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Better 9spd chain? All 9spd chains work the same?

Old 11-08-07, 03:39 PM
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Better 9spd chain? All 9spd chains work the same?

Ok this is what I have on my bike right now.

Shimano HG 9spd cogset CS-HG70-9
Shimano HG chain CN-HG72


I would like to know a few things :

1. Do all 9 spd chains work the same on the bike?

2. What is the best 9spd chain out there?

3. What is the next best (long lasting/durable) chain from my current chain?

4. What is the best 9spd cogset out there?

5. What is the next best (long lasting/durable) cogset from my current cogset?


I lube and clean my chain often. About once every 2-4 weeks if light riding or 2 weeks with heavy riding. My current chain has ~6500km on it (if my bike computer is correct)

I'll get my crank rings model as soon as I can find it.


Thanks in advance for the help. I am rather new to this so please go easy on the technical terms.
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Old 11-08-07, 04:16 PM
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There are probably as many differences in opinions as there are available chains.
But since you asked, my favorite chain for a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain is the Dura-Ace 7700. The Ultegra is just as strong but the D-A chain is nickel plated and more corrosion resistant, and it just looks better. I've put well over 7000 miles on a D-A chain and still been within normal wear limits. But a chain should be replaced based on wear measurements not miles. A 24 pin length of chain should measure 12 inches and should be replaced by the time that length reaches 12 1/16th inches.
My favorite 9-speed cassette is the Ultegra, for long life and cog selections, and they look good. The D-A cassette with partial titanium cogs is also a great cassette but the only advantage it has is less weight, more important to hill climbers. The 105 cogset is also a good one, well worth the money.

Al
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Old 11-08-07, 04:25 PM
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I agree with Al1943. DA chains stay nice and bright and seem quieter, but I don't know if that's actually true or if it's just psychological.

DA cogs are beautiful and light, but for just a few more grams and a lot less money, I go for Ultegra cassettes.
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Old 11-08-07, 07:11 PM
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Ok these are my bikes stock parts :

Shimano HG 9spd cogset # CS-HG70-9 11-32T ( 11-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32T)
Shimano HG chain # CN-HG72
Shimano Mega Drive Train front chain rings (L) M9 N-44, (M) M9 N-32, and (S) M9 N-22
Shimano Deore XT front/back derailers
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Old 11-08-07, 07:14 PM
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Sounds like MTB parts.
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Old 11-08-07, 08:18 PM
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Mtn. bike. The XTR chain is exatly the same as a D-A chain. As for my cassette comments you could substitute Deore XT for Ultegra, XTR for D-A.

Al
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Old 11-08-07, 08:47 PM
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I like the ConneX 911 . It seems much quieter then the D.A. and shifts smoother
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Old 11-08-07, 09:41 PM
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I'm getting ready to put a 9 speed chain on my mountain bike that i know is inferior but I am cheap. It is a KMC Z9000, and i've had bad experiences with KMC before but I am cheap. (guess i already said that)

So yeah, there are differences in chains.
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Old 11-08-07, 10:17 PM
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I find SRAM chains and cassettes to be more durable than Shimano. I use the 990 chain and cassette on my MTB and get a lot more life than previously with XT. If you are riding primarily on road, you may not be as hard on the drive train as off road use but it should still make a difference.
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Old 11-08-07, 11:33 PM
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What do you mean by the 'best'? Lightest? Sweetest price point? Most durable? What exactly does *best* mean to you?

Rolhoff makes excellent and long lasting chains although they are not cheap.
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Old 11-08-07, 11:36 PM
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Originally Posted by blamp28
I find SRAM chains and cassettes to be more durable than Shimano. I use the 990 chain and cassette on my MTB and get a lot more life than previously with XT. If you are riding primarily on road, you may not be as hard on the drive train as off road use but it should still make a difference.
Funny, this is the exact opposite of all the local high level (pro and national team) wrenches and racers I've spoken to. They have had problems with extremely quick wear using SRAM chains. Most have stopped using them around here.
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Old 11-09-07, 12:25 AM
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I buy chains from walmart.

I do that because I change my chains every 1500-2000 miles. Shifts fine, works fine.

There are differences but I guess it comes down to what you want. If you bike as a way to save money then get a cheap chain because it will work great. If you bike recreationally and love having expensive fancy stuff then get an expensive chain.
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Old 11-09-07, 05:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Ziemas
Funny, this is the exact opposite of all the local high level (pro and national team) wrenches and racers I've spoken to. They have had problems with extremely quick wear using SRAM chains. Most have stopped using them around here.

I broke Shimano Chains every 400 to 500 miles of off road riding. After switching to SRAM I get to actually measure chain stretch because they will last long enough to stretch without breaking. I get roughly twice that mileage before they stretch 1/16". That is off road of course in a muddy, wet and generally pretty abusive environment. My road bike chains - I change about every two years in the spring with about 5000 - 6000 miles on them. They would last longer but I tend to ride far from home and don't feel like an interrupted ride.

I'm not usually swayed by the "pros". I always listen and consider the opinions I hear everywhere but in the end, I use what works for me.
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Old 11-09-07, 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by blamp28
I broke Shimano Chains every 400 to 500 miles of off road riding. After switching to SRAM I get to actually measure chain stretch because they will last long enough to stretch without breaking. I get roughly twice that mileage before they stretch 1/16". That is off road of course in a muddy, wet and generally pretty abusive environment. My road bike chains - I change about every two years in the spring with about 5000 - 6000 miles on them. They would last longer but I tend to ride far from home and don't feel like an interrupted ride.

I'm not usually swayed by the "pros". I always listen and consider the opinions I hear everywhere but in the end, I use what works for me.
Sounds like the Shimano chains weren't properly installed. The only reason I mentioned pros is because I go the the national team's head mechanic for all my bike needs and shoot the breeze with the folks there. They ride a lot and seem to know what they are talking about.
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Old 11-09-07, 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by blamp28
I broke Shimano Chains every 400 to 500 miles of off road riding. After switching to SRAM I get to actually measure chain stretch because they will last long enough to stretch without breaking. I get roughly twice that mileage before they stretch 1/16". That is off road of course in a muddy, wet and generally pretty abusive environment. My road bike chains - I change about every two years in the spring with about 5000 - 6000 miles on them. They would last longer but I tend to ride far from home and don't feel like an interrupted ride.

I'm not usually swayed by the "pros". I always listen and consider the opinions I hear everywhere but in the end, I use what works for me.
I have similar experiences with SRAM v. Shimano chains. I've been using a SRAM on my mountain bikes for the past 10 years without any problems. However, in the past couple of years, three of my ride buddies snapped their chains (2 Shimano, 1 KMC) on rides. And in each case, I removed the offending links and reconnected using an old SRAM Powerlinks I keep in my Camelback.
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Old 11-10-07, 08:09 AM
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Originally Posted by blamp28
I broke Shimano Chains every 400 to 500 miles of off road riding.
You've got a very serious installation problem. Nobody breaks Shimano chains like that if they are installed properly.

I get an easy 5000 - 6000 very hilly miles on Shimano chains and have NEVER broken one. My son-in-law is a very strong accomplished racer and he has NEVER broken a Shimano chain. I know a lot of other good riders and no one has ever broken a Shimano chain, certainly not more than one and certainly not in 500 miles.

You need to find a better mechanic or to follow Shimano's installation instructions properly.
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