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Hi all,
Another question: I saw that SRAM's powerlinks are supposed to be 'single use' only for the 11/12 speed chains. Is this true? They're about 5 quid each!
Another question: I saw that SRAM’s powerlinks are supposed to be ‘single use’ only for the 11/12 speed chains. Is this true? They’re about 5 quid each!
Nah, be right - I've opened 'em up and re-used them plenty of times. If you care enough, KMC's equivalent are multi-use so use them instead.
Yeah, they're not supposed to be reused but you can. They're a bollocks to get off if you don't have a set of link pliars.
Yeah, they’re not supposed to be reused but you can. They’re a bollocks to get off if you don’t have a set of link pliars.
Too right - should be a pair in everyone's toolbox - can get 'em for a fiver these days!
I think some other manufacturer (KMC?) has the patent for re-useable links, so they had to call them single use or pay royalty. But yeh they can be re-used.
Hmm thought so. Thanks.
Those link pliers - don't leave home without them!
I've posted this before:
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/whats-the-best-11sp-reusable-chain-link/#post-11135775
Im aware someone is going to say "well they would say that wouldn't they?" but I recently read sram say definitely do not use more than once, multiple release deforms it and gets easier to release eachtime, possibility of unhooking during use. (Ive had a normal "multi use" link fall apart during riding, not in a rush to repeat)
The 12 speed ones seem to be single use - the ones I've taken apart, the pins come away from the plates. I just run KMC 11 or 10 speed ones in them and they're fine.
I've re-used 9/10/11spd ones before with no dramas.
I once had a 9spd one fall apart mid ride perhaps after too many (dis)connections. So they probably can get a bit worn and come apart more easily after repeated use - perhaps this is why SRAM don't advocate it. My take is that if I undo/redo a link 2-3 times in the lifetime of the chain it'll probably be fine.
I have had multi-use quick links fail in use at least twice, back when i used take chains off to clean them.
I don't bother very often these days, but I have undone and rejoined the current connex one at least 4 times and it hasn't caused a knee/bollock vs stem interface yet. That's me jinxed...
No idea about 12 Speed
But I just run 9speed reusables in my 9/10/11 speed chains.
I reuse them and basically just put a new one on with a new chain. I have some proper link pliers but also some little diddy ones in my ride toolkit..
Dunno about 12s but never had an issue with 11s or less. And just use plumbers grips to undo them.
Do it reasnobly regulalry too to dunk it in putoline. Never had a chain fail at the quick link.
If SRAM are lying they'll be doing it by adding at least five superfluous sub-lies just like they do with sub-components.
I don't take link pliers with me as if the chain snaps I can just fit a new one...can't think of many reasons to remove a good powerlink on the trail but if it came to it I would just break the chain in s new place using a chain tool.
However, did anyone buy those tyre levers advertised on Facebook? Two levers link together so act as pliers for the quicklinks...looked like a great idea but decided to not impulse buy them!
If SRAM are lying they’ll be doing it by adding at least five superfluous sub-lies just like they do with sub-components.
This. In the attempt to get you to spend more...
Devils I tell you. Devils.......
I got a bit frustrated with them to begin with till I bought the tool for a £10 and its really easy.
Bit of an outlay compared to pins at 10 for a quid, but certainly a lot less fiddly and super easy when clean the chain. Nice to see it kind of went from an emergency join to a permanent feature. Deffo a good cycling development.
Overpriced bike bling, but so nice, and weights nothing