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Possumpoint · 01-10-2012, 09:46 PM

Many years ago (50 - 60 years ago), when I worked on my bike the chains had a built in disconnect link. Bend the chain and remove the outside plate and pull the pins. Chain came off and made easy work of working on the crank and/or rear coaster brake assembly.

Do the chains for modern multi speed bikes have the disconnect link like old days?

**qmsdc15** · 01-10-2012, 09:57 PM

They were not common on quality bike chains for many years but thankfully, master links have returned! I use Sram Powerlink chains.

Noel · 01-10-2012, 10:38 PM

Also Shimano chains.

**qmsdc15** · 01-10-2012, 11:05 PM

Yeah? I know Shimano chains of recent vintage require a special rivet to re-connect, but I didn't know Shimano chains now use a master link. If so, they're late to the game, but better late than never!

**rola643** · 01-11-2012, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qmsdc15

They were not common on quality bike chains for many years but thankfully, master links have returned! I use Sram Powerlink chains.

I use the SRAM PC1071 and for me it's easeir to treat it like a Shimano chain. I have never been able to get a Powelock apart, I think they make an app for that

I'm guessing the powerlink is different than the Powerlock?

**qmsdc15** · 01-11-2012, 11:40 AM

Treating like a Shimano chain as in using a chain tool to break and a Shimano connecting rivet to rejoin?

Powerlock is the master link on Sram's ten speed chains. I'm not sure how they differ from the Powerlinks I'm familiar with.

A neat trick for opening Powerlinks here: http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Magazine/201107050.pdf

It works great!

Possumpoint · 01-11-2012, 12:02 PM

Thanks for all the replies, especially the hint on how to disconnect the Powerlinks qmsdc15. Now when the weather is warmer, I'll go check and see what chain is on my 21 speed Schwinn.

**rola643** · 01-11-2012, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qmsdc15

Treating like a Shimano chain as in using a chain tool to break and a Shimano connecting rivet to rejoin?

Powerlock is the master link on Sram's ten speed chains. I'm not sure how they differ from the Powerlinks I'm familiar with.

A neat trick for opening Powerlinks here: http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Magazine/201107050.pdf

It works great!

Edit. I see same chain-link, my bad! I have tried 1/2 heartily to remove and gave up. So yes I use a chain tool to a replace the hollow pin with a Shimano 10 speed pin. I've asked before if it was safe to do. I think the dimensions are the same and it's just a weight difference, I hope

Per SRAMS Technical manual PDF the Power lock is for one time use and must be removed with a chain tool.

" Once the Powerlock has been installed It can only be removed by means of a chain tool."
http://www.sram.com/sites/default/files/techdocs/my10-sram-tech-manual-rev-a.pdf