Pretty hard to confirm that 9 - 10 - 11 speed chains actually wear "faster" - my experience has been that the 9 and 10 speed Wipperman chains are very durable. HOWEVER these drive systems are much more sensitive to chain wear (both stretch and slop) than the earlier lever shifted, non index gear systems. Sloppy shifting and noise are symptoms of chain wear.
You might expect to get 5000 miles of good use from a chain used in an old school driveline, where a 10 speed chain with 2500 miles on it is a candidate for replacement. All things being equal, a dirty chain will wear "faster". Keeping your chain clean and well - lubricated really helps get the most out of them.
Just my $0.02
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA
Last edited by mpetry912; 09-04-11 at 10:16 AM.