Hi I am looking to replace my 9 speed cassette and chain on my Surly LHT and I am looking for the highest quality parts to buy. Thank you for your help.

I've never found a great enough difference in chains or cassettes to matter all that much. SRAM, Wippermann, KMC, and Shimano have all served me well. Shimano does not use a reusable link like the others, which maybe a consideration. There are some cosmetic differences within each brand.

Pretty much the same for cassettes except I have used only different levels from Shimano. IRD has individual cassette cogs available if you can't find an off the shelf cassette that suits you.

Brad

Cheapest SRAM 9 speed chain and a sunrace cassette. You'll be fine. Trust me I use these and they are terriffic

As far as chains, does Wippermann still make a stainless steel 9 speed chain? After a quick search, it seems their availability is not as it once was.

Thank you I am looking for the most milage possible out of a chain and cassette.

I was thinking this when I first read your thread.
Were you happy with the longevity of your existing set? I feel longevity is more related to chain/drivetrain maintenance (lube).

I'm watching with interest, as I have changed to wax with my new Touring bike for this season. There was room for improvement over last years tour.



-Snuts-

Out of curiosity, how many miles did you get out of your current cassette and chain?

Sorry I don't know I have a few bikes and don't keep track very well.

It was over 2 years but I know that won't help.

Since Wippermann stainless don't seem to be available in abundance, have you considered one of the high end KMC chains with their top coatings that supposedly increase durability a great deal (disclaimer: I have no experience with them, as I'm too cheap)

X9e-TURBO » KMC Chain

I used a wipperman 9s stainless chain with the thought that coastal salt water would be a good application for stainless. I did not get any better milage compared to a KMC chain. It was replaced at the last moment before the chain could damage my ultegra cassette. I stocked up on Dura ace chains and see no real shifting performance between KMC, Wipperman, and Dura Ace. I monitor chain stretch with the KMC digital gauge. Definitely recommend the KMC chains for their value.

Good suggestion. I have had good experiences with their high end chains.

I prefer KMC chains but also have good results from Shimano chains with a KMC or SRAM (9 speed) link. Shimano cassettes. I think you can still find nice XT 9 speed cassettes at a reasonable price.

While Shimano makes good chains, I would look for a chain that has a "quick link", "power link", etc. When removing a Shimano chain it requires a new pin, at $2.50 each, on reassembly. I take my chains apart for cleaning, and Sram Power Links make chain removal and reinstallation easy. I've used Sram 951, 971, and 991 chains and they are all good.

wait......this is a new purchase bike, after 2 years (unknown mileage) you want to
change BOTH chain and cassette?

have you measured the chain "stretch"?
what is the condition of the cassette cogs?
maybe just need a new chain.


don't worry toooo much about getting the most mileage out of them.
they're consumable expendable bits.
keep 'em reasonably clean, replace as needed.

you "should" get 2000-4000 km from a chain, depending on conditions of use.
then change the cassette every 3 or 4 chains.
not really worth obsessing over.

"Highest quality" could mean a lot of things. Sometimes high-end racing cassettes sacrifice wear life for weight, for instance.

Deore cassette and KMC X9 chains. Also consider steel middle chainring if you don't have it already.

If you don't keep track of the usage, what's the point of asking such a question.

Exactly.

Bingo.
e.g. Shimano Dura-Ace and XTR use titanium for the largest cogs, which sacrifices durability, and increases cost, just to save a few grams.

[QUOTE=bradtx;19371122] Shimano does not use a reusable link like the others, which maybe a consideration. /QUOTE]

To get around this I use Wipperman or other brand resuable link.

Thank you its not a new bike just a 2+year old chain and sprocket. I run them until they sound horrible and start skipping. This time it's not skipping yet but grinding real bad.

Grinding could be a lot of things while wear is easily measured. Get a SRAM/KMC chain and any cassette. How you care for the chain will matter more than the brand.

I use a Shimano chain and a KMC quick link. What you need is a chain checker. https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...?category=1916
Mine looks like this. ProGold Chain Wear Indicators. I buy Xt cassettes most of the time.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...4&category=359

Replaceing the chain has nothing to do with mileage. I replace mine at .5 or so. Some say .7. The reason it skips is that the chain is stretched. REplace the chain before it stretche and ruins the cassette!