I've gone through many bikes, and many chains in my cycling life, but it seem to me that the Shimano Dura Ace 9000 11 speed chain wears out faster than other chains I've used. I know 11 speed chains are narrower, but does that mean shorter chain life? Those who have experience with all kinds of chains, do you find this particular one needs to be replaced more often? How about with regards to other 11 speed chains? Also, this is the only chain that "lets me know" when it needs to be replaced. It will start squeaking, even after lubricating. It gets worse and worse the longer it goes without being lubed, but after a certain time period, the chain starts squeaking almost uncontrollably. For most of my other chains I just wait until my chain checker is at 0.75mm, but wouldn't ever get any squeaking noises. Maybe I'm just expecting too much out of it...

My sram chains get about 3k miles, which I guess is ok. I have heard people complain about shimano chains wearing quickly. Those who keep their chain the longest seem to be running campy.

KMC has the most mixed reviews I've ever heard. Some people swear by them, and I know a mechanic who swears KMC stands for Kant Make Chains.

of course, chain wear has so much to do with how you ride, how you maintain, and what you ride in that any useful comparison of chain life needs a lot more than brand attached to it.

It lasts as long as it lasts. I'm in the 200lb club, I ride a heavy bike, and I do a lot of hills-- so I'm lucky to squeeze 1200 miles out of a chain. But the chain is the cheapest part of the drivetrain (usually) so better to replace it early than find yourself replacing the chain, the cassette, and the rings. It's not a hours/days/weeks thing. When it's worn, it's worn. No two riders or situations are going to be alike.

Chain life questions are kind of like asking how long it takes to eat a hamburger. Some wolf down their chains, not bothering to wipe off the grime from their lips as they go. Others take their time chewing each bite and cleaning their lips after each bite. Andy.

As long as it's cleaned regularly I can't see why you wouldn't get 3k out of it. I normally retire my Ultegra 6700 chains around 3k just to try and keep my components from wearing too much, but I've gone 5k before but I measure the stretch to make sure it is in good working order.

I get 5000 miles no issue shimano ultegras.