10/29/14 7:28 PM

I'm entering the world of 11s as soon as I get some wheels built and am wondering about the current consensus on connecting 11s chains.

When Campy first introduced 11s they had this ridiculously expensive chain tool and insisted that this was the only safe way to connect an 11s chain. Haven't heard much on this topic lately so wanted to get the latest input.

Should I use an 11s quick link, can I do the job with an good quality chain tool, or do I need to buy something special to do this task?

10/29/14 8:00 PM

Both KMC and Wipperman make 11-speed chains that come with masterlinks and both makers sell their links as aftermarket parts. Shimano 11-speed chains connect with the same type of non-reusable pin they always have.

As for Campy chains, I've never used them even on an otherwise all-Campy bike because of their absurd complexity and the crazy expensive dedicated chain tool.

10/29/14 10:45 PM

I use a KMC 11s link with an Ultegra 11s chain. Works perfectly.

10/30/14 2:33 AM

Yep, KMC 11 speed link on my Shimano DA9000 chain works perfectly too

10/30/14 11:40 AM

I have a couple of SRAM power links. It sez on the package to use only on SRAM 8 speed chains. So would these be unusable in an emergency on other chains?

10/30/14 1:15 PM

I believe the SRAM 8 and 9-speed links also work on Shimano and KMC chains of the matching width. SRAM 10-speed links are a hair narrower and are a very tight fit on Shimano and KMC 10-speed chains but apparently do work well on 10-speed Campy chains.

Except in a dire emergency I would not use an 8-speed link on anything but an 8-speed chain

10/30/14 1:54 PM

I used a 9s SRAM link temporally when I put 10 speed on the Roubaix, on a 10s Chain to be clear.

Tight chain line on the finished product with the OSBB adapters to Shimano HT-II crankset. So much so that the 9s link cause hops [attempts to hop to the big chain ring] when even partially cross chained.

OK, not a huge surprise, but a 10s link did also albeit not as bad. I had to use a Shimano pin to resolve it.

So make what you will out any of that, But I expected to have more trouble at the cassette. ;)

On a similar note, upgraded a bike to 10s from 9s and for sheits&giggles rode it with the 9s chain. It works better then the 9s link in the 10s chain did. ;)

11/5/14 9:40 PM

"I have a couple of SRAM power links. It sez on the package to use only on SRAM 8 speed chains. So would these be unusable in an emergency on other chains?"

The SRAM 8s link is in fact too narrow for a Shimano 8s chain, except for certain of the "IG" models of Shimano chain.

KMC makes two versions of their 8s links, sold in inexpensive cards of 6 links.
Narrower version fits SRAM and certain IG models of Shimano chain, while the wider version fits Shimano HG and certain other versions of the IG chains.

KMC makes most if not all of Shimano's chains, and KMC links seem to be the go-to for connecting Shimano chains at local shops here.

I've used SRAM 10s links on Shimano chain, but the link binds badly.
SRAM 9s connecting links work fine on Shimano 9s chains however.