Quick release link or pin?

[crepi]

Pozdrav,hello. I want to remove the bicycle chain to clean it. However, I’m not sure whether it has a quick link. I watched Gremlin’s videos, but I still can’t figure out whether this is just a regular pin or a quick link. The chain has nine speeds. I am attaching a photo.

 

[BikeGremlin]

Pozdrav,hello. I want to remove the bicycle chain to clean it. However, I’m not sure whether it has a quick link. I watched Gremlin’s videos, but I still can’t figure out whether this is just a regular pin or a quick link. The chain has nine speeds. I am attaching a photo.

Hi,

That looks like a Shimano connector pin / shown at 10:45 in the video:
Connecting bicycle chains (quick links, pins etc.)

It is one-time use only. Other pins on that chain seem like the hollow one-time use also (as is the case with most 9+ speed chain pins).

An OK solution for cleaning the chain off the bike is to get a 9-speed quick-link (shown in the above-noted video at 9:18 as "Quick link type 2"). Any compatible 9-speed quick link should work (Shimano, or KMC, SRAM, etc.).

Relja

 

[crepi]

Hi,

That looks like a Shimano connector pin / shown at 10:45 in the video:
Connecting bicycle chains (quick links, pins etc.)

It is one-time use only. Other pins on that chain seem like the hollow one-time use also (as is the case with most 9+ speed chain pins).

An OK solution for cleaning the chain off the bike is to get a 9-speed quick-link (shown in the above-noted video at 9:18 as "Quick link type 2"). Any compatible 9-speed quick link should work (Shimano, or KMC, SRAM, etc.).

Relja

I just watched the video clip you sent me and I assumed that was it, but I needed confirmation from a professional. Thank you. One more question, Relja. Can I put a quick link on the chain I currently have? And if the answer is yes, where do I install it? Do I remove one link together with this one-time-use pin, or how does it work?

 

[BikeGremlin]

I just watched the video clip you sent me and I assumed that was it, but I needed confirmation from a professional. Thank you. One more question, Relja. Can I put a quick link on the chain I currently have? And if the answer is yes, where do I install it? Do I remove one link together with this one-time-use pin, or how does it work?

In my previous reply I have in fact recommended quick links.
So yes, you can use them on your chain.

In the mentioned video, I have demonstrated and explained how to use quick links.

I would use the link with the Shimano connector pin as the place to cut the chain to install a quick link. Of course, you would need to also push out an adjacent link to completely free the outer plates (because the quick link acts as a pair of outer chain plates effectivelly).

Bicycle chain construction (inner and outer links explained).

Relja

 

[crepi]

thanks Relja

 

[crepi]

In my previous reply I have in fact recommended quick links.
So yes, you can use them on your chain.

In the mentioned video, I have demonstrated and explained how to use quick links.

I would use the link with the Shimano connector pin as the place to cut the chain to install a quick link. Of course, you would need to also push out an adjacent link to completely free the outer plates (because the quick link acts as a pair of outer chain plates effectivelly).

Bicycle chain construction (inner and outer links explained).

Relja

Relja, it’s me again, sorry. I want to replace the chain, which has 116 links. Which one should I buy — a 114-link chain and add one quick link so it would come out to 115, or a 122-link chain and then shorten it? Because the place where I’m buying the chain doesn’t have one with 116 links.

 

[BikeGremlin]

Relja, it’s me again, sorry. I want to replace the chain, which has 116 links. Which one should I buy — a 114-link chain and add one quick link so it would come out to 115, or a 122-link chain and then shorten it? Because the place where I’m buying the chain doesn’t have one with 116 links.

That is a good question.

Generally, chain is cut to optimal length.

How to determine the optimal length:

https://bike.bikegremlin.com/614/chain-length-sizing-for-bicycles-with-derailleurs/

115 links might be OK, but it is safer to measure.

 

[VlPo]

Relja, it’s me again, sorry. I want to replace the chain, which has 116 links. Which one should I buy — a 114-link chain and add one quick link so it would come out to 115, or a 122-link chain and then shorten it? Because the place where I’m buying the chain doesn’t have one with 116 links.

Personally, I always prefer chains with some margin. Shortening the chain is always easier than building it up...

 

[BikeGremlin]

Personally, I always prefer chains with some margin. Shortening the chain is always easier than building it up...

Yes.

Also, when a chain is longer it generally gets less tension from the derailleur and there are marginally more links in total length, so it should last a bit longer.

The only downside would be aggressive off-road riding - in that case the extra chain length can increase the risk of chain dropping on bumps.

 

[VlPo]

The only downside would be aggressive off-road riding - in that case the extra chain length can increase the risk of chain dropping on bumps.

On the "right" derailleur, simply turn on the friction clutch

 

[crepi]

I ordered a longer chain, so I’ll shorten it. It will be my first time doing it, so we’ll see how it turns out. I’ll share my experience

 

[VlPo]

I ordered a longer chain, so I’ll shorten it. It will be my first time doing it, so we’ll see how it turns out. I’ll share my experience

Even if you don't use a "premium" tool, but just a normal one for this, you will succeed without problems