Can you run a road chain on a MTB?

[bcroslin]

I'm building my mtb back up since not touching it since spring and I need a new chain. A 10 speed Shimano XT chain is $30 but a 6701 road chain is $20. I've been told the only difference is the Shimano MTB is beefier but otherwise they're the same. Anyone know if that's true? Do I save the $10 and buy the 6701?

TIA

[Ken Robb]

I'm pretty sure in 9 spd chains the difference between mtn./road is the number of links and I would be surprised if there were different quality links between mtn/road 10 speed.

[Cicli]

Yeah,

They are the same.

As in they will work fine interchanged.

[Louis]

Shimano 9-spd is 100% cross-compatible.

Can't say about anything else, I would bet other Shimano (or SRAM) road vs MTB is similar.

[djg21]

Originally Posted by bcroslin

I'm building my mtb back up since not touching it since spring and I need a new chain. A 10 speed Shimano XT chain is $30 but a 6701 road chain is $20. I've been told the only difference is the Shimano MTB is beefier but otherwise they're the same. Anyone know if that's true? Do I save the $10 and buy the 6701?

TIA

The HG-93 chain is ultegra/XT level. $19.99. http://www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-CN-HG93-9-Speed-Chain

[mvrider]

Answers be here:

http://velonews.competitor.com/2015/...n-names_386884

[bcroslin]

Originally Posted by mvrider

Answers be here:

http://velonews.competitor.com/2015/...n-names_386884

So 9 and 10 speed chains are compatible?

[mvrider]

I don't believe that was implied in the video. Here's the chart referred to in the video:

http://blog.artscyclery.com/gear/gea...-nomenclature/

Seems like 10s MTB chains are directional. Note also the existence of 10s double and triple road chains.

[bcroslin]

Originally Posted by mvrider

I don't believe that was implied in the video. Here's the chart referred to in the video:

http://blog.artscyclery.com/gear/gea...-nomenclature/

Seems like 10s MTB chains are directional. Note also the existence of 10s double and triple road chains.

Thanks for the link. I'm going to spend the extra $10 for the XT chain just to be on the same side.

[John H.]

I just run the same chains on everything.
I usually buy 6 or so at a time.
That way I am not tempted to run a worn chain longer than I should.
Last buy was a stack of XX1 chains (11 speed)- I also use them on my Dura-Ace 9000 road bikes. They work fine.
They are shinier than a Shimano chain. I love the way a clean and shiny chain looks.

[lhuerta]

....there is no such thing as a MTB chain. Just choose the chain with width that matches with the number of cogs you are running on your drivetrain (e.g. 8, speed, 9-speed, 10-speed, etc). Some Shimano chains are asymmetrical and you must install in correct directional orientation, otherwise, a chain is just a chain whether you run it on a road bike or a MTB bike.