Review: Wippermann Connex Chain Link

If you're like me, you probably only remove your chain for replacement purposes. Removing it for cleaning is too time consuming as well as hard on the chain. And also like me, you probably use something like the Park chain scrubber to do the job. But I've never found that any of the on-the-bike chain cleaning devices work all that well. The only way to really clean a chain is to remove it from the bike and soak it in a good solvent. So what's an anal retentive cyclist to do? Find a way to easily remove, clean and reassemble the chain - that's what he does. Enter the Wippermann conneX chain link.

The Wippermann conneX chain link is designed to allow you to disassemble your chain in just a few seconds. The two small links replace one link in your chain and when used, allow you to quickly and easily take your chain off for cleaning, maintenance or replacement.

Kit for use with Shimano 10-speed chains

There has been much discussion in on-line chat rooms regarding the suitability of using these for any chains other than Wippermann brand chains. The set I purchased through Performance Bike for $6.99 (on sale, usual price $9.99) is claimed by Wippermann to be compatible with a Shimano 10-speed chain.

First, how easy are they to assemble to your chain? Five minutes. I took one set of side links off of my chain so that both ends of the chain were the inner rollers (see photo). The little post on each of the conneX links slips into the hole of the rollers (make sure that your chain is not twisted). Important: The direction in which you slip the pieces on the chain is important so that you keep the "guiding curve" of the link positioned properly. Pictures are better than words. Just follow the photos below and you'll be set.



Then comes the tricky part; turn one of the conneX links up and the other one down. Snap the post of the opposite link into the link opening nearest the center part of the link (see photo). Do this with both links. Then pull the chain while squeezing the conneX together and the links will straighten out and the posts will slip to the outermost opening where they will be locked in place. You can see a short slide show of this process by going HERE and clicking "see how it's done".

To disassemble, simply turn the conneX link 90 degrees to the chain, push the two ends of the chain connected by the link towards each other and carefully pull the two conneX links apart with a little sideways twist.



OK, now we've got the chain assembled. How does it work? Quite nicely, thank-you very much. I'm running a full Dura Ace drive train and the conneX link turns out to be compatible, running through the derailleur smoothly and quietly. You don't even know that it's there. If it's clean, that is. Since the side plates of the conneX are not being squeezed together by a pin like the rest of the links in the chain are, more dirt and grime can work their way into the link, causing it to get sticky and run rough. Is this a design feature or failure? If your chain has been subjected to enough gunk to cause the conneX to gum up, you should probably clean your chain. On the other hand, I'm lazy and don't like to be told what to do.

So what's the Elvis Kennedy verdict? We give it an 8.6 out of 10. It works like it should and makes removing the chain a snap. The fact that it can easily get gummed up is a concern, especially with Fall and bad weather quickly approaching. However, you'll have no excuses for not cleaning your chain at least once a week or so (roughly 250 miles) and if you keep it properly lubed (with a double dose on the conneX link) you should find that you'll get lots of riding in before the conneX tells you that it's bath time. A clean chain is a happy chain and the conneX link by Wippermann provides an easy, secure and inexpensive way to keep your chain happy.