How reusable is Shimano master link.

velo.2010

Hi, I plan to have 2 drivetrains ,(compact and standard) on the bike for the new year. Previously I've simply replaced a worn chain but would like to swop chains depending on conditions.

I know how to open the master link but wonder how effective and safe it is to do. Is it a case of buying the SRAM 'powerlink' or even buy a SRAM chain. ps.Talking about Ultegra chain. Thanx.

penexpers

If it's 10 speed then Shimano recommend not to re-use the master link. 9sp is reusable afaik.

velo.2010

Yeah, thats my thought penexpers. No problem fitting disposable links it would just be handier when I'm changing drivetrains. BTW I heard Shimano will bring out a new 6700 chain with a 'powerlink'. I'd imagine it will cost a small fortune!

penexpers

I would change to a SRAM chain. The power links are much better and it's compatible with Shimano 10 speed.

velo.2010

I'll have to give that consideration, thanks.

cosman9373

I changed from shimano chains to sram a while back, every time you take off a shimano chain you need a new pin. sram are so much easier and stronger.

blorg

It's SRAM 10 speed links that are NOT re-usable. The new Shimano quick links (pdf) are reusable.

Shimano wrote:

CN-7900 Dura-Ace Chain

The new asymmetric design of the Dura-Ace chain has redesigned plates that improve the contact interface with the cogs and reduce the chance for chain suck on the chainrings. Other improvements to the links provide greater durability and life with less noise and smoother function. The chain uses hollow pins and weight drops by over 18 grams even with the addition of a quick connection / removal link. A departure from the traditional Hyperglide connection pin, the SM-CN79 quicklink provides a reusable connection and removal point for the chain. The quicklink can be used on any Shimano 10-speed chain and the new chain can also be joined by a traditional Hyperglide 10-speed connection pin if necessary.

dave2pvd

penexpers wrote: »

I would change to a SRAM chain. The power links are much better and it's compatible with Shimano 10 speed.

Are you certain about that? The packaging SRAM Powerlink comes in says it cannot be used on non-SRAM chains. Of course, they would say that....

By the way, I've reused SRAM Powerlinks. To be on the safe side, I'll only reuse maybe 3 or 4 times. Never had a problem, touch wood. They're a right pain in the arse to open.

cosman9373

From experience I've never had an issue with an sram chain or powerlink and I reuse frequently. I found that shimano were weaker, ultegra anyway but haven't used them in a while so they might be better now.

penexpers

dave2pvd wrote: »

Are you certain about that? The packaging SRAM Powerlink comes in says it cannot be used on non-SRAM chains. Of course, they would say that....

I meant that you can use SRAM chains on Shimano chainrings/cassettes.

Deisetrek

blorg wrote: »

It's SRAM 10 speed links that are NOT re-usable. The new Shimano quick links (pdf) are reusable.

Question , can a Sram 10 sp powerlink connector be used on a Shimano Ultregra 10 sp chain ?

Lumen

penexpers wrote: »

I would change to a SRAM chain. The power links are much better and it's compatible with Shimano 10 speed.

Unless something has changed since we last discussed this issue (here and here), there is no such thing as a 10 speed PowerLink. The link on the 10sp SRAM chains is a PowerLock, and it is not reusable.

I think Wippermann is the way to go.

papac

+1 for Wippermann.

Great system.

cosman9373

Lumen wrote: »

Unless something has changed since we last discussed this issue (here and here), there is no such thing as a 10 speed PowerLink. The link on the 10sp SRAM chains is a PowerLock, and it is not reusable.

I think Wippermann is the way to go.

It's true lumen it is called a power lock but have you ever tried to reuse one. I use the sram pc1030 and I can guarantee it can be removed by the power lock and reused with the same powerlock again and again, in fact once it relocks keep using it.

cosman9373

Deisetrek wrote: »

Question , can a Sram 10 sp powerlink connector be used on a Shimano Ultregra 10 sp chain ?

I'm not sure I've never tried but sram chains can be used on shimano drivetrain.

blorg

Deisetrek wrote: »

Question , can a Sram 10 sp powerlink connector be used on a Shimano Ultregra 10 sp chain ?

I think they say no but difficult to see why not. KMC make a quick link that is designed to be removable and can explicitly be used with a Shimano Ultegra chain though. I think Wipperman also.

blorg

I generally follow the manufacturer's instructions with stuff like the chain and so if they say don't re-use a link I don't re-use it. I'd prefer to not have my chain snap unexpectedly. For what it's worth I have found SRAM 10 speed links utterly impossible to re-seperate and have ended up breaking the chain when it is time to replace. Not a problem, I'm junking the chain at that point anyway and just need to get it off.

As to longevity and the rest I find very little difference between SRAM and Shimano and use whatever happens to be cheapest at the time. I've used SRAM PC-1070, PC-1090, 105, Ultegra 6600, Ultegra 6700 and Dura-Ace 7800 chains in ten speed.

I got some KMC chains recently and also some Mavic ones at the crazy price of under a tenner each. Mixed reviews on them but apparently they are re-badged Wippermans.

Home:Ballyhoura

blorg wrote: »

also some Mavic ones at the crazy price of under a tenner each. Mixed reviews on them but apparently they are re-badged Wippermans.

Ya, I got one of these Mavic chains put on my TT bike by the lbs and so far so good. Nothing to complain about really!

Joff

SRAM 10 speed link is definitely sold as a non-reusable link (power-lock as oppose to 8/9 speed power-link)

The 9speed links certainly work with both Campag and Shimano chains and are re-useable, for 10 speed prob. better of using KMC or Wipperman if you want to change chains on a regular basis.

Deisetrek

blorg wrote: »

I think they say no but difficult to see why not. KMC make a quick link that is designed to be removable and can explicitly be used with a Shimano Ultegra chain though. I think Wipperman also.

Sent an email to CRC on compatibility between the 10 sp Sram powerlink and the Shimano ultegra chain , they said it's no problem Blorg . Due a chain change in the next few weeks so I'll try it .

blorg

Deisetrek wrote: »

Sent an email to CRC on compatibility between the 10 sp Sram powerlink and the Shimano ultegra chain , they said it's no problem Blorg . Due a chain change in the next few weeks so I'll try it .

What's wrong with a good old joining pin eh?

Deisetrek

blorg wrote: »

What's wrong with a good old joining pin eh?

Tried that one in the past , completetly b****xed it up , definitely a knack to that ....easy option for me

blorg

Deisetrek wrote: »

Tried that one in the past , completetly b****xed it up , definitely a knack to that ....easy option for me

It's easy enough if you follow the instructions to the letter. It's important to put it in the right (leading) hole, etc. I mean even I can do it reliably and I am a complete disaster.

velo.2010

Hi, OP here. I was told in CSS that the 'powerlock' as its correctly called was the way to go. I specifically asked 2 guys about my plans to swap chains and asked again when I was shown the 'powerlock' at the counter. As I stated originally there is a new Ultegra chain on the way with a 'ouicklink' and Blorg is correct about tht 7900 DA having a new link.

Anyway I have some pins I can use if not 100% sure about the 'powerlock'. I wonder whats the point of master/powerlinks if they'e NOT reusable! Seems crazy to have it if all it does is connect a chain without tools but to replace it you need a tool!

edit; Bought 6600 chain and 6700 cassette(6600 stock disappearing fast)plus the SL crankset(e115) I already had.