Turning a single outer link of a chain into a quick connecting one: chain quick links, connecting links, missing links, master links or whatever you call them, are fast becoming the common way to join a chain.

As one of the smallest components of a bike, quick links all but remove the risk of wrongdoing and open up possibilities of removing a chain for thorough cleaning, pedantic travel or nerdy lubrication. For years KMC, YBN, SRAM and Wipperman have used such links, while Shimano and Campagnolo held out and stuck with special replacement pins. However, even Shimano is now changing its tune and its latest 11 and 12 speed chains are available with master links.

CyclingTips tech writer Dave Rome reveals how to use quick links, which are best, whether you can re-use them and what tools are worth owning.

Read the full feature: https://cyclingtips.com/2019/01/chain...