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I've just fitted the chain to my new Shimano Ultegra groupset, and what a pain that quick link was, certainly not quick and not particularly convenient either.
Are the Sram or KMC ones any better (new to 11 speed) in being able to undo them by hand like the 9 and 10 speed ones, and do they work with Shimano chains?
Thanks.
KMC ones work fine but all the new ones are meant to be single-use unfortunately.
I use quick-link pliers these days, had trouble with both kmc and Shimano, but pliers make it easy.
I bought pliers.
My friend gave me her bike to wax the chain for her the other day and she had a KMC link. I took it off with pliers but it's now loose enough to undo by hand. It had not been undone since it was fitted by her LBS. I have since bought her Shimano ones as, despite them saying they are single use, they stay stiff enough IMO after several "undoings" to be safe enough on the chain - however I must stress this does go against manufacturer advice. The KMC one was so loose I told her not to ride the bike until I had put Shimano on. I bought her a new Shimano chain as well to replace the KMC one.
She has an Ultegra 11 speed.
It is good that it is tight.
I have seen quick links fail, and if you use electric front shifting (like Di2 on road), never use anything else but tight Shimano or a connecting pin - I have seen a Wippermann quick link come apart when it happened to be just in the right spot when the front mech pushed the chain on to the big ring.
Not to mention Campagnolo´s view on connecting pins, never mind quick links...
Not ideal for roadside repairs then, looks as though i'll have to invest in some plier thingies
This is a good tool to carry.
https://www.wideopenmountainbike.com/2020/10/tested-petes-granite-design-talon-review
I have a proper set of link pliers in my tool box but this is great for taking out on a ride. The levers are a decent strength too.
Also on Shimano 11 speed here. I have the Park Tool pliers which can both open and close links. I don't think it would be possible to fit or remove the chain without them.
I've never felt the need to carry any sort of trailside tool because at the end of the day, the worst that is going to happen is that my chain snaps and I just whack on one of the two pairs of KMC quick links I carry in my pack to limp back home / back to the car. As mentioned above, these are loose enough to close by hand. I'd then fit a new chain, at home, with the proper pliers.
Those saying that you need a tool to fit them - you don't. Link goes in top run of chain, back brake on (or hold tyre) then push down on crank.
bit of old gear cable gets them off as well.