Originally Posted by
Val23708
Eh I've used cheaper to race on. Any chain from the major brands should do: Shimano 105+, Sram PG-1030+, KMC DX10+, etc...
the main advantages of more expensive chains are nickel plating (or ti coating for the gold colored ones) and hollow pins and plates.
for example, the 105 chain is all grey steel, wheras the ultegra has nickel plated steeel for the outer links, and the dura-ace has full nickel plating (as of the 7800-series).
I tend to stick around the $25-35 range so that includes Shimano Dura-Ace 7801 , KMC DX10.93
I think that's the feature, but what's the benefit?... eg I guess the hollow pins make things lighter, but what about the nickel plating?
Ps: I'm also fat, ride half the miles OP does, and use a $15 kmc 8 speed chain. I used to change chains twice a year (heck, I cant be cleaning all the time) but lately chain reaction bumped the price up.... so I might have to get the rag and degreaser out more often
