I converted to wax about a year ago and have gotten good enough at the hot dip process that I don't even bother with touching up a chain with drip wax. Every 200 miles or so, I just swap the chain for a previously dipped chain. But, that means lots of "chain-breaking". IMHO, the "use-once" warning on OEM quick links seems to be a joint statement from the Legal and Marketing departments. But, still . . . quick links do have a limited life. These YBN quick links are an economical way to avoid pushing your luck by using a quick link one too many times.
I *HATE* squealing brake pads, so I'm willing to trade off longevity for quiet with the organic compound. I rarely have the dreaded squeal. Maybe at the beginning of the ride after toting the bike in the rain on the back of the car or on a super long descent after a nasty muddy section. Riding in Vermont through mud, gravel and dust with frequent 3 mile 1,000 foot descents I've gone through these pads pretty frequently. I get maybe 800-1,200 miles out of them. Relative to my road bike clincher brakes, it feels insane, but I guess that's what progress is all about.
Okay, I haven't bought into purchasing the newest Sram Red chain (E1) yet. Just because they say it's a matter of grams lighter doesn't mean I trust the strength just yet. I remember going from 10 speed to 11 speed and many different manufacturers had durability and reliability issues. So until I have to pony up and purchase the new E1 chain I am going to stick with what works for me and my riding style.
High wattage climbing and higher than average torque. And that equates to possible drivetrain issues, Hence going with the tried and true Sram Red D1 chain.
After my 19 year old 105 shifter stopped working as a shifter (braking works fine) and the WD-40 trick flood didn't help, I decided to give 1x a shot. Using the Sheldon Brown gear calculator, I figured a 44t chainring and an 11-36 cassette would work for my terrain, but my RD-5701-GS couldn't handle that cassette range. The RoadLink has worked out very nicely for adapting my setup for the 11-36 cassette and I'm happily riding 1x on the road.
