What 9-speed chain?
05-06-23 | 06:51 AM
#1
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From: Athens, Greece
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sport Sora (now), Whistle Modoc Flatbar (retired)
What 9-speed chain?
The time to replace the KMC X9 chain on my bike is getting close. What do you recommend replacing it with? Should I go for a KMC X9SL? I have been happy with the KMC, but would it be a good idea replacing it with something better? Should I try the YBN 9speed chain?
Also, would a 9-speed chain for e-bikes do nice on my non-e road bike with the Sora drivetrain?
Also, would a 9-speed chain for e-bikes do nice on my non-e road bike with the Sora drivetrain?
05-06-23 | 08:25 AM
#2
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From: San Diego, CA
I recommend just staying with the X9. Performs as good as any other chain, fairly inexpensive and lasts as long as almost any other out there. The e chain is claimed to be stronger for more torque but hard to say if that will wear any longer for a non-e bike and it is almost twice as expensive.
Last edited by Crankycrank; 05-06-23 at 08:28 AM.
05-06-23 | 08:32 AM
#3
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From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
I place little value on a chain's cosmetics or weight. So I would just get the same chain unless there was some reason why I wanted to spend more $.
Chains are like tires in that they are a consumable and often live a neglected life. It's my understanding that the big "improvement" with an E bike rated chain is stronger side plate retention and not much else. Are you blowing off the current chain's side plates? Andy
Chains are like tires in that they are a consumable and often live a neglected life. It's my understanding that the big "improvement" with an E bike rated chain is stronger side plate retention and not much else. Are you blowing off the current chain's side plates? Andy
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AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart
05-06-23 | 12:06 PM
#4
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From: Athens, Greece
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sport Sora (now), Whistle Modoc Flatbar (retired)
I had no problems with the X9. I just thought if it was worth changing to something better now that I will have to replace it. I will stick to the X9 then. I have also seen that TiN gold looking X9. It claims that stays cleaner for longer due to that Ti-N cover. Is that true?
05-06-23 | 02:00 PM
#5
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From: NW Oregon
Bikes: 1982 Trek 930R Custom, '91 Diamondback Ascent w/ XT, XTR updates, Fuji Team Pro CF road flyer, Specialized Sirrus Gravel Convert, '09 Comencal Meta 5.5 XC, '02 Marin MBX500, '84 Gitane Criterium bike
try an Ultegra or XT Shimano chain... typical retail is lower than (like,about 2/3 the YBN or less!)the YBN, and they are OUTSTANDING Chains with a great reputation.
If you insist on trying the YBN, Walmart has them for 30 bucks, online... Most other outlets show them at $45 and up... most around $50.
oddly, the YBN CLAIMS a very low weight.... around 80 grams lighter than a comparable KMC....? WTH??? Creative Marketing?
i'll stick with chains that report actual weights, thank you.
PS.. if you shop well for a KMC chain, you can almost buy THREE for the price of one YBN....
If you insist on trying the YBN, Walmart has them for 30 bucks, online... Most other outlets show them at $45 and up... most around $50.
oddly, the YBN CLAIMS a very low weight.... around 80 grams lighter than a comparable KMC....? WTH??? Creative Marketing?
i'll stick with chains that report actual weights, thank you.
PS.. if you shop well for a KMC chain, you can almost buy THREE for the price of one YBN....
05-06-23 | 11:24 PM
#6
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 108
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From: Athens, Greece
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sport Sora (now), Whistle Modoc Flatbar (retired)
try an Ultegra or XT Shimano chain... typical retail is lower than (like,about 2/3 the YBN or less!)the YBN, and they are OUTSTANDING Chains with a great reputation.
If you insist on trying the YBN, Walmart has them for 30 bucks, online... Most other outlets show them at $45 and up... most around $50.
oddly, the YBN CLAIMS a very low weight.... around 80 grams lighter than a comparable KMC....? WTH??? Creative Marketing?
i'll stick with chains that report actual weights, thank you.
PS.. if you shop well for a KMC chain, you can almost buy THREE for the price of one YBN....
If you insist on trying the YBN, Walmart has them for 30 bucks, online... Most other outlets show them at $45 and up... most around $50.
oddly, the YBN CLAIMS a very low weight.... around 80 grams lighter than a comparable KMC....? WTH??? Creative Marketing?
i'll stick with chains that report actual weights, thank you.
PS.. if you shop well for a KMC chain, you can almost buy THREE for the price of one YBN....
05-07-23 | 09:07 AM
#7
aged to perfection
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: PacNW
Bikes: Dinucci Allez 2.0, Richard Sachs, Alex Singer, Serotta, Masi GC, Raleigh Pro Mk.1, Hetchins, etc
Under pretty harsh winter conditions ! I do wipe off / blow air thru it frequently and I run the Silca "white" chain lube.
I'll replace the chain and cassette this summer.
Andy I did not know about the extra riveting to re-inforce side plate retention on the ebike "specific" chains. Thanks
/markp
Last edited by mpetry912; 05-07-23 at 09:15 AM.
