I've been using SRAM 8 speed chains with relatively good results, but I'm interested to try a KMC.

Can the SRAM master link be installed on a KMC chain?

My favorite chain won't be YOUR favorite chain, because our priorities are different. I HATE the look and feel of a rusty chain. But, here in Houston, a rusty chain is easy to acquire. When the wind blows from the east, it brings in waves of toxic chemicals from the oil and chemical companies that pay off our local, state, and national politicians for the "right" to poison and kill the people of East Texas. When the wind comes from the South, it brings salt air of the Gulf of Mexico. Chains can look ugly fast.

So, my favorite chain is the KMC "Rustbuster". I am using the 1/2" by 1/8" version on my beach cruisers. It is model Z410RB, with a gray color and 8.6mm pin length. Month after month, this chain looks and feels new. Ideal for anyone riding near salt water, or living in industrialized cities where the pollution levels are out of control.

I noticed a lot of SRAM recommendations. I've steered clear of master-link chains on my fixie. Is there any risk of a master-link popping apart when skidding or applying back-pressure? Or am I just being overly paranoid?

-Trevor

If you've got a KMC chain, you might as well put it together without the masterlink. The pins aren't special, so it's pretty easy.

I agree. You don't need those things. Why bother? Just get a chain tool.

yeah yeah! I want tone for my fix. overkill? of course, but they look super hot.

tim

Another cool thing about the shadow conspiracy chain is that it is made up out of all half links, allowing you to perfectly dial in tension, wheel base, and dropout axle position. Cool.

I think SRAM chains are pretty nice, they are made by Sachs, the old german company, who SRAM recently aquired. I use their nickel plated SS chain (don't remember the name), and have found it lasts through about 6 months of constant use. If you don't have one, you should pick up a Rolhoff chain-checker, they do a great job of warning you when the chain is shot.

i thought the "little blue bikes" that are on this chain....worked....

its kind of one of those things that i couldn't see me doing.....but i like the attention to detail...

Ah! That explains why I can't find Sachs chains anymore... Those were my favorite for a long time. The SRAM chains are a little more stiff than the Sachs when you add links to a chain, in my experience.

Got the best 1/8" KMC chain they make says the LBS. 17 bucks; got rid of the 3/32" that came with the Pista and put a Soma 1/8" cog on it when I changed the chain. A bit of insurance as I see it.

i just bought an SRAM PC 59 chain on ebay new. i love the master link. i put it on my bike right away and didn't lube it because it felt lubed. i haven't had any problem with it so far. i don't know if i should take it off, clean it and relube it. or just leave it how it is for a while. does anyone know what SRAM do to lube their chains?

Cheap SRAMs work fine for me. No problems with the Powerlink, either. And dead quiet.

Actually, the thing that made the most difference for drivetrain noise was switching from dry chain lube to wet. (From Finish Line Red to Green) That made a lot of difference.

wippermans are loud? feck

for 3/32" chains i really like the sram pc-69. i run those on my mtb and trials bike. i've found them to be rather durable, especially considering i'm bad at keeping my mtb clean. i absolutely love the wipperman connex 10x1 on my road bike. all my fixies have 1/8" though. i usually use a sram pc-1, but am probably going to try a pc-7 or a wipperman next.

thanks for asking, my favorite chain is one that works.

greg goode's investigative take on the issue. I happened to read this yesterday.

http://www.63xc.com/gregg/gregchai.htm

i use an $18 1/8th izumi eco, no complaints -- however, the garage door opener at my parent'ss house uses a super long 1/8th kmc... i mean, if the kmcs are used on garage door openers, that is undoubtedly a sign of quality.

i run a miche, though i must say i was more fond of the optics of the fat moped chain i had before.

does anyone else use the 1/8" izumi eco? i'd like to hear some more opinions on it before i throw down the money.

They're cheap chains that will stretch and need to be replaced in a few months. If you're going to spend the money, get the Izumi ESH. http://www.businesscycles.com/tchain-izu.htm

HKK Vertex

http://www.businesscycles.com/tchain-hkk.htm

A little noisy if your chainline isnt perfect but tough as hell.

FYI, chains don't actually "stretch", as in the links don't get any longer. The pins and the material around it wears away, and the cumulative effect makes your chain longer as it wears.

Oh, and I've used SRAM chains on all my MTB and roadbikes for years with no problems. Very quiet. I switched to a KMC once and it was fine too, but a little noisier. I also use White Lightning.

KMC Z610HX. i got mine from rocksolid outdoors for $10+shipping.

[QUOTE=AfterThisNap]FYI, chains don't actually "stretch", as in the links don't get any longer. The pins and the material around it wears away, and the cumulative effect makes your chain longer as it wears.


Right so...
The entire chain stretches. After all no one called it link stretch