I have road bike, tiagra shifters, tiagra front der, XT rear der, 9 speed super narrow KMC Z9000 chain.


The chain is broken and I plan on using it until new chain arrives.


Here are my choices: http://home.earthlink.net/~kmcchain/english/index.html


Obviously I can go with a different brand, whatever is cheaper.



My questions are:

Do I have to go with 9 speed super narrow chain? Can I used a tougher BMX/freestyle chain instead? Which once from that manufacturer's?


Does my chain have to be a certain length (such as the length I have now)? Can it be longer? If so is that good or bad?


If I go with a heavy duty chain, if it's possible, what kind of benefits will I experience on a road bike? Any performance issues?