this post was submitted on 22 Aug 2025
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Sounds like this "problem": https://youtu.be/yuqeogcwaIs
Make sure the direction of your link is correct.
I've got Connex links on three different bikes on both Wippermann and KMC chains, and I only hear noise when the link was installed upside-down.
Looking at the video, mine seems installed correctly:
That's at the bottom side of the chain. Here's his bottom side:
Is it happening across the entire cassette or only the higher gears (smaller cogs)?
Entire cassette.
I think I figured it out. At least a part of the problem. One side of the link is very stiff and while it does rotate while on the cassette and chainring, it does not rotate when going over the pulley wheels. This pushes on the derailleur cage as the link goes over the pulleys, causing the cage to move back and forth.
You have a waxed chain, right? Me, too, maybe it’s another factor causing the sticking between the surfaces (I replied to the top level post already). My YBN chain is black coated and thought that maybe the thickness is that much higher than a Shimano chain, that the plates press on the inner joint too much. But I see your KMC chain with a different coating. Interesting indeed.
Yup, waxed. I think it's just wax collection in that particular joint. I'll loosen it up and report.
Is the chain FRESHLY waxed (i.e. not had a chance to be broken in)? That usually happens for the first 10km(?) when I just stick it on without any prep work. Then the chain gets eerily quiet after that.
Freshly waxed chain (and those quick links) are pretty stiff, but loosen up quickly as you ride and shift between the entire cassette.
Loosened the link a bit. Still stiff but the noise is a lot lower and there's also less overall noise. Still clacks a bit but I'm pretty sure it's gonna get to normal and there isn't anything to worry about the drivetrain.
That's encouraging. Are you planning to get multiple chains in rotation? If you do, it may be worth getting something other than the X9, just to compare. I find that Wippermann chains work really well, and hey, you get free connex links with them! LOL
For now I'm going with this one alone. I'm trying to keep this 9s drivetrain cheap. Will likely be running it for commuting during the winter in TO.
BTW I used Endurance chip and the wax seems stronger physically. It seems that the wax that's inside the roller on the hard side of the link causses the plates to be slightly wider than normal and when the link plates are assembled around it, there's too much fricting between the outer plates and the inner plates. I'm probably gonna rewax it so that it melts and reflows, hopefully not recreating the same effect.
E:
The green plates are the inner plates of the chain. The red is the roller. The blue are the outer plates - of the link. The distance between the two green plates is a little wider than normal. I think because of the wax that's between them and the roller and in the roller itself. The difficulty in articulation comes form friction between the green and the blue plates.
Ah, that's an important distinction, and you're probably right! I've been using just the standard wax without additives, so it loosens up pretty quickly. I may go with the Endurance chip, but ultimately, my plan is to move to the Rex hot wax (which can be tuned, too).
Yup. Newly waxed. The rest of the chain is articulating normally already. I'm pretty sure the link will loosen up too. My 11s chain seems to have broken-in faster. I guess the 9s chain has larger gaps and collects more wax which makes breaking it in slower. I'll loosen the link up and report back.
Yeah, I think 9 speed chains in general are unique. The problem child of the cassette word. LOL
I'd be interested in an update.
Now you're telling me about this? ...
I've been riding 10s/11s since 2010-ish. I have no recollection of 9s. Would be big mad if it can't get smooth given I paid for a 9s XT shifter. 😄
I only heard that, but don't have experience with 9s chains or cassettes. LOL Mine are either 7/8 speed or 11. LOL