TECH Q&A
MISSING LINK
Last week my chain broke while riding. Luckily, my friend had a quick-link to help me out. I’ve replaced the chain and reimbursed my friend, but can I reuse the quick-link? I’m thinking of keeping it as a spare for future rides.
Dave, via email
We’re glad to hear you had the support of some well-prepared friends and didn’t have to resort to the ‘walk of shame’ or some trailside wizardry to make it back home!
Reusing quick-links is a brand- and type-dependent scenario. For example, SRAM’s eight and nine-speed PowerLinks are reusable, while their 10, 11 and 12-speed PowerLocks are not (because, the brand say, the ridge connecting the two plates can be compromised during the unlocking process).
As a general guideline, reusing quick-links isn’t recommended, since they tend to weaken with each use, increasing the risk of a snapped chain. However, a previously-employed quick-link is better than none at
