Originally Posted by
kycycler
First I replace my chain about every 1800 miles. This way i can get 3 chains to a cassette. Second with 4700 miles on the original chain and cassette you will need to replace both or you will have mismatch between the chain and cassette, this will cause the chain to skip. Third and last I use Sram chains as they seem to shift smoother and, in MHO, are of better quality.
I replace my chains and cassettes together at about 6000 - 7000 miles and get one chain per cassette and only pay for one. At 1800 miles per chain you are paying for three chains and a cassette in less distance. Poor economy.
As to Shimano chain reliability, I've NEVER had one break in 100,000 miles of using them and typically putting the above 6000+ miles on each. The reports of broken Shimano chains almost all come from improper installation and/or reusing one of the standard pins after chain removal. Installed correctly (it isn't that hard) they are very reliable. And, I use Shimano chains on my rain/beater bike too and have never had a failure on it either.
Installing a master link (SRAM's, KMC's or Wippermann's Conex all work) is useful if you want to remove the chain for cleaning. I always clean the chain in place so they aren't a benefit for my use.