Road cyclists and mountain bikers have relied on aftermarket solutions for quickly fixing Shimano 11-speed chains for years, as Shimano never officially released a quick link for making repairs without the use of tools. However, all of that has changed with the introduction of the Shimano Quick Link For 11-Speed Chains, which allows you to quickly fix a broken chain without carrying heavy tools on the road and trail.
To fix your broken chain, simply join the broken chain ends by snapping the quick link together in the intended direction (there's an arrow direction indicator) and applying a bit of pressure from a turn of the cranks. Voila! You're now ready to get back in the saddle on the road or trail. Please note, Shimano doesn't recommend re-using their Quick Links. Each package contains two quick links (that's four separate halves), so you can keep a spare handy after you've made a road or trailside repair to your chain.
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Mfg PartNum: ISMCN90011A | |
Chain Application: 11-Speed | |
These are a bit pricier than non-Shimano equivalents, and over the years I've used plenty of those without issue, but I do generally prefer these because there is a noticeable difference in how well they securely click together and how long they last.
I have reused them, which is not generally recommended, and over time that secure "click" snapping together does diminish. For most users this is not an issue because the chain will stretch and need to be replaced long before you've worn out this link assuming you're only removing/cleaning/replacing a couple times a year. In my case I immersion wax and ride a lot, so am removing/reinstalling chains about every other week. With that high a frequency I do find that this link needs replacing after 4-8 uses, though my chains long outlive this--I get about 8k miles per chain (not a typo).
I bought the quick links because I like the ride and feel of a waxed chain. Also marginal savings of a few watts. Most of the quick links should be replaced after one use. They say that they are not reusable. To wax my chain it must be removed from the bike. I use a new quick link every time I wax my chain. The Shimano Quick are working great.
ClICK..the loud positive click of these links are why i use them..and you need a tool to remove..the srams you can remove with your fingers...not for me..also i reuse many times..shimano says once but when the click diminishes then ill change to new..and the arrow goes in direction of pedaling..
I installed the Shimano quick link in a new 11 speed Shimano chain. But with the new link installed, it's pivoting properly like a chain link should. So when the chain bends around a sprocket, the quick link is stiff and has a very hard time traveling through the gears. I uninstalled and reinstalled, I lubed it up well, I left it lubed overnight, it just won't pivot as it should. And these things are not cheap! Maybe I have a defective unit but I've rarely run into this sort of problem with Shimano. Of course I think I did something wrong, but it's a pretty simple installation! Chain is facing in the right direction and the quick link is also facing the right direction. I'm stumped. (
Always!
On a ride having a link is essential on the off chance the worst chain issue arises.
If you wax or sonically clean your chain then you need them as it's never good to reuse and old one.
Always!
On a ride having a link is essential on the off chance the worst chain issue arises.
If you wax or sonically clean your chain then you need them as it�s never good to reuse and old one.
I have used these quick link connectors on both Shimano and SRAM chains with no issue. Contrary to other postings, I've experienced no adverse issues with reusing these links several times after disengaging.
I keep a link in my saddle bag and travel kit for emergency repairs. The links are also helpful if you remove your chain for deep cleaning and lubrication (e.g., wax or wax-based lubes). I have a cheap tool to undo the links, but they snap into place easily if you lock your brakes, apply force to the pedals, and listen for a slight "pop" sound.
It does what its supposed to do. I have ised SRAM chains on my Campy equipped bike for years and their Power Links are easier to use than Shimano, but it is 9-speed vs. 11-speed, so that may account for tools needed on the 11-speed (no tools for SRAM 9-speed). If the Shimano Quick Link isn't installed properly, you'll know it, but still, link took is easier than a chain tool
Never again is the 1 star rating and indeed, my sentiments. I spent an hour with this link and even tried it off the chain to see if it would couple. A hammer succeeded, but of course, it won't come apart and the pins are likely bent. Thankfully off the chain. I will try the Sram master link next.
Although my first experience with a quick-link connector I was suitably impressed. Using the Park Tool MLP-1.2 Master Link Pliers, installation was easy and has proven reliable,
Got an ultegra chain and one of these little guys to connect it. Very easy process and all is well however the quick link likes to disengage on one of the pulleys creating an annoying clicking sound. Hopefully it goes away after the new cassettes teeth wear down a bit.
Hard to rate this item. It works! It's easy! It's a quick link. Buy a few and carry them with you. When you need them, you'll be glad you have them. If you never need one, that's okay, too. It's light. So...buy it! It works. End of story.
I always used KMC 10 speed chains in the past. I decided to stick with Shimano 11 speed chains with my newer bike. I had a real hard time installing the Quick Link first time around. I always lined up the KMC Missing links and ran in though the big ring and it would snap into place. No such luck with the Shimano Quick Link. I must have tried about a dozen times. It would drop off onto my garage floor. Finally I put it in the small chain ring, small (11 tooth) cog in back and it went into place after I placed pressure on the pedals (I acually rode a few feet) and I heard it click into place. I never had any luck installing a connecting link with tool. Near impossible to get one off without one. Note -these are only good for one application. If you remove your chain, you need to install a new Quick Link (per Shimano). However-no need to remove your chain for cleaning.
