Soloist Assassin

Okay, I decided to go Red on one of my bikes. I already got the FD, and RD. I will be picking up the shifters soon. My question is what cassette and chain should I go with? The Sram Red Cassette is lighter, but I hear allot of people using Shimano Cassettes and complaints of noise, and poor shifting from Sram Cassettes. I've not used a Sram Road Cassette before, so I am looking for your input.

Then there is the chain. The choices there. Shimano, Sram, or KMC. Lots of people seem to like the KMCs, I am leaning that route, but the purpose of this thread is to gather pros and cons of either setup from people that know. So if you have experience with these items, and can give a good recommendation of what I should do. I am all ears.

fa63

I run SRAM Rival shifters/FD/RD with a SRAM Rival cassette and a KMC X10SL chain. Shifting is very good and I have no noise issues.

WCroadie

I have SRAM Force with Red cranks one 1 bike and SRAM Force with an ultegra cassette on another, no complaints other then the SRAM 1070 chain, it is noisy, I changed to running a KMC X10SL and have been happy ever since.

ptle

Get the SRAM Red cassette. It's lighter and I've heard it lasts longer than other cassettes. As for chain get a KMC X10SL if you want a very good and light chain.

Cdy291

Those KMC chain are coated with a grease that is like Maple syrup when you first take them out of the box. Sram and Shimano chain are fine but I would degrease the KMC chains before I ever installed them.

pretzelface

Are you currently running Shimano 10-speed? If so, just keep what you've got until it wears out. Otherwise, buy Ultegra. Hits the sweet spot for price vs. value, IMHO, and the the Ultegra chains seem to outlast Dura-Ace.

Soloist Assassin

I am currently running the Ultegra 9 Speed 6500 series I stole off my 5200. So either way I need a cassette, and either way it will be an improvement. The best part is I'll be able to ride my 5200 again. I miss it. So from what you guys are saying Ultegra Cassette if on a budget, Red if I wanna save grams not only off the bike, but the wallet too, and either way KMC X10SL or death. Does that sound about right fellas?

mzeffex 

Is the 5200 the USPS Trek? You know I love that bike

Soloist Assassin

Yeah, it's the one in my sig. I've been tossing around the idea of selling it, but I kinda like having it around. I love my new bike don't get me wrong. It's a great improvement, but they don't make 'em like those old USPS era Treks. Best looking Treks ever imo, and I am not just saying that because I have one. Not to mention it rides totally different from my new bike. I've been tossing around the idea of doing some SRAM on it too, and moving the Ultegra down to my bad weather bike. IDK though, first things first, gotta get this Red setup done.

wacomme

I'm in a similar situation as the OP; I'm switching from 700 series Dura-ace to SRAM Red. I, too, am debating about cassettes and chains. My plan right now is to get a SRAM 1090R chain and match it with an Ultegra cassette. The Ultegra cassette is an intermediary measure. One of the proposed SRAM Red 2011 changes is an improved cassette (all rumor). So I'll get the Ultegra now and get the new Red cassette this winter.

However, I, too, am open to suggestions and opinions.

Soloist Assassin

Interesting point. I was not aware they were going to change the Red cassette. I kinda like your idea, I think I'll go Ultegra cassette for now, and X10SL chain.

Soloist Assassin

Well I bought this morning, and I'll be getting the cassette and chain soon. I would like to make the order tomorrow, so if anyone disagrees and thinks a KMC X10SL, and Ultegra Cassette is a bad idea speak up now. I am about to pull the trigger.

Trouble

Ultegra cassette and whatever chain, pull the trigger.

JaceK

Don't water down a nice SRAM setup with a crapptastic Shimano cassette. Either go SRAM or stay home.

kensuf

I normally run ultegra cassettes and either sram 1070 chains or dura-ace 7801 chains. But I'll only ride about 700 hours this year alone, so what the hell do I know. The guy above me obviously knows more.

Soloist Assassin

Yeah I went ahead and ordered an Ultegra Cassette, and a KMC X10SL. I will probably pick up a Red cassette when the rumored redesign comes out for a different set of race wheels. As soon as I feel that my skill level could benefit from such an upgrade.

wacomme

I just bought a Red group too, and I ordered the Ultegra cassette, though with a 1090R chain. I might try a KMC X10SL as my next chain. If SRAM comes out with a new Red cassette I'll buy it for next season (or maybe later this season) and use the Ultegra cassette on my other set of wheels.

bloomieracer

I have '09 Force with '10 Ultegra chain and cassette. It's as quiet as anything and I'd do it again.

johnileo61

+1

Ultegra cassette and Dura-Ace chain. Smooth as silk...

Soloist Assassin

I can't wait till the goods come. It sounds like I made the right choice. Thank you all for the input too. I am just not sure what I am anticipating more. Having Red on my new bike, or having my Trek functional again for the first time in 9 months.

wacomme

I'll have my Red group set built on Thursday.

Soloist Assassin

I just got my chain and cassette today. I'll be making the leap and building it up today. Hopefully at work, so I can ride it after work.

garysol1 

Not that it matters now but I would have voted Ultegra chain and cass.

Terex

I've got '09 Force with the Force Cassette and a Shimano 7900 chain. Chain is getting a little worn, and will switch to a KMC X10SL to see how it runs. I will try Ultegra when I change out cassette.

One of my kids is going to school in Bloomington in the Fall, and I hope to get in some riding out there from time to time.

WHOOOSSHHH...

They made these components groups to work together with each other. I'm sure they did lots of testing, and through trial and error came up with the best finished product they were capable of making at the time. You geniuses mix and match and come up with your own concoctions, and then swear that there better than the ones designers came up with. Really? Sram red shifters, ultegra cassette, kmx chain, Fsa crank, 105 brake set. Hell, I'm good to go! You all are definitely entertaining. You ladies are doing way to much thinking.