Chains and master links

[hiero2]

The industry has changed a lot since I last bought chains. I used to buy Sedis chains to replace all other chains on my Shimano and Suntour systems. Now Sedis is not even on the market. And, I now have a 9-speed steed in my stable. So, I have a couple good Shimano HG chains in my stock. And, I've recently run out of replacement rivet pins - had to get more. So, I've been investigating master links.

Two points I'd like to hear thinking and opinions on.

First, as it is the one I'm not sure I have the answer to: what is the outside measurement (dimension, OD) of the various mfr chains/speeds? On this topic, I found this page:
http://www.peterverdone.com/archive/files/kmc%20chains.pdf

Is the "Pin Length" going to = the OD of the chain? What is with the m/m measurement notation? Are these pin lengths/ODs pretty standard, for "speeds", across mfr?

KMC chains and master links - it seems to me that most of our acknowledged techno-experts locally regard these as I used to do the Sedis - as good as, or better than OEM, in part because they are cheaper. Also, at least for up to 10 speed, apparently interchangeable with OEM chains.
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=17041&highlight=chains
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=16128&highlight=chains
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=16016&highlight=chains

So, I don't have to worry about 11 sp yet. But, up to 10 speed, it looks like I need to find an LBS with KMC master links. Am I right?

 

[BroDeal]

So, I don't have to worry about 11 sp yet. But, up to 10 speed, it looks like I need to find an LBS with KMC master links. Am I right?

KMC chains come with a quick link. Cut the chain to the right length, snap it together, and you are good to go.

 

[Master50]

I think SRAM chains use master links?

 

[Ruby60]

I've been using KMC 10 speed chains on my Campy Chorus 10sp drivetrains for many years... in fact since Campys chain needed permanent rivets driven in and the special tool required (haha on me... I own one of those Campy chain tools..most I've ever spent on a vise clamp!)
Never have had any issues with the KMC master link coming apart while riding (as long as installed correctly...duh).
Chain shifts very well and runs quietly.

 

[Hawkwood]

I've been using KMC 10 speed chains on my Campy Chorus 10sp drivetrains for many years... in fact since Campys chain needed permanent rivets driven in and the special tool required (haha on me... I own one of those Campy chain tools..most I've ever spent on a vise clamp!)
Never have had any issues with the KMC master link coming apart while riding (as long as installed correctly...duh).
Chain shifts very well and runs quietly.

+1 I've also used the KMC links on Chorus and Record 10 speed chains with no problems what so ever.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

The industry has changed a lot since I last bought chains. I used to buy Sedis chains to replace all other chains on my Shimano and Suntour systems. Now Sedis is not even on the market. And, I now have a 9-speed steed in my stable. So, I have a couple good Shimano HG chains in my stock. And, I've recently run out of replacement rivet pins - had to get more. So, I've been investigating master links.

Two points I'd like to hear thinking and opinions on.

First, as it is the one I'm not sure I have the answer to: what is the outside measurement (dimension, OD) of the various mfr chains/speeds? On this topic, I found this page:
http://www.peterverdone.com/archive/files/kmc%20chains.pdf

Is the "Pin Length" going to = the OD of the chain? What is with the m/m measurement notation? Are these pin lengths/ODs pretty standard, for "speeds", across mfr?

KMC chains and master links - it seems to me that most of our acknowledged techno-experts locally regard these as I used to do the Sedis - as good as, or better than OEM, in part because they are cheaper. Also, at least for up to 10 speed, apparently interchangeable with OEM chains.
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=17041&highlight=chains
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=16128&highlight=chains
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=16016&highlight=chains

So, I don't have to worry about 11 sp yet. But, up to 10 speed, it looks like I need to find an LBS with KMC master links. Am I right?

KMC are great chains and compatible with all 10s systems. They Do have a master link. I also sell a lot of Wipperman Connex links..8/9/10s ones and they work well with eiher shimano or Campagnolo chains. Even tho Connex chains come with the same links, I don't like the chains nor sell them. Anecdotally, they seem to wear cogs faster than other chains plus they don't seem as flexible when new. I have solved many shifting ills by swapping the Connex chain to a KMC.

 

[Master50]

I've been using KMC 10 speed chains on my Campy Chorus 10sp drivetrains for many years... in fact since Campys chain needed permanent rivets driven in and the special tool required (haha on me... I own one of those Campy chain tools..most I've ever spent on a vise clamp!)
Never have had any issues with the KMC master link coming apart while riding (as long as installed correctly...duh).
Chain shifts very well and runs quietly.

I bought the pedros Tutti and it works great on everyones chains. I use the 10 or 11 speed campy chains with great success and great wear. I change my summer bike and winter bike chain each year so they bikes have around 3000k when I change them and I can't recall actually running a chain until it actually measured worn out.

Chains cost a bit much and I don't think any chain should retail more than 50 or 60 bucks but the real gouge is cassettes. A record cassette is 400 to 600 dollars? Chains, cassettes and brake blocks should be priced a lot closer to cost than to these boutique mark ups.

 

[richwagmn]

If you're using master links, it's worth it get one of these:

http://www.parktool.com/product/master-link-pliers-mlp-1

This was recommended to me in this forum and it saves a lot of grief when it comes time to unhook the master link.

 

[hiero2]

Thanks, folks!

But nobody tackled the OD question. Here is why I asked - with several good chains sitting in my workshop cabinet, how can I tell which is which if I don't know beforehand? I have lots of chains with low miles, lubed and waiting to be mounted. I often used to swap a chain out so I could clean and lube at my leisure.

 

[Red Dragon]

First, as it is the one I'm not sure I have the answer to: what is the outside measurement (dimension, OD) of the various mfr chains/speeds? On this topic, I found this page:
http://www.peterverdone.com/archive/files/kmc%20chains.pdf

Is the "Pin Length" going to = the OD of the chain? What is with the m/m measurement notation? Are these pin lengths/ODs pretty standard, for "speeds", across mfr?

Mfr Chains ? I've never heard of that brand ?
Perhaps I am missing something here.
There is a product called MFR chain lube that is used on motorcycle chains.

 

[ElChingon]

Thanks, folks!

But nobody tackled the OD question. Here is why I asked - with several good chains sitting in my workshop cabinet, how can I tell which is which if I don't know beforehand? I have lots of chains with low miles, lubed and waiting to be mounted. I often used to swap a chain out so I could clean and lube at my leisure.

Trial and error, report back when you're done.

 

[ustabe]

With one of these you don't even have to take the chain off the bike.

I tried one on a customer's bike last week and was so impressed I bought one for myself.

 

[hiero2]

Trial and error, report back when you're done.

Oh, yah, thanks for that!

Sure, and I'll do that. Actually - I'll figure it out. It'll be out there somewhere. I'll get the calipers out maybe, and start checking.

I don't have a very good shop area in my present house - what i have is a pita, actually. So, I don't spend much time in it. Life's a beach - time to get some tan.

C ya.

 

[dsut4392]

Mfr Chains ? I've never heard of that brand ?
Perhaps I am missing something here.
There is a product called MFR chain lube that is used on motorcycle chains.

"mfr" = abbreviation of "manufacturer" [also "mfg", "oem" (original equipment manufacturer)]