano cassette, you will see some of the teeth look a little different to one another. To take better advantage of this unique cassette design, Shimano also incorporate HYPERGLIDE technology into their chains. And this is why they're directional. You can identify a HYPERGLIDE chain by the 'HG' stamped on it.
If you install a HYPERGLIDE chain in the opposite direction, it'll have an opposite effect on shifting performance.
Thanks,
Jon
@@ribblevalleycyclist Thanks, I didn't know that. I've been running a Sunrace cassette so I'll have to check if that also has a unique tooth profile.
Great video,never had a problem
Cool, thanks
Another helpful video - thank you
Glad you enjoyed it 👍
You can make a chain hook out of any suitable piece of wire. I used a coat hanger wire. I carry one, along with a spare chain link in my on bike tool bag. Neither take up much room, and if you ever break a chain, you will be happy to have them. I use Connex Quick Link because requires no tools and is reusable. They can be used with other chains.
Great tips. I've used the wire handles from a Bulldog clip as chain hook in the past, worked a treat 🤣
Don’t really need a chain hook though
- just temporarily remove the chain off chainring to remove tension while you split and/or rejoin the chain
A lot easier ;)
@@mcauliffej Agreed, you can do that too.
Reusing SRAM 12 speed quick links without issue. Shimano 11 speed had no joy re-using.
Using Shimano 11sp 5x no issues.
I go with the rule of, 'if its tight to do up, it'll be fine'.
The issue I had with the shimano is they were so tight they didn’t articulate.
New chain = new split link. Never had a problem.
A good tip. I think most people reuse and get away with it.
Reusing SRAM rival 12 speed for two years. Usually separate and rejoin 5-10 times per link.
No chain failures but wore out my small chain ring after 6500 miles… most likely normal wear .
It's interesting to hear how many people are reusing single use, and not having any issues.
@@ribblevalleycyclist I just switched from finish line Teflon lube to Silca secret wax. I am using 2 new chains and rotating them, so I will be swapping every 150 miles. Hopefully no issues with quick links
Single-use links are technically possible to reuse but part of the metal gets damaged or bent when you undo it and it cannot be restored. You will notice that undoing it the first time can be tough, but then it's very loose the 2nd time. Unfortunately, it is this looseness that means that it will eventually wriggle out of place on a ride, then fail due to bending. You can accelerate this failure by riding at a high torque, sprinting, changing gear a lot and cross-chaining. I save mine for the turbo bike where failures take much longer and are safer, but they only last about 30-40 hours.
You're spot on about reusing, Phil. KMC explains it here:
www.kmcchain.com/en/series/chain-connector-12s-11s-10s-9s-8s-7s-6s-speed
Reusing kmc 11 speed NR on gravel bike... no issues.
Most people do, and get away with it.
Should you rinse the degreaser off the cleaned chain using water before lubricating it❓
Yes, very important. Wash it in warm water, and then dry it off and lubricate. A great trick to drying your chain is to take it outside where there is plenty of room and spin it above your head like a cowboy with a lasso. The centrifugal force and air will get it nice and dry
Thanks. If I feed you and look after you, will you come and live in my garage and look after my bikes? 🤣@@ribblevalleycyclist
Is beer included? 😂🍺
Sure! 😆@@ribblevalleycyclist
YBN makes a 12-spd reusable (5 times) quick link.
Thanks for the info 👍
Wippermann connex links are also reusable
They're a popular choice, and easier to work with too 👍
Sorry if this is a daft question, but can you only use a Shimano quick link on a Shimano chain or can you use another brand eg KMC re-useable link with a Shimano chain ? Also do you have a preference on chain manufacturer? Thank you.
Yes the KMC link will work on Shimano chain (assuming correct speed chosen)
@@StuckInTheM1ddle that’s great thank you
No such thing as a daft question, Tim 👍
As a fairly new do it myself maintenance bike wannabe/Tight Yorkshireman I'd of appreciated a bit more time spent on the link you referenced as the weak point in the chain... How to identify it for example.... Just a bit longer on the subject.
I've also noticed those chain split tools often have two positions for the chain to sit... One of which pushes the pin at a slight angle.
The other straight in or out....
Hi Jason,
Sorry for the speed, I was trying my hardest to cram it all in, whilst keeping it short. The connecting pin shows up best on a clean chain. Look at the connecting pins in the below link, they're dark, like pencil lead. However, the rest of the pins in your chain will be the same shiny silver as the links.
www.merlincycles.com/shimano-11-speed-chain-pin-67882.html
Chain tool location. I always use the thicker one furthest away from the driving pin. The middle thinner one is what is known as a 'Shelf', for loosening tight links.
@@ribblevalleycyclist Brilliant.... Appreciate that. Thanks
Just picked up a 12 speed kmc missing link from my local bike shop (Chevin cycles Otley)
Unofficially agreed that they can be re-used...... Unofficially lol 😂.
@gmivisualsjason3729 No problem. Good luck with it. To be honest, most of us have reused them at some point and gotten away with it 👍
Rubbish or not the chain splitter works for me have been using it for years.
If it works, stick with it. In fairness, they all used to look like that years ago, and were very good. They were copied and copied, and became really cheap and nasty things that fall apart. But if you have an old one, then all good 👍
Luv this! ❤️