Recommendations for an 8-speed chain
Searched, but couldn't find a thread newer than 2018...
Title says it all. Running Shimano 12-23 cassette, tri-color RD. Something smooth and quiet. Thanks! |
SRAM PC- 830 or 850 (or 870 if you want to get spendy) is my go to:
https://cambriabike.com/products/sra...xoC33kQAvD_BwE |
I installed a Wippermann Connex 808 on a bike with a Dura-Ace crank and cassette recently; smooth so far.
https://www.connexchain.com/en/8-speed-chains.html |
Running KMC 8-speed chain with Campagnolo 8-speed ergo. To me they work smoother than the SRAMs I have always used
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KMC or SRAM for me, depending on which is available at the best price. I have a slight hearing loss so they're both quiet to me LOL.
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SRAM 8 speed chains only come 114 links. If you need something longer, you’re SOL.
I had never given chain length much thought until last year, I’ve always had to shorten them. I built up a Davidson sport-tourer, which has long chain stays, 52/42 crank, 32 tooth freewheel and Campy NR RD with Soma long cage. Bought a PC-870…too short. Had to buy a 116 link KMC instead. |
Most modern chains rated for 8 speed cassettes "should" give you decent performance. I've been an SRAM fan for the past 15 years. Before that SRAM's predecessor Sedis.
The SRAM PC-8x0 series are rated for 6, 7 and 8 speed cassettes and freewheel. They perform well and can be purchased at an affordable cost. To expand of the nlerner post above, the PC-830 chains are the bottom of the series and are gray colored. For $3.00 USD more, the PC-850 chains look the same but are probably worth the extra cost. The next up is the PC-870 chains with nickel plated outside links for a little bling! It looks like SRAM has discontinued the PC-890 chains with all of the links nickel plated. I only have one bike that I ride that has a Campy cassette, all the rest are Shimanos or FWs. On several recent builds with 8 speed cassettes, I've tried out KMC 9 speed chains which are slightly narrower and seem to shift better on those bikes. To gore some oxen... I don't see the value in uber-priced Campy and Shimano chains. Depending on where and when you ride, bike chains are consumable components with a 3000-5000 mile life expectancy. You can buy 2 to 3 SRAM or KMC chains for what one of those vanity brands can cost, funds better spent on other things! :foo: Now that I've offended/insulted some, here's a list of various derailleur chain widths from 5 to 10 speed: Multi speed chains, from 5 to 8 speeds have inner widths of 3/32? (2.38 mm). Multi speed chains from 9 to 12 speeds have inner widths of 11/128? (2.18 mm). Outside width of the chain links (Note: Measuring the pin width may give different specs - published specs don't list that info): 5 & 6 speed – 7.8 mm (5/16 in) (all brands) 7 speed – 7.3 mm (9/32 in) (Shimano HG), 7.1 mm (9/32 in) (SRAM, Shimano IG) 8 speed – 7.3 mm (9/32 in) (Shimano HG), 7.1 mm (9/32 in) (SRAM, Shimano IG) 9 speed – 6.6 to 6.8 mm (1/4 to 9/32 in) (all brands) 10 speed - 6.2 mm (1/4 in) (Shimano, Campy), 5.88 mm (7/32 in) (Campy, KMC) Dimensions listed can vary depending on who published them. Also, bike chains are pretty crude technology not Swiss watch movements, so expect some tolerances in those measurements.... verktyg :50: |
Thanks all - I'll need to drill deeper into the SRAM and KMC lines. I did like the old Sedis chains. Not sure what I have on there now, but it has well over 5000 miles on it. I'm also bumping up the "big" chainring from a 48 to 50, so I need a little more length. The current chain was rescued from the parts bin and was borderline too short. Looks like all new chains have a "quick link" - that will be new for me.
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I tend to buy the KMC X8.99
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Recently bought a bulk box of 25 PC-830 chains for just under $200 at modernbike.
Surprised when a 3 ft. long box showed up at my door. When I opened it, found 25 chains had just been thrown in there, all tangled together. I wasn't expecting original packaging, but individually wrapped would have been nice. Guess they skip that step for bulk buys. |
I'm usually a KMC guy unless I can find a comparable SRAM at a better price. Seems like noise is more relative to how true the frame is and how well the components are set up.
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So I ended up with a KMC 8.93 - Turns out I have bought one a few years back and forgot about it :rolleyes:
I found the new chain still in the box, along with a nice 8-sp Durace cassette and the 50T chainring I'm going to install. Guessing I bought this last year or earlier. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4a97ee32_k.jpg |
Good choice. They are just so good for the price...
Originally Posted by thinktubes
(Post 22082635)
So I ended up with a KMC 8.93 - Turns out I have bought one a few years back and forgot about it :rolleyes:
I found the new chain still in the box, along with a nice 8-sp Durace cassette and the 50T chainring I'm going to install. Guessing I bought this last year or earlier. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4a97ee32_k.jpg |
Originally Posted by bargainguy
(Post 22073420)
Recently bought a bulk box of 25 PC-830 chains for just under $200 at modernbike.
Surprised when a 3 ft. long box showed up at my door. When I opened it, found 25 chains had just been thrown in there, all tangled together. I wasn't expecting original packaging, but individually wrapped would have been nice. Guess they skip that step for bulk buys. |
Reporting back - after 250 miles, the KMC 8.93 has worked great! Easy to install and very smooth. Shifting has gotten better and quiet as a mouse. Thanks for the recommendations!
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Isn't it great when Past Self did something nice for Current Self? I love discovering forgotten goodies in my stash. ;)
For anyone still weighing the SRAM options, I recommend against the PC-830. It doesn't have the chrome-hardened pins of the PC-850 and PC-870, so it won't last as long. Sure, the PC-850 is 50-60% more expensive than the PC-830, but it'll last twice as long (or more!) |
I've been using both KMC & SRAM chains. They both work well from my experience.
FWIW, REI has the PC-850 for $14. I bought one a few days ago mostly because it was local to me and I didn't have to wait on shipping. |
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