Wipperman Connex Master Links

[bigwheel]

I decided to try the Wipperman connex chain -- one of the favorites of the MTBR clydesdale forums. I have broken lots of SRAM and Shimano chains, so I thought I'd try an alternative.

The master link scares me. It is a two-part link, similar to the SRAM, except that the wipperman doesn't "snap" into place, like the SRAM, Instead, it sort-of falls into place and is held there by hitting the adjacent link.

1: To these things really hold? I'm not worried about tension, but rather what happens when there is no tension and the terrain is bumpy.

2: Is there a preferred direction? In particular, the master link has a hump. Should the hump point inward, or outward, or doesn't it matter? (the directions don't specify, so I faced the hump outward)

Thanks in advance.

[sportel]

I've been running a Wipperman for a couple years and have had no trouble. The "hump" goes on the outside.

[bigwheel]

I've been running a Wipperman for a couple years and have had no trouble. The "hump" goes on the outside.

Great, thanks.

[bike>>rider]

I've used a Wipperman this whole season and have never shifted better. (used SRAM chains before). Have never had it break, though I guess I've only once broken a SRAM chain so . . .

I don't really understand what you mean by the hump being either inside or outside, but when viewing the bike facing the drive side, you want the master link to look like a "V" when it is on top and a "^" when it is on the bottom, if that makes sense. Stated another way, when pedaling forward, the master link should look like a "V" as it approaches the cranks, and a "^" as it approaches the rear derailler.

[bigwheel]

Kurt, that sounds opposite to what Dan says, and what I've read on the internet. (The directions sort-of mention it, but they are kind of vague.)

The best explanation I've found is that one side (top or bottom) sticks out farther than the other. If the taller side is sticking inward (toward the spockets), it will ride up when on the small back sprocket, making a "tink, tink" sound. That is the wrong way.

The taller side is supposed to stick away from the sprockets.

[bike>>rider]

Hmmm, maybe I've been doing it wrong then . . .

Oh well, it's still been working great for me. I'll try her the other way and see if she improves. Sorry for the bad advice -

The instructions are pretty crappy, that's for sure, but the chain's been great, even though I apparently had it mounted wrong all along - ha! Live & learn I guess . . .

Hey wait, maybe that's why I ride so slow. Yeah, I bet that's it :D

[bigwheel]

I went back and double-checked. I think we are in agreement. If by "V", you are talking about the hole, then we are saying the same thing. I was talking about the link itself, not the hole.

Check this article:
http://www.velonews.com/tech/report/articles/6061.0.html It links to a photo of a masterlink done improperly.

[bike>>rider]

Yes, sorry. I am talking about the notch (or "hole") that receives the pin. That is the easiest way for me to remember how to align the chain. We are in agreement.

That's good. I could have sworn that I looked this up when I got the chain, but I've disassembled the chain for full cleaning about 3 times over the summer without rechecking how it should go so I could have easily gotten it turned around. Glad to hear we're on the same page.

Post back what you think of the chain after you've gotten some time on it.

They're kind of expensive but I think I'll stick with them (I got my chain at REI, which actually stocks Wipp chains and master links on the shelf if you need one quick). Couldn't find them in stock at several LBSs that I checked first.

[crux]

Wipperman chains seem to hold up better than most, I normally order 10+ at a time to get cost down on these bad boys. Recently have been testing a Izumi Super V on the single speed and have been impressed.

Won't touch a shima no chain anymore.
Sram makes decent stuff
Wipperman are nice
Track chains for singlespeeds.