Do link extractors fit all types of bike chains?

[night cycler]

I have a link extractor that worked fine on the MTBs that I used to ride. Will it also fit the chains on my road bikes, or do I need a different size extractor?

 

[Vantage]

It'll be fine. MTB and road chains are all the same. The biggest difference between chains is whether they're 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12 speed etc.

 

[JtB]

If I recall, I had problems using my generic link extractor on my Bianchi road bike and had to buy a Campagnolo link extractor.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Edit: If the drivetrains are the same: no problem. If your "road bike" is 11sp there will be slack and the tool will not work as well.
(NB - is a 'chain tool' designed to 'cut and join' the chain)

 

[Chislenko]

How many speeds is your "road bike". If 11sp will not fit nearly as well.
(NB - is a 'chain tool' designed to 'cut and join' the chain)

I use the same extractor on all three of my bikes, 8,9&11 speed and never had an issue.

 

[presta]

That's the Cyclo one I have, it works fine on 8 & 9 speed.

 

[Sharky]

That's the Cyclo one I have, it works fine on 8 & 9 speed.

I think the earlier cyclo tools, that I had in the 60's and for 5 speed chains had a pin that was slightly wider in diameter and wouldn't work for more modern chains.

 

[night cycler]

I think the earlier cyclo tools, that I had in the 60's and for 5 speed chains had a pin that was slightly wider in diameter and wouldn't work for more modern chains.

That is the issue I was potentially concerned about. I suppose the only way to be sure is to try it on a reduntant chain that has been replaced. I don't have one laying around.
PS , I bought the tool in early 2000s

 

[night cycler]

It'll be fine. MTB and road chains are all the same. The biggest difference between chains is whether they're 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12 speed etc.

What is the physical difference? Is it that a 11 speed for example would be thinner links (not shorter links) than a 7 speed?

 

[Vantage]

What is the physical difference? Is it that a 11 speed for example would be thinner links (not shorter links) than a 7 speed?

That's basically it. Although as others have said, it shouldn't really make any difference to your chain tool. If there's any slack on the outside link which you'll be pushing the pin against, try a shim for a coke can or something like a small washer.

 

[night cycler]

Edit: If the drivetrains are the same: no problem. If your "road bike" is 11sp there will be slack and the tool will not work as well.
(NB - is a 'chain tool' designed to 'cut and join' the chain)

Thank you for replying, can you explain in layman terms please.

So drive train generally means the gears, car, bike etc.
My road bikes are 11 speed.In what context do you mean by slack ??

Yes, a chain tool is designed to remove links, or at least that is all I have done. I have never added additional links. Please expand.

 

[night cycler]

That's basically it. Although as others have said, it shouldn't really make any difference to your chain tool. If there's any slack on the outside link which you'll be pushing the pin against, try a shim for a coke can or something like a small washer.

There are outside and inside links?? Appologies for my lack of bike knowledge, but thank you for your patience.

 

[bobzmyunkle]

Aren't link tools universal? I use the same one for 9, 10 and 11. Never noticed a problem other than my weakness when turning the handle.

 

[midlife]

are some pins peined over so can't use a tool to re-join (trashes the pin) and have to use a quick link to join?

 

[Vantage]

There are outside and inside links?? Appologies for my lack of bike knowledge, but thank you for your patience.

Ah, no. Sorry. Just my way at looking at things. The outside plate to me would be the plate where the pin Is pushed out of the chain. Hope my simple simon pic explains better.

O = outside
I = inside