11-Speed Quicklinks - Re-usable?

[Psamathe]

I need to get some spare Quicklinks for my new Shimano Ultegra 11-speed chain.

Probably buy online (easier than visiting LBS) but Shimano's 11-speed Quicklinks https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/ ... 00-11.html say non-reusable. But elsewhere seen that it's are just that there is a patent on reusable Quicklinks so they can't claim to be reusable but in practice are.

Or can I just get KMC ones? or any other suggestions.

Thanks
Ian

[Mtb tourer]

I buy connex quick links.
https://www.merlincycles.com/wippermann ... 00750.html

[Jdsk]

Useful info:
viewtopic.php?t=113181
viewtopic.php?t=119691

I use Wippermann Connex Link:
https://www.connexchain.com/en/connecto ... onnex-link

Jonathan

[Psamathe]

So can I use any 11-sp Quicklink on any 11-speed chain?

No constraints about Shimano Q/links on Shimano chain; or complex degrees of working eg KMC work OK on <xxx> 11-speed chains but not on <yyy> 11-speed chains.

Ian

[tim-b]

...complex degrees of working eg KMC work OK on <xxx>

KMC make some (possibly all??) Shimano chains and are my favourite

KMC connector links with an "R" suffix are reusable, e.g. CL555R, which is helpfully stamped on the link https://www.kmcchain.com/en/product/con ... r-11-speed

[rareposter]

So can I use any 11-sp Quicklink on any 11-speed chain?

Pretty much, yes - in spite of what the manufacturers claim. I mean, I wouldn't go out of my way to deliberately buy and run a SRAM quicklink on a shimano chain for example but in an emergency, if that's all you can get hold of, it'll work.

12-sp stuff is different and almost always unique.

Regarding reusing them - you can do but while some are reusable for their whole life, others state you can only use them 3 times, some say they should never be reused (although in practice you can usually get away with using them 2-3 times. What happens with repeated opening and closing of the quicklink is the side plates wear out fractionally so it's no longer a secure fit.

[TheBomber]

I sometimes think there’s confusion over the term ‘reusable’. You shouldn’t reuse any of them when you replace the chain - they’ll be as worn as any other link. ‘Re-connectable’ is what you’re asking.