Cahin master link opinions.
 

Ok so I know I'm probably going to start WW3 with this but what are peoples thoughts on rivet links and clip links?

I've always used rivet links but my chains never seem to last me long so was thinking about maybe converting to clip links for easier removal for deep cleaning.

I've noticed there tends to be some horror stories about clip links but they seem to be down to user error. I've only ever had 1 chain fail and that had a rivet master link fitted but the failure was elsewhere on the chain so again not the master links fault.

You'll always tend to hear more about things that go wrong than right, especially in forums and blogs on the net. For every split link disaster story there are probably thousands of people quietly getting on with running split links, covering tens of thousands of miles without issue. Bad news always sells more copy than good news, and those with an axe to grind tend to shout the loudest! ;)

As you say, a good deal of failures are down to user error or poor quality parts. In fact I've seen/heard more failed endless and rivet link chains than those with spring clips and often, as you suggest, it's not the link that fails at all. Personally, I have no fear of split links or spring clips. I have run them for over thirty years on all manner of bikes (a lot of them more powerful than the XT) without any hint of trouble. Many friends of mine race classic bikes, and race them hard, who all use split links (mainly because it makes maintenance, repair and gearing changes easier and quicker). A good few of them wire-lock the link for added security, which is a great idea if you're at all paranoid about them.

http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/...eaa31a3d09.jpg

Each to their own though. At the end of the day you must run what you feel happy with/suits your needs best.

Are there any recommended brands or anything else to consider when purchasing? in particular within the UK. OTR seem to have a good selection and the Regina kit comes in at a good price but they don't list spare master links.

DID all the way for me.

DID 520 split links are readily available all over the world for about a fiver.

Here are the links at OTR, but DID chains are available off the shelf from almost all bike parts suppliers. Just Google for the best price.

http://www.off-the-road.de/en/XT-660Z/Wear-parts/Chains-Sprockets/DID-520VX2-X-Ring-chain.html

http://www.off-the-road.de/en/XT-660Z/Wear-parts/Chains-Sprockets/Chain-link-DID-520.html