Hi everyone, I’m a big fan of waxing my chain and have been doing so for about two years or so. Up until now, I’ve always used the non-reusable quick links. I’ve used each quick link about two or three times before replacing them. I’ve heard that there’s reusable ones, notably I’ve found ones made by KMC and Connex. Does anyone have experiences with running reusable quick links?
Connex links can last the full life of the chain, or possibly two chains. I use a 12s one. They don’t snap closed, and they rely on the shape of the channel to stay closed under power.
YBN links do snap closed but they snap quite loosely. Be a bit more careful when joining them. They’re rated for 5 re-uses. So, one link probably won’t last your full chain if you’re exclusively hot melt waxing. No bad experiences here, aside from the one user error where I didn’t join the link properly and broke the pin off one side.
No experience with KMC.
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Cool thanks, good to hear that the Connex stuff is good. I am tempted to get one and just wanted to hear that someone else has good experiences with it.
although labelled as “not re-useable” I have been hot waxing shimano 11-speed chains for ~ 5 years and have re-used their quick-links 3 - 5 times after re-waxing without any issues. Have upgraded bike a few months back to 12-speed and have continued same practice with no issues so far …
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Which brand of chain to you use with the Connex link? I’d use it with a Shimano chain. I guess that should work.
Shimano 11 speed chains work fine with Connex links. Been using this combo for a couple of years now.
I rememeber a review on the Old Site of the 11 speed Connex chain and James called it “the zombie chain” because it would not die.
I’ve been using the quick link from Connex 11s (road/Shimano) and Connex 12s (gravel/Shimano 2x) for approx 10’000 km, without issues. I’m using Sram Eagle X01 chains for 12s, and Sram PC-1170 for 11s. Initially I also did a few hundred km with the Connex link and Shimano chains.
Another advantage of the Connex link is that one can easily remove the waxed chain before washing the bike.
Here’s a compatibility table from zero friction cycling:
https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Master-Link-Compatibility-Guide-v1.pdf
Note that the Connex links are directional. You know you have it right when the writing is right side up (this also means that the hole is on the left. If you put it on backwards, it will skip when it is on smaller cassette sprockets.
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Thought I’d repeat my warning posted previously on Discord. Connex are fantastic. The thing to remember is they don’t “snap” into place when you put them on so be sure they are on correctly or you’ll be in for a surprise!
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I actually use one with Campy, but there shouldn’t be issues with Shimano. I am not sure about SRAM.
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When the chain is on the bottom run, no?
Yes, good point!
Been using Wipperman connex links on ten speed for years now with no issues. Just make sure you put them on the right way up!
Here in the UK budget brand Clarks started making knock offs at nearly half the price which I’ve used on one bike for a while with no issues, so look around.
Edit: Wipperman used on ultegra and campag, knock off used on SRAM.
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I would add that I use the Connex 11sX chain, which has stainless steel inner plates and rollers, in the PNW, with Silca hot melt wax. I can verify that it can be hosed off after a ride and wiped with a microfiber towel without rusting. Better to then add drip wax, of course, but this allows me to not worry about it in a pinch.
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Ha, I hate to say it but I have had great results with some of the Ali Express ones. They come in all speeds from 8 to 12 and have not missed a beat for me in two years on road and gravel. I use them for around ten waxes, and they are well less than half the price of the S brands.* (*Your mileage might vary.)
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One more vote for Wipperman Connex. As long as you have the orientation correct, they are almost impossible to screw up. I had a link from another brand that I hadn’t snapped into place correctly blow up on me and kill the rear derailleur. Costly mistake.
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Team YBN here. I buy them pre-waxed from moltenspeedwax and use the quick links until they stop closing with a bit of a snap. The chains seem top quality and I can usually get more than 5 uses out of the links.
I try to reuse my AXS flattop quick links as well. I can usually get 2-3 uses out of those.
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Officially you should stick to what each company recommends for the links.
Unofficially i have been using one shimano link for 3000km approx. on my gravel rig. I always lube it before installation with ceramicspeed all conditions dripwax and it still snaps shut convincingly after about 25 connections. As soon as i see any slop in it it will be in the bin.
Regular maintenance and keeping all your running gear clean is the key to knowing when bbq to replace any component.
Wax on, wax off!
Where are the folks in the U.S. buying Connex 11sp links? None of my preferred online stores sell them, and most of the ones I’m pulling up by Web search (barring Jeff Bozo’s site, where I only shop as a last resort due to provenance and other shadiness) have high shipping costs.