Chains, Quick Links, and Pins - Oh my!

jello4

I am planning an upgrade of my trusty steed (DA4) to an all Ultegra Di2 drivetrain, thanks to Uncle Sam's current policy to incent car drivers to buy PHEVs... This will give me many benefits, 11 speed, 11-28 Cassette, and 50/34 crank, pretty much giving me the perfect drivetrain for IMWI. I have researched just about everything from Bottom Bracket conversion (BB30 -> Shimano) via Praxis Works Conversion BB, Felt specific battery mounts and wire routing, to rear hub upgrade to Powertap G3 where I have run through the conversion in my head several times.

Thinking through things the piece I do not like is the Shimano Chain Pin and having to 'break the chain' and reinsert a new pin. I don't imagine this will happen often, but I do want to be able to remove the chain, and/or easily make a field repair. My preference is to remain all Shimano, I just think that everything is engineered to work together. That said what is the common, current wisdom and recommendation - relative to 11 speed drivetrains - on 'missing links' with Shimano Chains -OR- other manufacturer chains with that feature on Shimano gearing?

Al Truscott

No idea about chains and pins. But since my bike is @ LBS right now getting its own Di2 upgrade, I'll just point out that Shimano is making a mid-length cage and 11-32 cassette which will function with the Di2 - that's what I'm getting for all the hills where I train and race. I have a "virtual compact" crank, in that I have 650c wheels with 53/39 rings. My other little wrinkle, is, my bike breaks apart (S&S couplers), so the wires have to have junctions to allow for that separation.