embankmentlb

For many Mary years I have run a combination of a 9 speed ultegra cassette and high end s ram chain. Recently I went the budget rought with a h g 50 9 speed cassette band lower end s ram chain. The new combo is noisy and clunky sounding. Shifting is fine but there are lots of irregular clicking noises and such.
I figured the only difference would be weight. Could the quality be that much of an issue?

trailangel

Put some Chain-L on the chain, ride a couple hundred miles and report back.

DrIsotope

I've used all of the 10sp Shimano chains except for Dura-Ace (Tiagra, 105, Ultegra) and they have all shifted exactly the same. Have also used two different KMC chains (X.93 and the 10SL) and they shifted exactly the same as well. The cassette makes more of an impact. The 6700 Ultegra cassette I ran was quiet and shifted perfectly, right up until it didn't. It didn't even last 2 chains-- shifting was clacking and clunking before 4,500 miles. I get longer chain life out of a (relatively) cheap XT cassette, which lasts 2 full chains (about 6k miles.) With the cost differential (much like the difference between 9sp Ultegra and Sora,) I choose the slightly clunkier shifting at the lower pricepoint.

bradtx

embankmentlb, Did you readjust the rear derailleur for the new cassette?

Brad

catgita

About all anyone could offer is some anecdotes. I used high and middle range SRAM chains for 20 years, then tried a KMC. Definitely smoother and better shifting on my bikes. The SRAM chains seem to get loose and floppy very quickly. Currently using the black diamond coated version. Mostly it seems like I lubricate it less often.

I would be curious to see a more scientific study comparing life span, efficiency, etc.

dabac

Cassettes can weigh differently. And have shinier or coarser surfaces.
IMO installation, tuning, wear and upkeep has a bigger impact on performance than the brand and quality level of the parts you are using.

embankmentlb

All adjusted well.

bradtx

I'm at a loss as to why you're having a problem. Right now I have two HG50 9S cassettes, using SRAM chains at the opposite ends of what is offered. Both shift well and are quiet when pedaling. BTW, both are 14-25 junior cassettes, one replaced a 12-23 Ultegra cassette.

Before an old knee injury has me now using a triple, I swapped cassettes quite often for club rides to suit the terrain. This usually required H/L adjustments and / or shift cable adjustments.

Brad

fietsbob

Chain Pitch standard has long been 1/2 inch .

embankmentlb

On order is a new ultegra cassette and shimano chain. Once installed I will let you folks know if things go back to normal.

Drew Eckhardt 

Wipperman did a study where they ran chains on a motorized fixture and measured elongation.

That wear rate can vary radically between different chains.

RubeRad

How long is a "Mary year"?