Miller2

for an 10 speed Ultegra SL:

Whats the difference between the Shimano CN 7900, CN 7800 and CN 6600?

Whats the best choice of the 3?

Would a SRAM chain work well for this application?

cslone

7900 is the new DA, 7800 is 08 DA and 6600 is Ultegra. I'm cheap when it comes to chains so I would buy the 6600/Ultegra. SRAM will work, but some have reported it to be noisy with Shimano components.

Miller2

cool..thanks.

Miller2

for the 6600...can you use the quick link connector? Also, can the pins not be removed with a normal chain tool?
"Special chain connection tool (TL-CN23) is required. "

dsellinger

And another great reason to use an Sram chain.

Shimagnolo

The 7900 has the master link which can be opened w/o tools and re-used.
That is the one I would get.

I am using a SRAM chain on Campy w no problems whatsoever, and I also use SRAM Powerlinks on Shimano 9s chains. I wouldn't hesitate to try SRAM chains with Shimano.

Booger

And where exactly are you purchasing components that won't be released for months?

dsellinger

Look online there are a dozen retailers with 7900 chains in stock.

https://www.google.com/products?q=790...ano&lnk=brsugg

Miller2

7900 available at Colorado Cyclist

Shimagnolo

Hey, I was just choosing from the selection offered by the OP.
I don't need a new chain right now, and I don't have a Shimano 10s system, so I am in no rush for delivery.

Miller2

So has anyone had a bad experience with a SRAM chain on a Shimano drivetrain?

DaveSSS 

I would suggest none of the above. For $20-25, you can get a KMC DX10SC that will outlast the best Shimano chain, although to be fair, maybe the 7900 chain has been improved. The others don't last long.

Links that fit KMC chains will fit Shimano. SRAM 10 connecting links will NOT fit a Shimano or KMC chain, since the width across the inner plates is narrower, like the Campy UN.

A Campy UN will last the longest. A Veloce chain is only $24 at Pro Bike Kit, but like most things, they have no stock. They're $30 at Total Cycling.

Psimet2001 

The 7900 is a UNI-DIRECTIONAL chain that was supposedly designed to work with the 7900 chainrings/crank. There is absolutely no reason to buy it for a 6600 Ultegra drivetrain.

The difference between the 7800 and the 6600 chain is the finsh. The DA supposedly won't rust....as quickly.

KMC makes Shimano's chains....or at least their non 7900 chains.

KMC DX10 is a great chain for the price and will run longer and quieter in your application than the Shimano chain will.

I have had good luck pressing pins OUT with just about any good quality chain tool. Have fun pressing one in with a chain tool not designed for 10spd. Can be done very well if you know what you are doing and take your time, but the sheer (or would that be shear in this case) number of broken 10spd chains I have seen out on the road due to improper pin setting is staggering.

Oh....and that usually comes with injuries.

I have not heard of anyone having a bad experience using a SRAM chain on a Shimano 10spd drivetrain. I actually prefer SRAM chains on Shimano 9spd drivetrains. I feel that SRAM 10spd chains are overpriced with little to no added value when it comes to 10spd though.

Campy makes a GREAT 10spd chain. Provided you pass the credit check to get one.

Wippermann makes a very good 10spd chain as well, but I find they are pretty stiff when new and run pretty rough until they flex out a bit.

Fat Boy

+1, it's the way to go.

Booger

I remain a skeptic. I've fallen for that in the past.

Miller2

thanks for all the feedback guys.

Psimet2001 

FWIW - I have gotten a lot of e-mails in the last week from a lot of different online retailers saying that they now had 7900 in stock. It would either they have actually started to receive 7900 items in their warehouses, or that it's a mass marketing conspiracy to get $$ from shoppers in a down market during Christmas with the hopes of being able to string them along until Shimano finally ships sometime early next fall....

.....just sayin.

Vireo

We have 7900 chains in stock at $69.95 each.

...along with the group.