Dura Ace chain compatibility?
07-22-22 | 07:23 PM
#1
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From: Wake Forest, NC
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Dura Ace chain compatibility?
Is it possible (or even advisable?) to use a Dura Ace 11 speed chain with Dura Ace 7700 9-speed cassette, crank and derailleurs? Looking for weight savings and perhaps better function. Or should I just stick with the 9 speed chain?
07-22-22 | 07:42 PM
#2
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Chain weight is a false chase IMO. VASTLY more important is shifting performance. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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07-22-22 | 07:53 PM
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07-22-22 | 08:40 PM
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Clark W. Griswold
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You want to use a 9 speed chain with a 9 speed derailleur and cassette. 11 speed is excellent for 11 speed stuff. The only time you are going to use a chain for more than one speed is generally with 8 speed going down to 5,6, and 7 but sometimes 5 speed might not always be as good with some of the 8 speed stuff.
Not sure what performance is to be had with the incorrect chain? Also not sure what weight savings you are really getting on a metal chain? If you are looking to save weight go with a single speed and a belt or lose weight elsewhere.
Not sure what performance is to be had with the incorrect chain? Also not sure what weight savings you are really getting on a metal chain? If you are looking to save weight go with a single speed and a belt or lose weight elsewhere.
07-23-22 | 06:08 AM
#5
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Bikes: Heavy, with friction shifters
Here's my take on chain compatibility (wrote it down for my own use, has worked for me so far, but use your own common sense and caution).
Briefly put:
Going with a chain for one (or more) speed fewer than the cassette is generally not a good idea.
Going with a one speed plus chain is OK (unless we're talking about some exotic shain design, like the Shimano XTR M9100 12-speed chains - I haven't tested these with a "normal" drivetrain so can't say).
More than one speed plus with a chain?
Well, I'm currently running a 10-speed Ultegra chain on a 7-speed drivetrain. Works fine.
I would expect an 11-speed chain to work OK with a 9-speed cassette.
Would I do it?
No. It's more expensive, with marginal weight savings (my 10-on-7 is an experiment, and since it works fine, no use to throw it away until it's worn).
Briefly put:
Going with a chain for one (or more) speed fewer than the cassette is generally not a good idea.
Going with a one speed plus chain is OK (unless we're talking about some exotic shain design, like the Shimano XTR M9100 12-speed chains - I haven't tested these with a "normal" drivetrain so can't say).
More than one speed plus with a chain?
Well, I'm currently running a 10-speed Ultegra chain on a 7-speed drivetrain. Works fine.
I would expect an 11-speed chain to work OK with a 9-speed cassette.
Would I do it?
No. It's more expensive, with marginal weight savings (my 10-on-7 is an experiment, and since it works fine, no use to throw it away until it's worn).
