SRAM chain link

[Justin]

Hi guys/gals

 

 

 

What is your opinion on the SRAM chain link thingy. Is it better than using a chain breaker to link/unlink a chain?

 

Thanks

[splat]

For use on a 9spd chain?

Its silly not to have one...

[The expat cyclist]

It works. Very well. Easy to remove th chain when cleaning it. Easy to put back. I always carry a spare set with me as it beat carrying a chain breaker and connector pins etc.

[Willehond]

I think it's better than that blerrie pin.  There is more chance that the pin you install yourself fails than that the powerlink fails!

 

As far as I know SRAM chains don't even come with a pin which should answer your question.

[nickc]

Brilliant, simple technology - it works and its cheap.

[Johan Bornman]

It is the cat's whiskers.

[Slowbee]

piktures ?\

 

 

[Fulmenicilus]

Absolutely worth it - never had one fail on me yet!

[udxcob]

Works well just dont try take it off, its very difficult or i am doing it wrong.

[splat]

Works well just dont try take it off' date=' its very difficult or i am doing it wrong.[/quote']

 

They do get a bit jammed up and stuck.

Some handy plier work is some times required.

 

or these Park tool twezers:

 

[Trapper]

These things work awesome!. I've got all my bikes fitted (road and MTB) and carry a spare for in case the chain fail on another link - then I'll just push out that pin and link it there

 

That said - at the Telkom MTB race, on the HEAVY downhill, I tried to go as fast as possible - nearly had my false teeth come out from the bouncing . When I started to pedal at the bottom of the hill, the chain fell off completely!!  The SRAM link came loose, lost one part and well, that's the end of that. Took me exactly 1 minute to fit my spare link, and off I went.

 

So, they are not infallible, BUT MUCH BETTER THAN THE CHAINBREAKER...

[Edge_Design]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but are all 9 speed chains compatible with Shimano and SRAM (i.e. can i run a SRAM chain on an XT group?). Following from this, can you use the powerlink with a Shimano chain? If so, how much do they cost locally?

 

I have a tendency to break chains regularly (or so it seems) so this sounds like it could be the fix I need... I know you theoretically shouldn't brake chains if changing gears correctly, but the last time was after 2km of very steep, slow spinning without a single gear change (just putting that out there before I get told off for breaking my chain!)

[kosmonooit]

 

I've only just started using them (also just also started servicing my own bikes) and think they are a great idea. ?But data sheet says for one-time use only! Maybe thats a sales pitch, guess you take your chances if you open with pliers and reuse.

 

Also just wondering aloud about chain breakages: how often does it happen at the linkage made using chain tool? What is it a symptom of: dodgy RD? worn chain?

kosmonooit2009-12-11 12:52:43

[Mackie]

I've only just started using them (also just also started servicing my own bikes) and think they are a great idea.  But data sheet says for one-time use only! Maybe thats a sales pitch' date=' guess you take your chances if you open with pliers and reuse.

 

Also just wondering aloud about chain breakages: how often does it happen at the linkage made using chain tool? What is it a symptom of: dodgy RD? worn chain?

[/quote'] I have done over 1000kays on a Power Link. They work on both SRAM and Shimano chains of the same speed, those puppies are just as important to me than CO2 bombs on a ride. mackiemoo2009-12-11 12:58:03

[mountain_lion]

 

AFAIK only the 10 speed ones are "use once".

 

I remove and re-fit my 9 speed one every time I clean the chain.

mountain_lion2009-12-11 13:46:34

[Climate]

You shouldn't need to use pliers ... in fact, I'd advise against it (simply because you may end up bending the plate).  As long as you give yourself a bit of slack on the chain and make a "Z" with the links either side of the Powerlink, it should disengage with finger-strength alone.