MrCjolsen

I just put one on one of my bikes. Haven't ridden it yet. Made the switch from a SRAM PC-951 which gave me a disappointing 1200 miles before it started to wear out.

The reviews of it on MTBR.com are not so great, but I've noticed that the mountain bikers there don't seem to like much of anything.

I googled "kmc z-9000" and "ultegra" and noticed that it comes stock on some fairly nice bikes.

matthew_deaner

I have found the rust resistance of the KMC Z-9000 to be better than that of the KMC PC-951, but they'll last about the same amount of time. I can't tell a difference in the shifting. The lube that comes with the SRAM chains seems better, and I like the SRAM reusable link better than the KMC version (easier to get on and off), so I generally use SRAM. I prefer the PC-971 to the 951 because it's very rust resistant.

If you don't keep your chain clean, then you'll get short chain life, regardless of which chain you choose.

MrCjolsen

I went out and rode the bike with the new KMC chain for a while last night. Shifting is just fine.

Actually, the KMC link seems very easy to get on and off, I think they improved it. I know, however, from having an 8 speed KMC chain that they can be very difficult.

matthew_deaner

I read elsewhere on this forum that the KMC quick link was redesigned. I wasn't sure if that was rumor or not, because KMC didn't say anything about a link redesign on their package or their website. Anyway, assuming it's not a rumor, I haven't tried any KMC chains with the new link yet. The old one was a total PITA to get off. Had to use needle nose pliers and lots of patience. Still, KMC makes some nice chains for very reasonable prices. It's hard to go wrong buying a KMC chain.

George

I was going to put one on my bike, but the LBS talked me out of it. They said they were having problems with the links freezing up. Maybe the problem has been fixed, but I would keep and eye on it for a while.