Shimano has FINALLY made a quick-link for its chain
11-speed link joins chains like it ain't no thang
Published:
After years insisting on the use of joining pins for its chains rather than more convenient missing links, Shimano has finally relented and made a quick-link of its own.
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Codenamed the SM-CN900-11, the new link functions exactly like those sold by KMC, SRAM and others – two halves snap together, and splitting the link is best done with a dedicated pair of missing link pliers.
The new quick-link bears the ‘product of Japan’ legend of Shimano’s higher end groupsets. It is compatible with all Shimano 11-speed chains, and officially, it is not reusable.
If you’re already carrying around a multitool that includes a chain-splitter then sticking a spare quick-link in your saddle bag is a bit of a no brainer. It means that a broken chain doesn’t have to put a stop to your riding.
A pair of Shimano quick-links, (i.e. two whole links, or four halves) retails at £11.99, and is available to buy immediately. Pricing in other territories is to be confirmed.
Authors
Matthew Loveridge (formerly Allen) is BikeRadar's former senior writer, an experienced mechanic, and an expert on bike tech who appreciates practical, beautifully-engineered things. Originally a roadie, he likes bikes and kit of every type, including gravel bikes and mountain bikes, and he's tested a huge variety of all three over the years for BikeRadar, Cycling Plus, Cyclist.co.uk and others. He looks like he should be better at cycling than he actually is, and he's ok with that.
