Probably been covered before , but I've reused a Shimano 12 speed Quick link that has only done one 20 mile ride and I click them into place by pushing down on the pedal until I hear the click . Now according to the official Shimano guidelines I've committed 2 dangerous sins by reusing the link and not securing it with a correct tool . Will I die ?
While on the subject I understand 12 speed chains should be replaced at 50 rather than 75% wear which I guess is reasonable but I was also advised that on my EBike 500 miles is changed time , seems a bit excessive to me ?
I'm using XT chains although some talk of SRAM XO or XX are worth the extra investment?
Yep. I guarantee your death. Not by quick link misuse tho. 😀
I work on the premise that if the link clicks when I close it, it's good.
SRAM will last longer but is less efficient. Using SRAM on Shimano 12 speed does mean that hyperglide plus will only be hyperglide.
SRAM xo do seem to last longest. Big test, lots of graphs.. check second from the bottom,
https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/chaintesting/
12sp really doesn't like being re-used. 11sp you can get away with a couple of uses but after that they get flaky too.
Definitely a consideration for chain waxing if you need a new quicklink each time at £6 a pop. 😳
For the chain replacement part of the question, I don't replace them until they are absolutely knackered and then do the chain, cassette and chainring at the same time.
I'm on 5,500 miles on the original 12spd chain on my e-Domane with some life still left in it. Only on my second split link. Chain comes off every 700 miles or so for Silca re-waxing.
@crazy-legs when you say 12 speed doesn't like being reused what happens do they suddenly snap under load ? I would have thought one that's only 1 twenty mile ride old should be ok ?
I've always reused quick links for 10,11 & 12 speed, as long as they make a nice click as they lock then they are good, never used a special tool to fit them, just press down on the pedal until they click in place, never had one snap or cause an issue and that's on MTB, E-MTB and road bikes, the latter two tend to put more force on the chain
You do know 11 & 12 speed chains are meant to be replaced at 0.5 wear, 10 speed was 0.75
75% wear
Err. No well before that!
Zero issues reusing 12sp quick links multiple times, and I didn't even know there was a tool to do it, other than the rear brake and crank arm.
I use XTR chains when I can as they're much more resistant to corrosion and not much more to buy. I seriously doubt anyone will notice the gains from a 'more efficient' chain in the real world where you're pedalling over lumpy things, through mud, water, and **** knows what else.
I have had a "non-reusable" chain link break after reuse although it wasn't the XT style, it was one with the two pins fixed on to the one side and the simple plate on the other. Bought some KMC reusable ones after that.
@ecsrs yep 50 % as I put in my post
I'm one of "those" people who rotate chains. On a 1 x 12 shimano setup I've got around 7000 miles so far between 2 chains and one chainring/cassette, and I've used one powerlink for each chain* (so 5 uses of the same powerlink on each chain) and not had any issues with either. I don't click them into place by standing on the pedals though, I use a BBB chainlink tool (which sometimes takes a few goes to get them to seat well).
* I use powerlinks because Hope chainrings don't seem to work well with the Shimano quick link. Edit: with an XT chain.
IIRC correctly, KMC Quick Links are designed for re-use, so maybe get one of those instead of Shimano?
I just measured my KMC X12 which I've used all this year, as the Zero test indicates high wear. It's nowhere near 0.5, I'd say 0.25 approx. So, I guess it'll do another year of trail riding, which is fine by me. The first graph on that page shows efficiency (cleaned and waxed) as well as longevity and both KMCs tested come out with a top speed rating along with four others.
The decision to buy KMC was based on previous decent value and being the only one (I think) to arrive pre-waxed. It actually arrived really lightly waxed but, more importantly, I didn't need the usual removal of factory grease. I've used Squirt emulsion wax on it, the same as I've used on every other chain and bike for years now. [The 'GO' wax that KMC use, and sell expensively, was developed by Squirt]
SRAM xo do seem to last longest. Big test, lots of graphs.. check second from the bottom,
Pfft there's no issues re-using 12sp Shimano quicklinks, just replace it when it seems loose/doesn't click (I chain wax so re-use quite frequently).
Also, do NOT buy quicklinks etc. (or even chains) on Amazon or AliExpress, most are fake garbage.
I've had a couple of SRAM quick links split after re-use, and I'm Mr average, so I use new each time I split the chain.
I remember (I think) reading that the non reusable thing was for patent reasons. Some company (KMC?) got a patent on reusable links on 11 speed and above, so other companies can’t market theirs as re usable.
My usual decision for using them again, is how easily they come apart. Too easy and it’s time for a new one. Very scientific. Refitting tool thing is just to save them for lawsuits when some dumb American doesn’t put it together properly and goes flat on their face, the first time they press on the pedals.
I remember (I think) reading that the non reusable thing was for patent reasons. Some company (KMC?) got a patent on reusable links on 11 speed and above, so other companies can’t market theirs as re usable.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I've read that before.
I've reused them loads of times, even on my full fat ebike. I've even snapped the chain on the ebike and it wasn't even the quicklink that failed.
I've got the tool to remove one correctly but I've always done the crank trick to engage them again.
Mine usually fail whilst re-installing when they are are at end of life, but will reuse as many times as possible until failure.
The 3 prong plier tool is really useful .
Not convinced by the Friction facts for actual mtbing in the UK.
IIRC correctly, KMC Quick Links are designed for re-use, so maybe get one of those instead of Shimano?
KMC seem to do both reusable & non-reusable links. With the non-reusable type it appears that you are really only meant to use it once.
I'm still on 10 speed, but I've always used the reusable type supplied with the chain to break the chain as many times as I need, I then bin it with the worn chain. However, it appears that even these are only meant to be used 3-5 times!
https://www.kmcchain.com/en/series/chain-connector-12s-11s-10s-9s-8s-7s-6s-speed
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I've read that before.IIRC someone on Weightweenies dug out the original patent.
But i reuse all the time. Never Shimano though, their chains (IME) are awful for durability and random snapping.