Is a mediocre chain OK for a non-racer? Any recommendations?
05-01-11, 04:27 PM
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Is a mediocre chain OK for a non-racer? Any recommendations?
I'm asking this in the Roadie forum because I want your more purist perspective.
* "Good" chains cost about $60 - e,g, KMC X10 SL SUPERLIGHT 10s.
* "So-so" chains cost about $30 - e.g., KMC DX10SC.
I'm 65, fat, and I ride a lot (800 miles/month). My bike is a 2007 Specialized Roubaix with a mix of Ultegra & 105 shift equipment. Both chains I've worn out were Shimano. I like my bike feeling precise but practicality does matter.
I just got some Chain-L (I have been using Mobil 1). So whatever new chain I get should feel pampered!
Thanks
* "Good" chains cost about $60 - e,g, KMC X10 SL SUPERLIGHT 10s.
* "So-so" chains cost about $30 - e.g., KMC DX10SC.
I'm 65, fat, and I ride a lot (800 miles/month). My bike is a 2007 Specialized Roubaix with a mix of Ultegra & 105 shift equipment. Both chains I've worn out were Shimano. I like my bike feeling precise but practicality does matter.
I just got some Chain-L (I have been using Mobil 1). So whatever new chain I get should feel pampered!
Thanks
05-01-11, 06:59 PM
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How many miles did you get per chain and how did you determine they were worn out?
Which Shimano chain were you using before?
Which Shimano chain were you using before?
05-01-11, 07:09 PM
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I use $12 KMC 10 Spd chains from E-Bay.
Remove and clean every 600 miles.
Getting 4 to 6000 miles on them.
9 Spd getting 6 to 9000 miles on them.
Remove and clean every 600 miles.
Getting 4 to 6000 miles on them.
9 Spd getting 6 to 9000 miles on them.
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05-01-11, 07:14 PM
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Eh I've used cheaper to race on. Any chain from the major brands should do: Shimano 105+, Sram PG-1030+, KMC DX10+, etc...
the main advantages of more expensive chains are nickel plating (or ti coating for the gold colored ones) and hollow pins and plates.
for example, the 105 chain is all grey steel, wheras the ultegra has nickel plated steeel for the outer links, and the dura-ace has full nickel plating (as of the 7800-series).
I tend to stick around the $25-35 range so that includes Shimano Dura-Ace 7801 , KMC DX10.93
the main advantages of more expensive chains are nickel plating (or ti coating for the gold colored ones) and hollow pins and plates.
for example, the 105 chain is all grey steel, wheras the ultegra has nickel plated steeel for the outer links, and the dura-ace has full nickel plating (as of the 7800-series).
I tend to stick around the $25-35 range so that includes Shimano Dura-Ace 7801 , KMC DX10.93
Last edited by Val23708; 05-01-11 at 07:18 PM.
05-01-11, 07:22 PM
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I'm using the $10 mavic chains from CRC, but hey, I'm cheap.
honestly, it doesn't feel like the chain makes a huge difference when everything else is setup right.
honestly, it doesn't feel like the chain makes a huge difference when everything else is setup right.
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
05-01-11, 07:53 PM
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Try a SRAM 1050 chain--a lot like 105 but may be cheaper and more durable.
05-01-11, 08:28 PM
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I don't remember which Shimano chain I bought - it could have been 105, because it is a matte dark gray color.
05-01-11, 11:48 PM
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Eh I've used cheaper to race on. Any chain from the major brands should do: Shimano 105+, Sram PG-1030+, KMC DX10+, etc...
the main advantages of more expensive chains are nickel plating (or ti coating for the gold colored ones) and hollow pins and plates.
for example, the 105 chain is all grey steel, wheras the ultegra has nickel plated steeel for the outer links, and the dura-ace has full nickel plating (as of the 7800-series).
I tend to stick around the $25-35 range so that includes Shimano Dura-Ace 7801 , KMC DX10.93
the main advantages of more expensive chains are nickel plating (or ti coating for the gold colored ones) and hollow pins and plates.
for example, the 105 chain is all grey steel, wheras the ultegra has nickel plated steeel for the outer links, and the dura-ace has full nickel plating (as of the 7800-series).
I tend to stick around the $25-35 range so that includes Shimano Dura-Ace 7801 , KMC DX10.93
Ps: I'm also fat, ride half the miles OP does, and use a $15 kmc 8 speed chain. I used to change chains twice a year (heck, I cant be cleaning all the time) but lately chain reaction bumped the price up.... so I might have to get the rag and degreaser out more often
05-02-11, 12:29 AM
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I think that's the feature, but what's the benefit?... eg I guess the hollow pins make things lighter, but what about the nickel plating?
Ps: I'm also fat, ride half the miles OP does, and use a $15 kmc 8 speed chain. I used to change chains twice a year (heck, I cant be cleaning all the time) but lately chain reaction bumped the price up.... so I might have to get the rag and degreaser out more often
Ps: I'm also fat, ride half the miles OP does, and use a $15 kmc 8 speed chain. I used to change chains twice a year (heck, I cant be cleaning all the time) but lately chain reaction bumped the price up.... so I might have to get the rag and degreaser out more often
05-02-11, 12:35 AM
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I've tried the KMC DX10SC and found the lowest price at about $25 ish.
Otherwise I prefer Wippermans for 10 spd, work really well, but don;t give me much more than about 2.5k mi.
