Originally Posted by
tyrion
I have a Deore 30 speed touring triple drivetrain. Will any chain labelled "10 speed" work with it?
Related question: I was perusing chains and Shimano chains aren't advertised as coming with a quick-link. Seems odd, most of the chains I've bought in the past came with a quick-link. How interoperable are quick-links, can a Shimano 10 speed chain used a KMC 10 speed quick-link?
Shimano chains use a connecting pin. Instructions included. Of course, you can use SRAM or KMC connecting links.
Shimano optimizes its 10-speed chains for road and MTB applications. If you have a road crankset, use any 10-speed chain labeled "Road," but avoid those for the 7900/6700/5700 generation. These are directional chains that Shimano says don't play nicely with triples. That leaves 5600, 6600, and 7800. Or you can avoid the confusion and select just about any 10-speed chain from KMC, SRAM, etc. If in doubt, read the packaging carefully or talk to a sales rep.