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I am a bit tight fisted when it comes to tiny bits of metal that cost around 50% of the total part cost so looking for a bargain option.
I had my KMC missing link come apart on a ride last week after the chain got a bit mangled. Amazingly, despite the forest floor being covered in leaves, I found both parts and managed to get it all back together again. Not knowing if the link that comes with a chain is a multi use on one time only I went to buy a replacement today FIFTEEN EFFING QUID! The chain was only 30 FFS!
Anyway, ranting aside, I have Googled "can I use (Insert different brand name to chain) quick link on KMC" and it looks like most people other than manufacturers say there is no isse with mix and match so does anyone have any real life experience with the more appropriatly priced links you can get from Ali E and eBay?
Ta
No problem with reusing or using another brand.
I've used all sorts of different ones. Even on different speed chains, (within reason) in an emergency. That then probably stayed on there until the chain was replaced. 😁
15 quid is ridiculous though. Last time I needed some immediately, they were about 12 for a pair.
Not sure how I missed that the first time around. Found one of the SRAM oil slick links on Amazon for a fiver delivered tomorrow. Up yours KMC and CRC
Thr SRAM 9 and 10sp ones seem to work on both SRAM and Shimano 9 and 10 speed chains, in all eight possible permutations
That mega PSA from the German site had the big discounts 70% off 11 and 12 speed links. I only buy on sale as they stupid money, as are shimano pins.
My riding buddy bought a pair from a well known online store for £9.99 a couple of years ago and 50 pairs turned up. No one locally is worried about finding replacements 😆
He did inform said company who just wrote it off 🤷♂️
Decathlon branded ones supposedly come from the same manufacturer as KMC. £8 for two if you have a store nearby.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/11-speed-quick-release-links-twin-pack/_/R-p-119911
Ybn links are designed for multi use and come in multipacks.
Second the Decathlon suggestion - that’s what I’ve been using with no problems.
My riding buddy bought a pair from a well known online store for £9.99 a couple of years ago and 50 pairs turned up. No one locally is worried about finding replacements 😆
@mjsmke, The link takes you to road chain option, is this just another label applied to allow them to have multiple items that are specific to a genre of cycling? I have also found e-bike specific clothing recently that tickled me
I read about the need for road and mtb specific adapters on SRAM chains. In theory there is a difference between the road and MTB chains such as flattop, roller sizes etc.
I went to my LBS, and we got one of each and measured them up using some Vernier callipers and all critical sizes were identical. There is maybe the slightest difference in shape of the plate, but I seriously doubt that would make any difference.
Just to get this clear... instead of buying a Shimano 12-speed link for £12, I can buy a SRAM road specific one for my mtb for £3.75, and no one will die?
My riding buddy bought a pair from a well known online store for £9.99 a couple of years ago and 50 pairs turned up.
I once bought a pack of 50 for around the same price, but only 1 showed up.
Presumed it was a mistake when buying but thought it was worth a punt 😁
My riding buddy bought a pair from a well known online store for £9.99 a couple of years ago and 50 pairs turned up. No one locally is worried about finding replacements
This happened to my friend from the assumed same online store. Ordered one pair of gloves and received a box of 25 pairs.
This happened to my friend from the assumed same online store. Ordered one pair of gloves and received a box of 25 pairs.
My mates and I are sorted for carbon assembly paste for life for similar reasons.
Keeping it OT - I've re-used, mixed and matched pretty much as everyone has said on the thread with no problems.
Blimey ..I only run 9 and 10 speed and was horrified to see they were around a fiver each on ebay now ..not long ago I was getting 2 pairs for £3. So glad I'm not interested in 11/12 speed stuff ...prices seem silly and kit often unnecessary but maybe I'm biased being skint.
I have a Sram chain on my 12 speed, came up a bit short on the new frame, so extended with a KMC 11spd quick link. Only did one ride with it, but it worked fine. Then the new chain turned up 🙂
I freely mix and match (and reuse) all brands across 9, 10 and 11 speed, don't even know which are which. Or which ones are "single use". Just throw them away when they lose their click/snap.