[email protected] (Chluu907) wrote in message news:<
[email protected]>...
> Hi Guys:
>
> Will the SRAM PowerLink Gold fit on a Shimano Ultegra chain or are these specific to the SRAM
> chains? Have any of you used this product? Any failures or problems with which I should be
> concerned?
>
> Thanks, Claude
Claude - the answer is maybe. First, SRAM recommends against it. Of course, that did not stop me or
a bunch of other guys from doing it. The fit is tighter. Once on, thought, it seems OK. I had one
failure of a PowerLink on a Shimano chain - the PowerLink came apart. The critical dimension is the
radius from the hole in the endplate to the end of the endplate. There is a stamped nub on the
PowerLink, and this provides the "click" to retain the powerlink once installed (the click occurs as
the opposing plates are pulled apart, and the nub passes by the endplate - before that the nub
interferes with the endplate). That click is not as definite on a Shimano chain due to clearance
issues (the radius I just mentioned is either larger, or not as well controlled) and can end up
putting axial tension on the pin. The one failure I experienced was the pin pulling out of the
PowerLink.
One thing I have done with some success is to squeeze that nub down (somewhat) with a set of
pliers when using the PowerLink on a Shimano Chain. I did this more for ease of
installation/removal than for longevity, but I have two bikes running that way with no problem
after thousands of miles. One is a commuter that is pretty much a beater and it is holding up
fine. I do a lot of climbing on it too.
Bike Dude.