After years of resistance, Japanese component behemoth Shimano have finally started shipping out their own dedicated quick links for 11 speed chains, snappily named the Quick link SM-CN900.

The quick links will be sold with chains as standard as well as separate, and are compatible with all 11 speed road, MTB and STEPS E-Bike drive trains.  

Shimano previously always sold their 11 speed chains with a pin instead of a link, and this will come as welcome news for those who might need to make a quick repair on a long jaunt. Officially, Shimano are saying the SM-CN900 isn’t reuseable. 

Shimano’s quick-links are available to buy now and are sold in packs of two, priced at £11.99; and while it may be long overdue and potentially exciting news, you can actually pick up six pairs of KMC links on Amazon at £8.99 a pop and they do exactly the same job – maybe Shimano will review pricing to be more competitive in the future…