Rons

Is there a problem running a SRAM or KMC chain with Shimano derailleurs? The shimano chains are a little higher in price and don't seem to wear well. I like the idea of getting the SRAM 10 speed with the power link included. Any favorites? Thanks for any input.

Wogster

There shouldn't be any problem, all three bikes here are running KMC chains, none of them are new, at least one has 3,000+ km on it, still runs like new. Other then wiping them down when they look like they need it, then applying fresh lube, I don't do anything with them....

FBinNY 

No there's never a problem with chain brands as long as the width (ie, 9s vs.10s).

Chains are one o the most standardized parts on a bicycle, and roller width and diameter is the same across all brands. There are differences in the shapes of the plates which can affect shifting a bit, but all chains run the same.

Retro Grouch 

A chain brand thread. I think that it's kind of like choosing an appropriate lubricant for your chain. People whom I respect have very strongly held but conflicting opinions regarding chain brands. I think you'll be better served to stick to non-controversial topics like religion or politics.

I prefer SRAM chains myself but don't ask me why.

FBinNY 

Hey!!!!!

Retro Grouch 

I'll get back to you when the chain lube in my little bottle runs out - provided I don't die first. I don't use very much.

FBinNY 

I guess I shouldn't hold my breath.

Retro Grouch 

If you're depending on the profit from my chain lube purchases to upgrade your lifestyle, you should probably get comfortable with the way that you're living now. On the upside, you are on my list of vendors that I plan to try.

Northwestrider

I've run both Shimano and Sram , I've not noticed any difference in wear

FBinNY 

I've been in the bicycle business all my adult life. Adjusting lifestyle to reality goes with the territory.

JanMM

OCD folks prefer one brand for the entire drivetrain.

Retro Grouch 

Truth be told, I select my bike chains based on color. Which is really dumb because I'm not the kind of rider who cleans his chain after every ride.

Speaking of which, anybody know what color FB's chain lube turns when it gets a little dirty?

Wogster

Choosing a chain lube, that's easy: Do you want a wet lube or a dry lube? For fair weather bikes, your better dry, for all weather bikes, your better wet. Okay, having answered that question, what's on sale this week?

FBinNY 

That's easy. get a deck of cards, find the ace of spades. That's very close to the color.

Retro Grouch 

That's too bad. I think that I picked the chain lube I'm using now because it was called Dura-Gold or something like that.

Rowan

I like KMC's 9 and 10 speed chains because of the way they are riveted. I've used SRAM in the past without issue. I bought both these brands because of the easy-to-use joining link, which has been made even easier with acquisition of a pair of link pliers.

I will use Shimano chains if the price is right for the model I am after, but refuse to use their rivet system to join them, and opt instead for a KMC joiner link.

I strongly believe using a rivet to join a chain, whether it is a Shimano or some other brand, is what leads to many chain failures, likely because it hasn't been inserted properly and backed off as in the instructions. I just find it so inconvenient when putting a chain on the bike. It's probably why I won't ever get a job at a bike shop.

I think KMC 9 and 10 speed chains can't be joined again using just the rivet because of how they are designed.

Popeyecahn

The only chain that gave me a problem was an SRAM with a Powerlink, I threw that b!tch off just as I was heading up an onramp and had just shifted. The bike shop not 50 feet from did not have a spare to help me out so I had to call for sag support from a co-worker. As cheap as they are I just bought a new one and made d@mn sure the Powerlink was installed properly. Not a problem since...

I changed bikes and am riding a Shimano 105 group with a CN-5701

jppe

I've used Shimano, KMC, SRAM and Campy......all good.

My experience has been the SRAM masterlink can only be removed with the Link Tool. However's KMC's quick link can easily be removed by hand.

RoadTire 

I suspect it starts out green, then goes to yellow as a warning, then red indicating stop immediately and relube, and black when it's dead.


Come to think of it, wouldn't that be cool to have the chains themselves change color as they wear?

maddmaxx 

lube?

JanMM

Just the opposite of my experience - had to get a Park masterlink tool when I started using KMC chains/masterlinks after years of no problems with SRAM.

Have never had a masterlink of either brand fail but in recent years have given spare KMC masterlinks to two tandem teams stranded on the roadside by masterlink failures - don't know what brands.
I always carry a couple of the KMC ones - bought a bunch of them on Amazon.

Wogster

I suspect that master link failures are master links not installed properly....

JanMM

The most recent episode I think was a chain that got dumped to the inside and then inadvertently came apart and one half got lost in the process of trying to dislodge the chain from where it ended up. Not really a masterlink failure.

Shimagnolo

SRAM and KMC both make two types of links:

1. A non-latching type which can be removed with bare fingers; (SRAM 8s & 9s PowerLINK, KMC calls it "reusable").

2. A latching type that needs a tool to separate; (SRAM 10s & 11s PowerLOCK, KMC calls it "non-reusable").

jppe

Good clarification. I was referring to the SRAM 10 sp. I have reusable 10 sp KMC links as well.