Bicycle Mechanics - Difference In Chain Quality

Hi All,

On my mountain bike I have a Shimano HG-53 chain and have just purchased a HG-73 chain. What I would like to know is what is the difference in quality, what makes the HG-73 better.

I think the main difference is the metal finish; HG-53 has a black finish on the inner links and HG-73 is bright zinc finsh through out. Performance wise they are the same and durability should be similar as well.

IME, you should use the cheapest drivetrain-compatible chain you can buy. Keep it relatively clean, relatively well lubed, and change it when you get to 1/16 in wear.

YMMV....

Both Chains both have a chrome finish, and look identical except for the 53 and 73 markings. Are the different grades of material that they use, are the any technological differences, or is it just an image thing.
Neil the HG-53 Chain has ony done 100Kms so it is still new and the HG-73 chain is just for a spare, for when I need to change it.

HG73 is slightly more corrosion resistant and (arguably) smoother due to more zinc alloy plating in key areas. Weight is the same, finish is pretty much the same, and I'm sure there will be a stark division of people who can and cannot tell the difference and will argue it all day and all night, so I won't bother getting into that. ;)

Since you now have two chains with nearly identical wear, get some powerlinks and clean your chains by swapping the grimy chain with the clean, dry one at regular intervals to fit your riding frequency.

Since you now have two chains with nearly identical wear, get some powerlinks and clean your chains by swapping the grimy chain with the clean, dry one at regular intervals to fit your riding frequency.

Rotating chains like this is a great idea, especially if both chains are of equal wear. I have yet to do it, but some of my ride buds do. It's a good way to keep a clean chain on a bike.

I'm a SRAM user and love the Powerlink features (special link that allows you to assemble/disassemble the chain with your fingers in seconds).

Since you now have two chains with nearly identical wear, get some powerlinks and clean your chains by swapping the grimy chain with the clean, dry one at regular intervals to fit your riding frequency.
I would Love to do as you say, but here in SA there is not much of a selection and have no idea where to get a powerlink, and which one would you suggest.

Okay, a newbie question: what's a Powerlink, and can I use it on my Shimano chains?

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=12099&subcategory_ID=5131

and they can be used on shimano chains.