quick links for OEM shimano chain?
 

Just got a new Kona Sutra. Before riding it, I went to strip the chain so I can wax it, and found there is no quick link on the chain. I haven't bought Shimano chains in decades. The chain is an HG-X, CN-HG54. I spoke with the mechanic at the store, and he said the chain is directional, you have to take a pin out and replace it with a Shimano pin to reassemble. He said I could use a quick link, but he didn't say what I should get. He's really old school and doesn't believe in quick links.

Can anyone steer me toward some cost effective quick links that will work with this chain?

I assume it is a 10 speed chain so any shimano 10 spd. quick link will work. You could simply buy a 10 spd pin dirt cheap and reattach. But if you put it on the wrong way then yes you have to take off and put on the correct way.

Something like these?
https://www.ridestudiocafe.com/onlin...ck-chain-links

Many of the Shimano chains now come with quick links and I have found Shimano's quick links to be very reliable.

I would not, repeat not, "press in a new pin". Have seen that fail a number of times.

there are chains and quick links available on ebay - just put your query in "shimano 10 spd quick link"

/markp

Pressing in a new pin is how many Shimano chains are intended to be installed, using their break-off style pins.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...376ebb430.jpeg

I've had good luck with both SRAM and KMC quick links.

FWIW: the KMC 10- and 11-speed varieties come in "reusable" and "non-reusable" varieties. I use the "reusable" variety, but use a new one each chain (I'm a "belt and suspenders" kinda guy when it comes to reliability).

I have used numerous brands of quick links on both the same brand chain, and non matching brands, in various seeds. The matching up the designated speed numbers is the crucial part due to chains getting narrower as the speed number increases.
I also reuse all brands of links, I have never had an issue with them failing. IMO, stating that the pin provided by Shimano is subject to popping out is not true. Once the pin is installed properly, it cannot then be reliably reused after removal.

Thanks, everyone. I'll get some quick links for 10 speed. I've also always reused the quick links that came with my inexpensive KMC chains and never had a problem, but that was with 9 speed, if that matters. I'll look for the reusable KMC.

Anyone ever try the Wipperman stuff? Is it worth it?

Wipperman chains are very good, but IMO, not worth purchasing at full retail price. I bought a couple on sale 3 years ago, 10 speed, cannot say I noticed a difference in performance, but they are very quiet. Their tool less quick links are really nice and handy.

Any KMC, Shimano, Wipperman, SRAM link will work fine as long as it's for the matching speed of chain. You won't notice much difference in quality. Avoid the no-name cheapie links on Amazon, Alibaba, etc.