AllezDada

What do you guys use - looking for something convenient and reliable.

SebastionMerckx

I've used KMC quick links for years with no issue.

banerjek

I've tried them all. The Wipperman is my favorite by far, though it's also the priciest. I use nothing but.

Seems to me most people favor KMC here.

roshea

Wippermann. Works as well as the others but installation and removal is tool-free.

AllezDada

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll try the KMC, just because it is so much less expensive than the Wippermann. I assume with either of these the chain can be removed and reconnected multiple times (eg for cleaning)?

Erzulis Boat 

Wipperman is totally good to go in my book.

I had some reservations (to say the least) but the Wipperman Connex has exceeded all my expectations.

No tools, and the chain itself is of the utmost quality. I put on many, many miles and I am a heavy dude. The Wipperman has stood up with zero issues. I can safely say that the Wipperman has far outlasted my Campagnolo Record chains by double. Record chains are premium goods, and for the Wipperman articles to outlast them is really incredible. I swear by these chains.

zitter

you're not supposed to reuse quick links, but I've done it a couple times and have had no issues

AllezDada

Does this mean I shouldn't use this as a means of removing the chain to clean it periodically?

Also, with the Wipperman has anyone had any problems with it rusting?

banerjek

The Wipperman is definitely reusable -- I go through at least 3 chains before getting a new link regardless of how many times I open the chain and have been doing this for many years. SRAM is not reusable. KMC can be reused, but I wouldn't trust it for as many uses as the Wipperman. But KMC is also cheap.

banerjek

Never. I've been using them for many years. If you remove the chain to clean it, I'd recommend the Wipperman -- it's way easier to deal with if you're going to be removing the link frequently. The only trick with the Wippy is that it is possible to put it on upside down, so pay attention when you install.

Actually, what you should do is buy the Wipperman *and* the KMC. I think you'll decide that you need the Wipperman, but it will be well worth the money to buy the KMC just so you can play with it and see how it works. That way, you'll feel much better about the cost of the Wippy.

Ice41000

Tried KMC on my MTB. Link broke on steep climb. No KMC for me ever again.
Only Shimano pins.

P.S. KMC link WAS installed properly.

HokuLoa

Super happy for MANY miles on the Wips. Well worth the price.

ZippyThePinhead

Second that. I carry an extra in my seatbag, too.

foresthill

I don't believe there are any issues with reusing the KMC link. At least I've never had a problem. Tho i do tend to replace them when I replace the chain.

chasm54

Why do you all use quick links? I clean the chain on the bike without difficulty, and on the rare occasions I need to break a chain it's easy enough to do so - and put it back together - using a chain tool.

curiouskid55

none useless and dangerous

ibis_ti

You're not supposed to re-use pins like that on 9-speed and above chains. You need a special pin(Shimano break away pin) or a special connector or a special tool to peen the pin.

banerjek

A lot of people like to use different chains with different cassettes for length and wear reasons. Also, master links are also easier to use than pins and simplify a few maintenance tasks such as getting at the pulleys.

BTW, when you say you put the chain back together, I hope you mean with the special pins that are supplied. It's dangerous to just pop out pins and reuse them. Seriously.

chasm54

Yes, I'm aware that that Shimano connecting pins need to be used, and use them - though in a pinch I wouldn't worry about it - the risk, if one is careful, is pretty small. As for using different chains with different cassettes, I find this unnecessary. If the chain and the cassette are not allowed to get overly worn, swapping out the rear wheel isn't going to give rise to any problems.

contango 

Make sure the 10-speed can be opened and closed repeatedly. I think the SRAM 10-speed quick link locks once it's been put into place so can't be opened and closed again, not sure about the KMC.

I use a 9-speed KMC chain with the KMC missing link and every time I clean my drivetrain I take the chain off. The missing link can be removed and replaced without tools.

contango 

I find it hugely easier to take the chain off to clean it. It makes it easier to clean the chain, the chainrings, and the jockey wheels. I also find it easier to get the back wheel on and off when the chain is removed.

roshea

Useless? You have no interest in quickly removing and replacing a chain without tools?

Dangerous? You break quicklinks regularly?

Fine, if you don't like them, don't use them. But saying that they're useless and dangerous suggests that you don't really know very much.

chasm54

You remove the chain to take the back wheel off? Wow. With or without a quick link, that is disproportionate. As for the rest, I disagree. It's perfectly easy to clean all those items with the chain on the bike.

Shimagnolo

Park MLP-1 takes it off easily.
It *can* be re-used with the same chain.

contango 

When I'm cleaning the bike I take the chain off to clean it anyway, and with the chain off it's easier to take the back wheel off. If I need to take the back wheel off in the field I leave the chain on.

I find it easier to clean the chainrings, jockey wheels etc with the chain removed, so I remove it. If you find it just as easy with the chain on feel free to leave the chain on. I guess that's the beauty of being different - if the OP finds a quick link and finds it doesn't make life any easier then s/he can go back to using a chain without them easily enough.