SRAM Master Links

[granfondo]

Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere before... Over the years I've accumulated an 8-spd and 9-spd master link - both have never been used. Why are the links designated as 8- 9- or 10-speed etc.? They all look pretty much the same to me. I believe these are reusable links - so could I use either of them with the SRAM Rival 10-speed setup on my bike? That said, I've currently got a SRAM PowerLock on my chain. Apparently this can't be re-used, although I've opened the link a few times and put it back on - and it's still going strong. Can anyone provide some answers to clear this up? Appreciated!

[NotSoBigBen]

The difference is in the width as I underatand it ..... narrower as you get more gears.

Edited December 10, 2011 by BigBen

[granfondo]

The difference is in the width as I underatand it ..... narrower as you get more gears.

Thanks, that makes sense. I'll go have a closer look, with my Vernier in hand...! I went to my LBS a couple weeks back to swop the 9-spd for a 10-spd link - they didn't have stock, and told me I could use the 9-spd with my current 10-spd setup... Hence the reason for my question.

[David Marshall]

Can't use 9 speed with 10 speed. As for the SRAM 10 speed being reuasble, there were a couple of failures in the States which led to them packaging them as single use (Was covered on the hub a while ago). If you look at the 10 speed they do not have the pressed in recesses for the pin to seat in which are clearly visable on the 9 speed. This is the area which gets damaged with reuse but you can reuse them - just don't expect any recourse. I rather use YBN or KMC ones as they are reusable and cheaper.

[Tankman]

From this thread:

 

What they mean with Single use is one chain one link. New chain - new link! Easy!

 

You can remove your chain as many time as you like but as soon as you replace your chain, you replace the link.

 

Sram ones are the best! I've tried them all KCNC, YCNsomething, Dura Ace and they were all crap.

 

Sram link can go on any brand of chain as long as you match the speeds.

[javadude]

From this thread:

 

Thats not officialy the case. From the Sram website:

 

"...the especially tight tolerances of 10 Speed drive trains mandated that each PowerLock is good for a one-time application only."

 

Having said that, i reuse mine without any issues.

[Tankman]

Thats not officialy the case. From the Sram website:

 

"...the especially tight tolerances of 10 Speed drive trains mandated that each PowerLock is good for a one-time application only."

 

Having said that, i reuse mine without any issues.

 

:lol: This is officially not the first time that we have had different interpretations of the official statements!

Edited December 10, 2011 by Tankman

[granfondo]

Thanks for the feedback... Bottom line: I'll keep the 8-spd link for my 'spare' bike with Sora (yeah, I know...), keep the 9-spd for my son's Tiagra, and get myself a new 10-spd link for my Rival.