Chains seem to be forever, compared with brifters, der etc in availability for 8-9spd, even 5-6
speed chains hang on in the catalogs. Our Macchiatto has an 8 spd timer, going strong at
6200mi, where the 10spd drive chain is upto # 3. # 2 literally disintegrated 30 yds into a 12%
grade 2 weeks ago, exam showed the endplate fractured vertically across the pin hole. With a
chain tool we were able to reassemble the chain after discarding 1.5" and gingerly ride home
at 8-12mph. 8spd chains can be as little as $10-15 on sale. Recently scored some 10spd
Shimano chains for $20 from Cambria. Profit margin on the $50-70 10spd chains must be formidable
as the weights are within an 0z or less regardless of price, and apart from blingy stainless or Ti
chains, the metallurgy of standards chains does not seem to be a distinguishing factor in price or
longevity.
Of course this disallows claims of better shifting achieved by asymmetric plates
recently introduced, but the incremental price of this can't be more than a few
bucks (plus engineering and development).
Last edited by sch; 07-23-09 at 10:24 AM.