Shimano's Chain Tool TL-CN28 is compatible with the latest generation of 11-speed chains, as well as 7/8/9 and 10-speed chains. That makes it ideal if you've got a fleet of bikes with a mix of groupsets, and want one chain tool to end them all.
The TL-CN28 is a rugged bit of kit, it's certainly a workshop quality tool and not one to take with you cycling. The moulded composite body has a knurled grip and large handle which gives plenty of purchase and makes light work of even the most stubborn chain pins.
The piece where the chain slots into is easily adjustable for different width chains, so it's easy going from a 10-speed chain to a 11-speed chain.
At £45 it's touch pricey but it's the sort of tool that is going to last a lifetime, and if you do regular servicing on your own bikes then the ease of use it provides more than makes up for it. It doesn't look like there's a 12-speed groupset on the horizon so it should be future-proofed for a good while, as well as being backwards compatible.
Verdict
A high quality workshop chain tool compatible with 7- to 11-speed chains. A must for the serious home mechanic.
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Shimano Chain Tool TL-CN28
Size tested: n/a
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Work can be carried out more easily thanks to the ergonomic handle and improved rivet spindle. Essential for Shimano 11-speed chains.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
for UG, HG and IG chains
· suitable for 7-/8-/9-/10-/11-speed chains
All metal construction and moulded composite body is rugged and tough.
It makes light work of any chain, even stubborn pins, thanks to the large handle.
I can see it lasting a lifetime easily.
Yeah it's heavy, it's not one to carry in a jersey pocket, it's strictly a leave at home tool.
The large grip and handle makes breaking a chain a doddle compared to using a tiny multitool chain breaker.
Considering its toughness, ease of use and forward and backwards compatibility, it's a good value.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Excellent.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Easy to break any chain.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing at all.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
About the tester
Age: 31 Height: 180 Weight: 67
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,





5 thoughts on “Shimano Chain Tool TL-CN28”
Does exactly the same job as
Does exactly the same job as a £1.99 chain tool from Asda.
nbrus wrote:Does exactly the
This one will last quite a bit longer though
nbrus wrote:Does exactly the
Forehead -> table.
Yes, crappy chain tools tend
Yes, crappy chain tools tend to work out quite expensive when they bend after breaking one link.
Having said that, I only have 10 and 9 speed, but my Park CT5 tool has broken plenty of chains without a problem, and I can take it on a ride with me. And if the pin does bend then it is replaceable.
Expensive tools let you get
Expensive tools let you get away with being wreckless cheap tools demand more tact and time
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