Chain Master Link on a road bike

[Weimaraner1]

Master links are often used on a mtb but I have never used one on my road bike. It makes cleaning a chain so much easier on a mtb......

Anyone using it on their road bikes? Pro's and Con's?

I see Shimano now also supplies them so if you are a Shimano fan you do not have to use the SRAM link.

Feedback appreciated. 

[WR 1.0]

Have used the KMC link on all my previous bikes (Shimano/ SRAM) with no issues.

[mikkelz]

http://www.connexchain.com/imageprocessing/csm_Connex-Link-detail_b95e60ae1e.jpg/connex-link.jpg

 

http://www.connexchain.com/en/product/connex-link.html

 

I've used that on my road bike (Shimano 105 groupset) since the day I got it without any issues.

[Long Wheel Base]

Have had on my road bikes for long time. Even have 2 of them on my interconnect chain on the tandem!!!(the interconnect chain uses 1 and a half chains) Have never had issues.

Single bike I have 2 chains(ultegra and kmc gold) and use the relevant quick links. On the tandem I changed from ultegra to sram chains as they seem to last longer so use the sram link there.

In short am using shimano, kmc and sram quick links and haven't had issues from any of them.

Edit: sorry come to think of it I think I'm using a kmc link on my ultegra chain. Would have to confirm.

[raptor-22]

Been using them on my road bikes since 8speed.

SRAM and connex are the best imo.

[shaper]

also use them on my road bike and time trial bike both 10 and 11spd without issue

[Falco]

I used them for several years, until one sunny day.......

 

Was riding along, my riding partners started sprinting up a small incline, obviously I decided to chase them, and that's the last I remember. Woke up in hospital.

 

The quick link seperated, I went straight over the bars. Broken helmet, broken bike, broken ribs, concussion. Since that day, never used them again.

 

Maybe it was just a dud, although at the time of the crash it had over a thousand k's on it, so it obviously wasn't a fitment problem. I put it down to bad luck and moved on with my life.

[Sepia]

Using them for ages. no probs.  Check them for wear.

[Martin PJ]

I always use them, buy them on eBay 5 to 10 at a time. They are very cheap. Seem to be as reliable as the expensive ones.

 

They are directional, the plate is larger on one side than another. The smaller side must enter the derailleur first on the left if you are standing behind the bike. If you get the direction wrong the chain hops when you are on the 11 ring.

[David Marshall]

I fit them to all chains.  Don't work on a chain without one.

[fanievb]

I fit them to all chains.  Don't work on a chain without one.

 

I've heard other technical minded people saying they hate them.

 

me, I don't like them (failed on me) only use in an emergency.

 

as for cleaning chains Parktool CM 5.2 

[lechatnoir]

Bit of a thread revival... has anyone used masterlinks from Aliexpress? seem pretty well priced.

[Andrew_Smith]

My KMC chain has a master link on my road bike.

 

No issues at all, makes the cleaning process super easy for when I clean/degrease the chain.

[bikebloke]

i even stick them on my campy chains cause its easier than a chain tool - been using them forever

 

(make sure you use the correct speed link for your chain )and never a problem

 

they all made in china anyways (branding means very little )

[Pah Bear]

If you not using them on Road and MTB you just spending unnecessary time during services having to break the chain. Unless ... you don't do your own services. Even just for chain cleaning, the master link is a must have. Buy them when they on sale and keep new ones handy. Ride with a spare Road and MTB all the time.

[Dirkitech]

On topic hi-jack... I read someone saying they've used masterlinks on 8 speed chains too.
Would the following work? 8 Speed Shimano 105 HG chain; tap out a link; replace with general SRAM powerlink?