I had a 7-8spd chain for the last ten yrs until my first experience with a nine spd chain two years ago on a folding bike, my nephew made a bad shift and the chain wrapped and twisted on the chainrings. I wasn't familiar with 9spd chains and thought it was noticably flexible compared to the older ones. When I got a LHT last year I converted it to 8spd under the reasoning that it would last longer but I wonder if I'm splitting hairs. Shop folks must have some good experience on the topic to contribute.