In our Tech Q&A series, we tackle cycling queries – big or small, complex or simple – with insights from the BikeRadar team and trusted industry experts. Next up, a loyal reader wants to know the risks of reusing quick links and what the best practices are for chain waxing.
“We are in a chain waxing revolution. What really is the risk of reused quick links and what are some safe working practices for chain waxing? Personally, I’m in the ‘reuse it’ camp but I feel like I’m dancing with death… or missing teeth…”
Richard Jones
Both Jack Luke (BikeRadar digital editor) and Simon von Bromley (senior tech writer) were keen to answer this question.
A quick link is a tool-free method of joining two ends of a chain. The quick link replaces a pair of ‘outer’ link plates and locks into place with an interference fit to provide strength and durability.
- Learn more: Quick links explained: compatibility, how to fit a quick link and can you use it more than once?
Own-brand quick links are available from chain manufacturers, or you can buy aftermarket ones to use with the major chain brands such as Shimano and SRAM.
With own-brand quick links costing £7.50 each (Shimano), it’s not cheap to follow the recommended single-use policy, so we have sympathy with those who don’t.
Jack took the question directly to Shimano and the brand replied: “When the quick link is disconnected, the material on both sides of the link is stretched again [having already been stretched when joined in the first place]. When the link is installed again, the material on both halves is stretched again. This makes it far more likely that the quick link will disconnect at will during future use.”
Simon has waxed lyrical (if you pardon the pun!) about his passion for chain waxing, so we asked his thoughts on reusing quick links, given the chain needs to be removed.
He chooses to reuse the quick link a couple of times, with the caveat being that if the quick link can be engaged with little resistance, it’s time to replace it.
He uses aftermarket quick links from the likes of KMC, on the grounds of cost, but again Shimano was unequivocal that it would not advise this, saying: “The [Shimano] links are made specifically to Shimano’s specifications for use on specific Shimano chains. The tolerances are such now that the use of any other brand of quick link renders the system unsafe.”
While the cost of quick links may appear high, the benefits of a well-maintained drivetrain mean a greater cost saving because you don’t have to replace your cassette and chainrings as often.
If you choose to invest time and money in waxing your chain, it will definitely reap financial rewards in the long run, even if it does cost £7.50 each time you use a quick link.
