Shimano 10 speed chain quick link

[Custom24]

Hi
My new bike has the following

Cassette Shimano CS-4600 Tiagra 11-30, 10 Speed
Chain Shimano CN-4601 Tiagra, 10 Speed
Crankset FSA Gossamer 34-50, 10 Speed, Compact Double

I'd like to buy a couple of spare chains and rotate them regularly to maximise cassette life.

I'm not familiar with 10 speed stuff. Is using a quick link OK (as long as it's a 10 speed one listed suitable for Shimano, I guess)? Are different 10 speed chains compatible?

Thanks

 

[Custom24]

Oh, the rest of the bike is spec'd here

http://whyte.bike/2014/product.php?xProd=116&xSec=163&jssCart=ccbee8a695506a9dc56e7adf2d77951e

 

[ianrauk]

Yes you can use a quick link. KMC chains are many peoples chains of choice.

 

[solidthegreat]

+1 KMC quick link, (Make sure you get the one relevant to your chain IE; 10 speed, I'm sure you are well aware of that, but there are some people who will buy 9s as they are cheaper)

 

[solidthegreat]

Oh BTW, I run a shimano chain with KMC quick links and they run with no problems. (Touch wood!!!)

 

[Custom24]

Thanks all, will order today

 

[raleighnut]

Thanks all, will order today

One thing I was told when I first went 10 speed was to make sure I'd got the length of chain right as the 10 speed quick link is a oneshot component and that (the mechanic who told me this is a guy I trust) he'd never got one apart without breaking it. I've not tried yet as that bike has only done about 600 miles so far and the chains still as new.

 

[adscrim]

One thing I was told when I first went 10 speed was to make sure I'd got the length of chain right as the 10 speed quick link is a oneshot component and that (the mechanic who told me this is a guy I trust) he'd never got one apart without breaking it. I've not tried yet as that bike has only done about 600 miles so far and the chains still as new.

I can split the KMC missing links no problem by hand - squeeze together and slide.

I find the SRAM power links more of a problem both splitting and joining but can normally get them to work after a suitable amount of swearing. Alternatively, you can buy a specific tool - chain reaction have a bbb one on sale for £6 ish at the moment.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/bbb-open-link-closing-link-tool-btl77/rp-prod47439

 

[JoeyB]

I just ordered this a few hours ago http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-x10-l-silver-10-speed-chain/

Recommended by Cyclechat user

 

[MisterStan]

One thing I was told when I first went 10 speed was to make sure I'd got the length of chain right as the 10 speed quick link is a oneshot component and that (the mechanic who told me this is a guy I trust) he'd never got one apart without breaking it. I've not tried yet as that bike has only done about 600 miles so far and the chains still as new.

AFAIK it's the SRAM link that is one shot.

 

[adscrim]

AFAIK it's the SRAM link that is one shot.

Not so, the SRAM link is much more stubborn in my experience but does open and close to enable re-use.

 

[ColinJ]

I have opened and reused both SRAM (PS sorry - 9 speed only) and 10 speed KMC quick links.

Dirty links do tend to get clogged up and harder to open, so that's another reason to keep your chain clean. Wipe the quick link clean before trying to open it.

I also found that squeezing the side plates together helps when you try to slide them apart.

Oh, and derail the chain to take the tension off it when you are trying to undo the link.

 

[ianrauk]

Both SRAM and KMC quick links are reusable.

 

[Custom24]

Hi guys
Something is not right. I swapped out the chain with one of the new ones yesterday and the quick link is not going through the jockey wheels properly.

The chain is identical to the original - a 4601
The quick link is a KMC reusable 10 speed quick link for KMC and Shimano chains

When the quick link goes through the jockey wheels, there is a click, and putting it on the stand, I can see that it looks a bit like a stiff link.

So either I've not fitted the quick link right, or I've damaged the new chain somehow. I had to shorten it by 4 links from how it came.

I rode 15 miles on this today (I didn't notice the click until I set off this morning)

I guess there is no way now to abandon the quick link on this new chain - can I append spare side plates to make it the correct length? I tried that this evening and ended up breaking my chain tool. Sigh...

Any other ideas how I can get the quick link working properly?

Thanks
Mark

 

[Custom24]

I think what is likely is that I've stiffened one of the links near the break point while shortening the chain? Does anyone know if Shimano chains can be unstiffened using a chain tool by manipulating the rivets? I've already tried flexing the chain side to side and that didn't make any difference.
Thanks