I was wondering what make of 5,6,7 speed chains you all use. Is there a particular brand that you prefer because of cost/durability?

Do the Shimano HG 8 speed chains work well? I've used the SRAM PC870 before but I see KMC makes a very inexpensive chain, the Z50, but I don't want something that shifts horrible.

Thoughts?

I prefer SRAM chains over Shimano mostly because of the quick link. The Z50 is the go-to chain around here for decent and cheap. It works well.

KMC Z-30 for 5/6 spd, Z-50 for 6/7 spd.

About five bucks, and I use nothing else on all my bikes.

KMC is an amazing value. I can't find fault with these chains. I've used the Z7, Z50, and Z51 and probably other models. On their website, they have tons of models.

Everyone loved Sedis/Sedisport chains back in the 80's They shifter so well with most drivetrain brands and was cheap too. I notice there seems to be a bigger preference for KMC chains these days. Sedis chains can still be found for resonable prices, but I suspect the NOS supply will eventually start getting smaller, specially for the later narrow SL version which I run my 7 speed bike with. It shifts and run as smooth as buttah!

Chombi

i like the silver and black chains that were popular in the early 80s on high end bikes.. not sure the brand but they add a nice finishing look to a bike

I decided to run PC870s on my bikes because they shift so well and look great. I figure I replace a chain so infrequently that I'm willing to spend more than $5. But if I had to outfit a whole fleet I'd probably go cheaper. As to whether they will work on a freewheel with tighter pitch than a traditional 120mm 5-speed or 126mm 6-speed I have no idea. I was told they would when considering an Ultra-6, but the fit seemed pretty tight.

I loved the Sedisport chain, too. But it's crap compared with modern chains. I've done a side-by-side comparison. The difference in shifting is huge. Huge, I tell ya!

+1 I always keep several of each size on hand: cheap, effective, look nice. What else do you need?

Z30 at Niagara: $4.57; Z50 at Niagara: $5.60.

Most of the bikes I see are either six speed or seven speed.

It’s quite often that I feel like the rookie that I am around here, but I’ve read some of your other posts, and sense that you are a beginner buyer/seller as I’ve become. I love restoring bikes, but I can’t afford to keep them. I’ve yet to sell a bike without a new chain on it however. I can’t remember using any other chain than the SRAM PC 850 or 870 on any vintage bikes I’ve dealt with for the past 3 years. I’d like to try the KMC chains because they get such great reviews here, but they are not available off-the-shelf in my area, and I prefer to support my LBS’s when I can. Yes, they are more expensive. But, until I’ve experienced the wonderfulness of a $5 chain, I will keep dancing with the girl I brought to the Prom.