run away from that LBS NOW!!! It's sad how many shops have to talk down about a product simply because they don't have any knowledge of it and don't want to appear stupid when their customer knows more than them.

I have been using and recommending KMC chains exclusively for probably 6-8 years. Started back when they were selling their DX10 through Performance as a "Forte" branded chain ...with KMC DX10 stamped in every outer cage. I found that chain to be a great value and have used it on everything - Shimano, SRAM, Campy since. I sell and install a couple a hundred chains a year. In that time I have had 1..... *1* break. It was on a road and TT Masters National Champion's bike during cyclocross - after he secured 3rd at Nationals and was competing at Worlds in January. That cahin had been on his "A" bike and had been powerwashed probably a hundred times and been through muddy courses for 6 months. It snapped while he was climbing in way too big of a gear. He wasn't upset, or even surprised. He said, "I asked it to do more that I should have."

On the flip side I have replaced numerous Shimano (albeit made - sometimes - BY KMC but to Shimano's specs) chains simply crap out on me. I had a guy on my team bust one 5 minutes into his race on Saturday. It was a DA chain that came with his bike when new. When he showed up tonight to have it replaced, he had to wait in line behind another - who was getting his Ultegra chain replaced with a KMC. When I walked over to grab my chain box...I only saw one in there. You should have seen them stare each other down.....then I remembered I always keep one in my race box. ....time to re-order....