vortexrob

My LBS is suggesting I replace my Shimano CN-7801 chain with the SRAM 1090R. He professes that the SRAM shifts better than the Shimano and is quiter. Anyone out there have any experience with the SRAM? I know that some of their chains have power link issues, but beyond that, I know nothing about the chain.

Jynx

your dura ace chain is fine (as long as it is not worn out). If it is a you definately need a replacement look into the KMC X10 or KMC X10 SL.

fauxto nick

Is your shop fresh out of 7801 chains, that could be why. I had two SRAM chains and wasn't overly impressed with their performance, albeit they were cheaper models. I found they were a bit louder and also one of the chains developed a bump in the link and is seized up.

Anywho I'd say KMC. It's who makes Shimano's chains but with a master link and it's cheaper.

smd3

X10SL!

The 1090R should treat you well though. I would be surprised if it's quieter than your Shimano, they haven't seemed that way in my experience. But I've never used them, it's always been other people's rides.

Psimet2001 

Nope.

SRAM is a much louder chain.

KMC FTW.

Shimano if KMC is not available to you.

I know where you can get a good price on KMC chains though....

umd

I wouldn't trust anyone who says SRAM chains are quieter than Shimano. I like SRAM otherwise. As others have said, KMC is the way to go.

ggatsby

I ran a SRAM Red RD with a 1070 cassette on a DA7801 chain with problems or excess noise. As long as the cables were adjusted right and the chain lubed, everything was fine. The chain wore out after 3k miles or so and now I have a SRAM 1090 (with the SRAM link) chain on the same drivetrain. Shifting performance is just as good as on the DA and there's no "noise" either. Maybe it just applies to the 1090 cassette, but I've never understood the whole "SRAM is noisy" concept.

Psimet2001 

"he who smelled it...."

The 1090 is a noisy cassette in general due to the design. It's chain mesh noise so it just sounds like normal mechanical smoothness....but at a higher volume level than other drivetrains. It's not unusual for the rider himself not to notice it...it bothers those of us wheel sucking.

Throw a KMC on after that SRAM chain and you'll see what I mean. It will (not) sound like you just dipped the whole rig in a vat of grease.

mrvrsick

Isn't the 1090R the infamous "Cancellara" chain?
Either way, I have a top of the line 8 speed chain from kmc and I love it!

exhibitx

usually run ultegra or dura ace chain w/ kmc missing link because it's easy to find good deals on them

i also like the kmc chains, but harder to find a deal on those

the sram chains work ok, but as others say, they are louder

Scorer75

+1 on KMC

intence

They all work, if your current chain isn't broken don't worry about it.

Has anyone tried the DA7900 chain? on an otherwise "normal" 10 speed drivetrain?