Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
Wipperman Connex chains have served me well for years and I was happy to recently receive one of their new 12-speed chains from their USA distributor Cantitoe Road. It’s made to fit Shimano, SRAM and Campy 12-speed systems. Note that it is not a replacement for SRAM Flattop chains.
The Connex 12-speed chain is available in 118 links, 126 links and 138 links for all your gearing needs (priced at $79.95, $84.95 and $89.95 respectively).
Wippermann promises “uncompromisingly” quiet and fast shifting with this new chain thanks to extensively chamfered outer plates that they call a “Speed Wing” shape. These plates also reduce the weight 20%. On my scale, this 118 link sample they provided weighed 259 grams (including the connecting link). That’s actually 9 grams less than they said it weighs in the specs, so maybe they reduced the weight even more.
As I said, I’ve used Wippermann Connex chains on different drivetrains for years. That includes on full Campagnolo and Shimano bikes. I’ve never used one on a SRAM setup. Unfortunately I do not have a 12-speed bike now so I haven’t tried this chain out yet. But I can tell you that the Connex chains I’ve used in the past have been excellent in all respects, shifting, smoothness, quietness and durability. I might try this one on my 11-speed Trek gravel bike as it should work.
If you’re unfamiliar with them, Wippermann has been making bicycle components since 1893 in Germany and they take pride in using the best materials and latest manufacturing technology to produce the finest chains in the industry. Besides bicycle chains they also make industrial chains.
One of the nicest features of Wipperman Connex chains is their reusable Connex Link that is included with the chains and at the front of my photo. Thanks to a unique shape that locks the pin in place while also allowing it to be removed by hand only, it’s one of the easiest “quick links” you can use. The only thing is that you need to pay attention to the instructions or you could install it upside-down. If you do that you might experience skipping on the small cogs. If that happens though, it’s simple to fix by removing the Connex Link and reinstalling it correctly.
Connex Links are available separately in sizes to fit everything from 7- to 12-speed drivetrains:
Wippermann makes a pretty cool chain bracelet too.
Here are Wippermann’s specifications on the Connex 12-speed chain:
- Dimensions: 1/2″ x 11/128″
- Pin length: 5.40 mm
- Roller width: 2.10 mm
- Pin ejection pressure: >2000 N
- Pin hardening: XHB
- Links: 118 Weight: 268 g
- Includes: Connex Link
Jim Langley is RBR’s Technical Editor. A pro mechanic & cycling writer for more than 40 years, he’s the author of Your Home Bicycle Workshop in the RBR eBookstore. Tune in to Jim’s popular YouTube channel for wheel building & bike repair how-to’s. Jim’s also known for his cycling streak that ended in February 2022 with a total of 10,269 consecutive daily rides (28 years, 1 month and 11 days of never missing a ride). Click to read Jim’s full bio.
David Ertl says
I have always been under the impression that chains had to match the cassette brand. Apparently that is not the case as these Wippermann chains can work on all of them. Does that mean one can put a Shimano chain on a Campy or SRAM cassette?
Jim Langley says
Thanks for the question, David. The manufacturers usually recommend that you stick with their chain for the special features they’ve designed into their chain. If you bought a full Campagnolo bicycle, why wouldn’t you want the chain Campagnolo engineered for that drivetrain? I mean, you chose Campagnolo because you thought it was the best, so why would you risk changing its performance by NOT using the chain Campagnolo says is best for the group? That’s a rhetorical question to illustrate where the idea that you shouldn’t change to another brand chain comes from.
While Campagnolo and Shimano and SRAM would tell you to use their chains, the fact is that you can use other chains and you get to decide if that different chain messes up your drivetrain or improves it. Interestingly, Shimano for example makes several levels of 11-speed chains and some riders say that they can feel the difference and prefer only one model, maybe it shifts better, lasts longer or just feels smoother. So, ultimately it really comes down to your preference and what works best for you.
Thanks again and hope this is helpful,
Jim
Dan Greene says
Love the Connex chains. They‘’be been hard to hard to find the last couple of years. When I upgraded to 12 speed it seemed even more difficult to find. My sense is that previously the connex chains were competitively priced – costing pretty much the same as the comparable Shimano ultegra chain. Certainly not the case now. Connex 12 speec now costs $30 more than the similar Shimano chain. I remember back in the day when a chain was $10.
Steve Weeks says
I’ve used Wippermann chains on my road bike with a Shimano drivetrain (3 x 9) since the first chain replacement. The shifting performance is indistinguishable from the original chain. I especially like the “no-tools” master link, which makes removal for cleaning a snap.