Why are SRAM chain quick links so expensive? SRAM insists they are disposable. It costs 19€ to undo the chain each time.
by sepantamino
Why are SRAM chain quick links so expensive? SRAM insists they are disposable. It costs 19€ to undo the chain each time.
by sepantamino
43 Comments
You know you can reuse them?
It’s kind of silly. I have reused quick links plenty of times and will continue to do so
Start with not believing SRAM’s cash-grab lies that it needs to be replaced every time. I’ve reused many of these many times, and never had one fail.
I’ve been reusing a Shimano quicklink many times to wax my chain. No issue whatsoever. I will do the same for any SRAM chains as well.
Like others, I also reuse my supposedly single use quick links multiple times. However, after awhile they do start to get a little worn and don’t have the same “click” when I reinstall. That’s when I shell out for a new quick link.
Reuse them!
But also buy them in bulk. 4packs are usually cheaper
I walk into the LBS and they sell them for $4-5 each. Maybe don’t get rainbow?
Just get a Connex chain link and you’ll never look back.
Just reuse them. “Having” to replace is just a liability thing. I force it on my customers because I refuse to assume liability, but I have never changed my personal ones out because I broke the chain
Even the guy from Silca on the videos claims you can reuse 5-6 times. I think your factor here is, does the quick link ‘SNAP’ back to place, or does it fall into place. There is your sign to get a new one
A) you can reuse them more than once
B) they are 3 euro apiece on bike24
C) there is Connex 12SR quick link which is toolless and almost has no limit on reuse
The photo shows the price for a 4 pack. So it’s a bit of rage bait. Also, trek store usually upsells.
Reuse them a couple of times…
If you paid 19€ for one you got scammed. The price tag says 4 Stk / 4 Pieces
Many rules “exist” thanks to lawyers. You don’t always have to listen to said rules.
In the US I was able to get a 4 pack for $15 on Amazon. Also, I definitely reuse them at least several times. If it’s not clicking or making the chain feel weird, I continue riding it. I might put a fresh one on if I’m doing a big event just to be safe, but for daily fitness rides I will use it until it breaks.
You can remove the chain without disconnecting the quick link.
https://youtu.be/Txpd_jcoup4?si=GYsyHdP4YnN8_Apf
@1:51
I’ve been re-using links for decades and have never had one fail on me. I’ll replace the link when I replace the chain… for waxing and regular maintenance though, I’m re-using the link. YMMV
I must undo mine literally almost fifty times (each time I do a more extensive clean on my bikes) until it’s time to change the chain. Not sure what sort of force would back a chain into itself to somehow undo these. They take some force to take apart.
The Label says the price is for 4 pieces.
I reuse them on my own bike religiously. Customer bikes I always replace them.
if its the XX1 turbo megazord edition, sure.
otherwise, you’ve been had buddy.
[they’re literally 3EUR, sometimes less](https://www.bike-discount.de/en/sram-powerlock-12-speed-eagle-chain-connector)
The advice I’ve heard from mechanics is as long as you hear that click when you fasten them you’re probably good. If you’re not feeling that when you put the chain together it’s probably time to replace it
I reuse mine several times at least.
That’s the price for the 4 pack
I usually get 5 or 6 uses out of each quicklink, once it dosent snap solidly into place thats when its time to replace it.
SRAM is American company. USA is ruled by lawyers, not engineers. The lawyer answer is you can’t re-use them. The engineer answer is they are probably fine.
<5€ because it’s a 4 pack. about 0.5€ because you can probably open and close them 10 times without a problem, and you probably wanna get a new chain within those 10 times anyway.
who said they are one time use?
I’m properly tight and usually skint to go with it so you would be right in thinking I’m reusing my quick link until I can’t anymore tbh I never thought they would be a one time use thing, learnt something today but won’t change the way I am
KMC links are marketed as reusable… probs only meant to be used a handful of times but also probs same can be said for Sram ones. You’ll be reet.
Just reuse it, lol. Been doing it for about 15 years now on everything from commuters to fixed gear, haven’t had a problem yet.
It’s 3€ on bike discount, but it’s not rainbow. And I’ve never had issues with refusing them a couple of times. How often do you undo the chain anyway? Sure maybe don’t reuse it 27 times, but 3-4 times easily. By then it’s time to replace the chain anyway.
I wax my chains. So I have to remove the quick link roughly every 200 miles (320 km) or every 1-2 weeks to wax.
I was riding different bikes last year, all Shimano groupsets. I only replaced 2 quick links in 5000 miles (8000 km). I just re-use until I notice they are no longer tight. Also, with Shimano, I buy ZTTO or other no-name brand quick links on AliExpress. Price is really cheap.
6 months ago, I got Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Gen 3 with SRAM Apex 1×12. I have ridden 1100 miles (1800 km) on this bike, and probably removed the quick link around 5-6 times. The quick link is still tight, so I have not had to replace it yet. Unfortunately, for SRAM Apex flat top chains & quick link, I did buy SRAM quick links, as I have not found any 3rd party making these.
SRAM is expensive because it has “RAM” in its name
Despite the claims, you can actually reuse them a couple of times. If you want to be sure, there‘s this reusable Connex link for 19€ each.
If it’s really about saving every cent and you’re ordering anyways: online, it’s 2.95€ for the regular silver one, 3.50€ for the rainbow colored vs. 4.75€ for your offline purchase.
Meanwhile, my LBS charges 6€ for one lol!
That’s the price for a full card of 4. If you bike shop is charging you 20 Euros for a single power lock they’re either intentionally scamming you or don’t know how to read.
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Maybe if you’re a pro, they’d be one time use. You’re not hitting 2000 watt sprints so I think reusing them is fine. On the other hand your shifting technique sucks.
So €19 a link is insane. Not that it’s a bargain but here in the US those QL are $18 for a four pack, thus I would question the retailer you are getting them at
Either way, yeah one time use is slight bull shit and probably just lawyers covering their asses. I don’t constantly reuse the QL, maybe I do 3-4 uses at most but from my experience it’s more about, when you reconnect the links does you “feel” the links engage and almost pop into place. If you can easily link or unlink with little pressure you 100% should be changing QL.
I reuse my QL 3-4 max but with the caveat that I don’t put a ton of power out and I am not a sprinter, I wax my chains, half my rides (miles) are on a trainer, and I am using a quick link pliers
If it still gives a satisfying “click” when you lock it back in line, it’s fine. If it slips open easily when you squeeze the link, replace.
Buy 4. Use 1 as many times as you can. Carry one as a replacement in case something goes wrong.
I’ll be honest I’ve used the one that comes with my chain every time I take my chain off to clean/wax. I reuse it it’ll the chain is toast/stretched. Never experienced a single issue. Don’t overthink this, just bin it when the chain is dead and save your money.
Have been reusing quick links for years.
Some chains have two quick links (let’s me remove a couple of links if running a different size chain ring).
Some most be on their fifth or sixth chain by now and I’ve not had any problems.
I reuse them multiple times.