Sy Reene

I only carry quick links in my saddlebag for the incredibly small chance I break my chain while riding (hasn't happened yet). So in this instance, cost is a factor as an emergency repair item, where you're really only talking about installing and not removing (unless it's the original quicklink that broke and which would have come with the chain anyway if you do this). Otherwise I peen and install my campy/campagnolo chain at home with the pin that it comes with.

redlude97

a wire coathanger inserted between the pins works in a pinch

Sy Reene

Up there with duct tape and zip ties as things to wedge in your jersey's back pocket.

2cam16

All good with me. I have the tool. Again, these are my choices. What I can afford. They work as good as any.

woodcraft

Sy Reene

And the tin of Skoal in the middle pocket is priceless.

noodle soup

I'm just explaining the difference between Wippermann links, and the rest of them.

For 8 + 10 speed bikes I use Wippermann chains, but 11 speed bikes use Dura-Ace.

woodcraft

That's the duct tape...

Leinster

I’ve been able to open them by hand no problem. Last time it happened was with a 9spd chain, and granted 11s might be different.

Leinster

Presumably you carry the WD40 in a bottle cage.

noodle soup

SRAM 10+11spd links “lock” on, 9spd and under are simple slip fit.

Powerlock vs Powerlink

Drew Eckhardt 

I use KMC reusable missing links.

They're currently $9.44/6 for Campagnolo C10 chains ($1.57 each), although I picked up three cards on sale for $2 each $(0.33 per link) on my last order which will get me through my next 80,000 miles.

Non-Campagnolo 10 speed links are $5.99 / 6 ($1 each), 11 speed $30 / 4 ($7.50 each), and 12 speed $14.99/2 ($7.50 each).

DrIsotope

I tried a Wipperman link on a non-Connex chain just once-- and it's the only link I've ever had fail. I cannot justify the cost when I'm using $15 FSA or SRAM 11-speed chains that come with quick links, and last every bit as long as Connex.

To all of the "I already own pliers" crowd: sure, a lot of items can be used as a hammer as well. But none work quite as well as a hammer. I bought my pair of link pliers for $6. The tool to take the spider off of my Rotor cranks was $30, and I've used it twice.

noodle soup

We are both high mileage cyclist, but I've never had an issue with Connex links

+1

The right tool for the job doesn't cost a fortune. Why worry about **** like this?

Kimmo 

I don't buy a tool if I can replace it with a technique. I've got no use for third hand tools, for instance.

Best way to open a quick link without a tool IMO: make a triangle with it on the big ring, use something, anything, to tap the side of the link.

If the tool is around I'll use it, but it's not so much easier I'd bother getting one for myself.

WhyFi

Do you guys pull out the SlapChop™ when you make salsa? I don't. I have the knife and the knife skills to plow through onions, peppers, herbs, etc with little problem, so why add the clutter of a SlapChop™ to my kitchen?

Similarly, concern about the cost of a link tool hasn't kept me from buying one. Instead, it's a complete lack of concern about the functionality that has kept me from buying one. I simply don't need it - having it would add zero functionality to my toolbox - and it would only add a marginal amount of convenience considering the frequency of use and the ease of the existing alternative. If I worked at a shop and had a parade of bikes through the door? Sure. But I don't, so I don't... but don't let that keep you from SlapChopping.

eduskator

Love the trademark superscript!

I guess people are doing this to save some time & effort (humanity is getting lazy you know!). I ended up buying link pliers on Amazon for cheap. It came with a chain checker tool as well. Oh well, new tools in my toolbox!

I'll wait to need a new chain, and buy the Connex 11S.

deacon mark

I use Wipperman Connex by far easier to use than Shimano quick link. I tried the Shimano QL as I use Shimano chains exclusively and they are a pain to get off and on. The Wipperman is a snap and easy to take take chain off bike and clean in mineral spirits jar. The Wipperman is pricey I think I paid about $25 for it but I use the one link for 2 chains. I am pretty easy on the drive train and get 5-6000 miles on a chain before any real stretch, then I replace chain use same link for the next chain. That is not a bad price for miles and the Wipperman far exceeds anything I have seen or used. I guess if you go through a chain in 2000 miles then maybe but I have never had a chain go less than 5000 miles and I measure with a steel machinist ruler.

jadocs

7000 plus miles last year on Connex chain with Connex link. Already have 540 miles this year so far added to that, not a hint of an issue.

noodle soup

I've never had an issue with Connex links either. I had a 10spd Connex link that I used for about 30k miles, with Shimano chains.

Riveting

I carry a KMC quick link in the saddle bag for road repairs. I always carry one 10-spd and one 11-spd link just in case I swap the saddle bag between bikes, or to help a fellow rider, and I use the link that came with the chain during chain replacement. An extra quick link in the bag will help repair a broken/bent link on the road, even without needing a chain break tool (as long as it's an outside link, which is what I've typically seen). Practice how to open (and secure, which is the easier of the two) that quick link without the special pliers, since you probably won't have the pliers with you on the road. At home, I use the special pliers out of convenience. .