Update! I Need a Different Master Link

[Peter P.]

I'm running a 9 speed Shimano drivetrain with a Shimano 9 speed chain.

I'm using the correct KMC Super Link for my 9 speed chain. My problem is the link tends to skip when on the large ring, or causes the chain to unship onto the middle ring of my ATB triple setup.

Can anyone recommend a master link that's more compatible with my 9 speed Shimano drivetrain?

[cinema]

never had problems w sram powerlink

[kingpin75s]

I use Wipperman Connex links with all of my Shimano 9 speed chains.

[Louis]

I've been using SRAM quick-disconnect links with Shimano 9-spd chains with zero problems. I've even re-used one or two for two chains instead of just one, and haven't had any problems either.

[Veloo]

+1 for Wipperman.
Work great, just pricey.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Peter P.

I'm running a 9 speed Shimano drivetrain with a Shimano 9 speed chain.

I'm using the correct KMC Super Link for my 9 speed chain. My problem is the link tends to skip when on the large ring, or causes the chain to unship onto the middle ring of my ATB triple setup.

Can anyone recommend a master link that's more compatible with my 9 speed Shimano drivetrain?

Wipperman connex..note, they have an 'Up and down'..

[dddd]

This sounds like there may be an issue with the chainline dimension causing a bit too much of a crossing angle as the link engages the chainring teeth.

Since only the chain's inner links should be contacting the chainring teeth at all, perhaps the connecting link is just gripping the inner links that much tighter or looser than the rest of the outer links. Suspecting also that the connecting link is much more flexible than the rest of the chain's outer links, so the chain is probably bending a little more sharply local to the connecting link.

I would try a SRAM link.

[ColonelJLloyd]

Can you not just 86 the master link altogether?

[slambers3]

How old is the chain? Could differential wear be the cause of the chain skipping?

[rustychisel]

Wipperman Connex

[Peter P.]

I ordered a Wipperman link per the majority of the responses here.

In the interim, I looked again at my problem master link. I could have sworn I installed master links on all three of my bikes, at the same time, and bought the same KMC master link.

But when I looked at this link, it didn't say KMC on in like the other two. Instead, it said Superlink III and clearly wasn't engraved like the others. I have no idea where or when I got this.

I don't have a problem on the other two bikes.

So the Wipperman link arrived today and I couldn't wait to try it.

I could tell within the first couple minutes I had a winner. No more clunk as the link rolls over the chainring. No dropped chain/cross-chaining issues.

It was a $6.95 thrill. Thanks for the replies.

[rustychisel]

Cheap thrills indeed.

Thanks for the update and confirmation.

[Dave]

If the link fits properly, the clearance between the inner and outer plates should be the range of .004-008 inch. Use feeler gauges to check.

[Veloo]

When I had a 10 speed Wipperman, I was loading the bike into my car trunk, heading out to a race. Both wheels were off and as I put the bike in the trunk, the link came loose and fell onto the ground. Took me a while to find it and being in a rush to get to the race didn't help.

[GregL]

Originally Posted by Peter P.

In the interim, I looked again at my problem master link. I could have sworn I installed master links on all three of my bikes, at the same time, and bought the same KMC master link.

But when I looked at this link, it didn't say KMC on in like the other two. Instead, it said Superlink III and clearly wasn't engraved like the others. I have no idea where or when I got this.

That's the Craig Superlink, sold through Lickton's bike shop in suburban Chicago. They were made in 8, 9, and 10-speed versions marked respectively with yellow, pink, and green labels. If you had the incorrect version on your chain, it would very likely cause the skipping issue. I used all three versions over the years with good results.

Greg