Originally Posted by
bsektzer
OK, thanks. The reason I asked is that looking at the technical docs for the Ultegra chain, it's clear that there's an "inside" and "outside" to that chain, which led me to wonder if it were somehow specially designed to work with Ultegra cassettes/chain wheels.
Technically a unidirecitonal chain designed to work a little better with the shift ramps on Shimano's chainrings (front). Non issue.
Originally Posted by
caloso
For the price, durability, and the missing link connector, it's hard to beat KMC.
Correct.
Originally Posted by
valleycyclist
I tried a KMC DX10SC chain and it was stretched 1/8" over a 12" length of chain after 1000 miles. Maybe that was a defective chain, but Shimano chains last for 1000s of miles for me.
Very different experience than absolutely every other experience I have ever been part of with KMC (at least 500 according to my books - compared to your 1). I would advise trying to measure it correctly this time, losing weight, or maintaining the chain properly. Lots of factors can affect chain life and I can assure you that your experience with KMC is affected by some other factor you may not even be aware of.
Originally Posted by
Rocket-Sauce
Doesn't KMC make chains for Shimano?
Yes. At one point they had all of Shimano's chains detailed on their literature. For sure this existed with their 9spd chains. It appears as though their first generation 10 spd were KMC as well. Can not verify that KMC is making their current iterations.
Worth it to note is that while KMC was making chains for Shimano they were always made to Shimano's specification.
Originally Posted by
RacerOne
Any of you guys ever have a problem with the KMC's removable links pins sticking out too far compared to the rest of the chain? My bike started out with an Ultregra chain and Rival components. When the Ultrega chain reached its limits I replaced it with a KMC X10. I immediately noticed that in the smaller cogs I was gettng chain skips under medium load (like pedalling downhill). After running the bike in the stand I noticed the largers pins of the link were catching the teeth of the larger cog and lifting it, causing a skip. I readjusted the RD but couldn't get the clearance. Until this winter I just lived with it until it was driving me nuts on the rollers. I solved it by closing up the link pins with my chain tool. Now, no problems at all. However, after my 'mod' I'm a bit leary to take this out on the road / hills with the added stress that puts on the chain.
Anybody have this happen to them?
Nope. Try a different missing link, check your adjustment on your RD (including the alignment of the RD hanger) and then, even though it is not specified, Run your missing link in the same directional configuration as Wippermann. Short side with pin being the first that enters the RD pulley on the bottom. Long section with slot trails.