GMM

Any issues running an Ultegra 6600 chain with SRAM drivetrains? I prefer pins over quick links.
Noticed that Ultegra chains are 6.10mm wide vs. SRAM'S PC-1051 5.95mm - will that width difference make a difference?

Thanks

TimmyT 

My initial guess is, "No, it won't make a difference," but I've never run an ultegra chain on SRAM. You will want to check your cassette spacing to make sure that there is enough tolerance. You might check the ultegra tolerance, too, to compare.

Good luck,
Tim

MudPie

I prefer masterlinks to pins.

I would assume the two are compatible. I've used SRAM chains with Shimano cassettes without any problems.

And I've never heard of any problems using a Shimano chain on a SRAM cassette.

Are your measurements from a specification sheet or did you measure them with calipers?

6.10 mm - 5.95 mm = 0.15 mm = .006", fairly small..

FastJake

+2

SRAM is compatible on Shimano, can't see why it wouldn't work the other way. Spacing is the same.

Why would you want the pins instead of the master links?

AEO

shimano and sram have a slightly different ramp design for their cassettes and the chains are also slightly different in design and that results in ever so slightly degraded shifting performance.

but honestly it's so slight, it's hard to notice.

ivan_yulaev

But is it possible that the performance might, in fact, be improved?

It sounds like the OP should try this. For science.

HillRider

I just miked a brand new Shimano Ultegra 6600 chain and it measured 0.230" across the ends of several pins. That's 5.84 mm so I don't know where the 6.1 mm number came from. I also miked two Wippermann 10-speed chains and got 0.234" or 5.95 mm. The nominal width of current 10-speed chains is 5.9 mm and you should have no problems with any of them.

GMM

Thanks guys,

Hillrider, I pulled the specs from several bikeshops.

https://www.bikeman.com/CH6600.html
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=6624
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=449217

I also thought it kind of odd that Shimino's were speced at 6.1mm, that's why I asked.

If anyone can add SRAM specs, that would be great. I think they're all going to be within .05mm of 5.9mm, regardless.

AEO

It might
All I know is that the shaped side plates on my KMC chain do in fact improve performance slightly, while my totally flat mavic chains are even worse than the standard shimano chain.

GMM

Just guaged an Ultegra HG-93 9-speed chain, it averaged 0.245 or 6.22mm at the link; bikeman.com has it listed at 6.6mm. So much for reliable internet info.
I think an Ultegra chain will work just fine.

Thanks again.

HillRider

Chain width is defined as the dimension across the ends of the pins, not the side plates. I just miked a Shimano HG-73 9-speed chain and got 0.257" or 6.53 mm which is a bit closer to the published 6.6 mm. I'm as puzzled as you are why all of those sources say Shimano 10-speed chains are 6.1 mm wide.

DaveSSS 

All modern 10 speed chains are now 5.9mm wide, give or take a tiny amount. They are all interchangeable.

pmt

Yes, it works fine both ways. No trouble at all.