Originally Posted by TheRef

It's time to replace my KMC chain that came with my Fuji Gran Fondo. I have about 5000 miles on this chain and never had any issues until now. It started to skip a bit and I used a friends chain checker and voila it's time for a new one.

I have a few quick questions and seeking suggestions. I have two set of wheels with 10 speed 12-28 and 12-27 105 cassettes. The crank is a FSA Grossamer 50/34 and 105 5700 shifters and derailleurs.

1- I know that HMC, Shimano and Sram chains are cross compatible. IS there any advantage of one versus the others? My shop only had shimano in stock 105 or the old ultegra. They said they can order any chain I want.

Not sure about any advantages. The only real considerations would be weight, cost, and expected part lifetime. I use SRAM PG1071 chains with my 5700 group, don't see any reason to change.

2- AT some point I can see myself going to a 11 speed set up- Should I go with a 11 speed chain now( I've been reading that that would work) ?

No. Chains aren't that expensive, and the odds are you'd get some wear into your new chain before changing groups. You'd want a new chain with your new 11 speed cassette if/when you move to 11s.

3- I can See myself going with a 32 cog on the rear since I have another bike for the flats. I know I'll need a new long cage rear derailleur but can I leave the chain long until I get it?

You could get away with it, but too much slack can cause problems if you run wacky gears like 34/12. Again, chains are cheap, so just buy a new one if you ever move to a 32t cassette.

FInally what your opinions on 10 speed Shimano, Sram and KMC chains?

No opinion. IIRC, KMC missing links are reusable while SRAM powerlocks are "not", but in practice I think they both perform the same.