Favorite (and durable) 9 & 10 speed chains

[Keith A]

I need to replace some chains on my 9 & 10 speed Shimano drive trains and it seems like the SRAM chains I've been using lately haven't lasted as long as they did previously. So I'm considering trying out KMC or even Shimano chains and wanted to see what your thoughts were on good shifting and long last chains.

Thanks in advance.

[oldpotatoe]

I need to replace some chains on my 9 & 10 speed Shimano drive trains and it seems like the SRAM chains I've been using lately haven't lasted as long as they did previously. So I'm considering trying out KMC or even Shimano chains and wanted to see what your thoughts were on good shifting and long last chains.

Thanks in advance.

KMC and shimano are my first choices. For 10s, Campagnolo for Campagnolo if the gent wants to spend the $, samo for shimano(5700 chain) but KMC are great and less expensive alternatives.

Not a fan of sram or Wipperman(altho I use their links).

[Keith A]

Thanks for the quick reply. BTW, do you think there is any validity to KMC's claim that their 9.99 is "Extra StretchProof"? I noticed that their higher end (hollow pin & plates) versions don't make this claim.

[christian]

I use whatever the current name of the KMC DX10SC is. X10.93 or something like that? I prefer it to the Campagnolo C10 chains.

[tmf]

I use whatever the current name of the KMC DX10SC is. X10.93 or something like that? I prefer it to the Campagnolo C10 chains.

Same chain here - the KMC X10.93. I use it with Campagnolo 10. It's easy to put on and take off with the quick link. Runs and shifts smoothly.

[skijoring]

I use whatever the current name of the KMC DX10SC is. X10.93 or something like that? I prefer it to the Campagnolo C10 chains.

Can you sell me some Amazon chains? :)

[keevon]

I use whatever the current name of the KMC DX10SC is. X10.93 or something like that? I prefer it to the Campagnolo C10 chains.

This. The X9.93 and X8.93 chains are excellent too.

[oldpotatoe]

Thanks for the quick reply. BTW, do you think there is any validity to KMC's claim that their 9.99 is "Extra StretchProof"? I noticed that their higher end (hollow pin & plates) versions don't make this claim.

Never sold that one..do the _.93 type, mid level, nickel plated chains...Just don't think a hollow pin is a good idea on a bike chain. Breaking a chain always hurts.

[Lazer]

The best chain is the one designed to work with the rest of your drivetrain parts. i've never understood "all Campy 11 with a Wipperman chain" or "DA 7900 with a KMC". I've had best shifting results from sticking with parts that were designed together.

[oldpotatoe]

The best chain is the one designed to work with the rest of your drivetrain parts. i've never understood "all Campy 11 with a Wipperman chain" or "DA 7900 with a KMC". I've had best shifting results from sticking with parts that were designed together.

Consumable, chains are. Chains are very well made today, and offer no downside if you use a non-shimanoCampagnolosram chain on any of the drovetrains.

For Campagnolo, I 'prefer' using a Campagnolo chain..for 11s, but Chorus, not Record. Samo for shimano 9000/9070. Samo for 10s..Veloce for Campagnolo 10s or 5700 chain for shimano 10s BUT there is no reason to use a DA 10s chain with DA or a Record 10s chain with Record 10s...or Record 11s with SR/Record 11s.

IMHO. Cogsets are the same...use the least expensive compatible cogset and chain..if spending mucho for higher end stuff you get no more life, function or reliability.

[Lanterne Rouge]

+1 for KMC chains if you're looking for durability.

I have reactive maintenance approach to my bike (if it squeeks, gets stuck or does not stop me than I look at it).

I had a KMC chain on a Cannondale and in three years it never gave me a problem.

I also really like the 105 chains as they shift better but it "feels" less durable when I mash the pedals. Although I have not used it long enough to give an opinion on longevity.

[christian]

Veloce for Campagnolo 10sPeter, do you prefer the Veloce chain to the KMC X10.93? They're about the same price, so I'd be interested to try the Campagnolo chain if you say it's better.

[oldpotatoe]

Peter, do you prefer the Veloce chain to the KMC X10.93? They're about the same price, so I'd be interested to try the Campagnolo chain if you say it's better.

Tough one since the Veloce chain I sell is $65..KMC is $40. I think it's a wash in terms of durability and longevity BUT gotta put Campagnolo pin in correctly unless you use a quicklink, which I use a lot, Connex Wipperman link..of course KMC comes with a quick link.

BTW-I will never understand how KMC and others can engineer a quick link but the 'big boys(Campagnolo and shimano) can't or either won't do one.

10s and now 11s for both.

[christian]

Thanks for the feedback. I always use a quick link and carry a spare for me or friends, so it sounds like a wash. I'll stick with the X10.93. Thanks.

[Keith A]

Thanks for all the good input. One thing I'm curious about is that it seems like people are using KMC for both Shimano/SRAM and Campy drive trains. I thought those two worked best with different chain types. From what I recall, Shimano & SRAM chains worked on Shimano setups, and Campy & Wipperman chains worked for Campy setups.
:confused:

[jamaris]

big fan of the kmc x10sl. probably one of my favorite chains. went to the kmc x11sl for campag 11. Great wearing chain, can go bling if you want and also its the lightest. I convinced one of my trackie buddies to use it (kmc x10sl) after he snapped 3 dura ace chains in a few months on the road and he hasn't broken one since.

[Ralph]

The KMC chains I use advertise they work for Shimano and Campy drivetrains. Look at the E bay ads for KMC chains.

[oliver1850]

I never used to use Shimano chains much, but bought a bunch of HG73s at near Amazon price a while back. They work great for 9 speed with a KMC link.

[ClutchCargo]

Another vote for KMC chains here. I use the X10SL or X10.93, whatever I can get a good price on, with SRAM/Shimano trains. No probs (and that gold chain is pimp!)

[canadasteep]

KMC is good, and good for the price.
No on Sram, and for my 9 speed shimano XT commuter,
I picked up a 9 DA chain - put in a DA 12-27 to go with it.
^^Winter upgrade for this season.

[cfox]

I use a wipperman link on my Campy 10 speed, has anyone used one on a DA 7900 directional chain with success?

[tv_vt]

9 speed Shimano - no brainer. Dura Ace 7701 chains from Nashbar for 30 bucks.

[TimD]

9 speed Shimano - no brainer. Dura Ace 7701 chains from Nashbar for 30 bucks.

+1. Tough to beat a CN-7701.