Dura Ace 9-Speed Chain?

[drgonzo]

Seems like the Shimano 9sp DuraAce chains have gone the way of the dinosaurs, what's the best alternative? Thanks!

[PSC]

I just use KMC chains.

[MikeD]

Seems like the Shimano 9sp DuraAce chains have gone the way of the dinosaurs, what's the best alternative? Thanks!


Any Shimano 9s chain works.

[denvervig]

I've used both Shimano HG93 and SRAM on my Merlin w/full DA 7700 (except for Campy Record FD due to incompatibility of DA FD)

[Velocipede]

They are still available in Dura Ace and other models. But I 1-Up them. Put a 10 speed on. It'll shift smoother, last longer and have less noise.

[jemdet]

Campy Record 9V chains :)

If you do buy one from Shimambo, note that their 9V chains ask for a connecting pin or quick link. Campy can be installed the old-fashioned way.

[drgonzo]

They are still available in Dura Ace and other models. But I 1-Up them. Put a 10 speed on. It'll shift smoother, last longer and have less noise.

Ah ok, so the 10sp Dura Ace chain works well with the 9sp components? If so that solves the problem! :banana:

[ultraman6970]

You can put even an 11 speed chain in there.

[Velocipede]

Ah ok, so the 10sp Dura Ace chain works well with the 9sp components? If so that solves the problem! :banana:

Yes. You can go up one speed chain wise. A 10 speed will work just fine on a 9 speed drivetrain.

[drgonzo]

Very cool, appreciate all the info! Thanks!

[pjbaz]

If you like your 9 speed stuff you better buy replacement rings, too. They're starting to go for some loot, if you can find them

[Louis]

Other than possibly length, are then any significant differences between 9-spd XTR and DA chains?

I think there are for 10 spd and up, but not 9-spd.

[oldpotatoe]

If you like your 9 speed stuff you better buy replacement rings, too. They're starting to go for some loot, if you can find them

10s chainrings work just fine with an otherwise 9s 'system' and crank..no mods necessary..

As for a 9s chain..Chains are consumables..least expensive compatible chain..KMC 9s chain..easy.

As for 10s chains..yes, they work but if the rear der has any slop in it(remember, 9s/7700 went away almost 20 years ago), a 10s chain may not shift as well with shimano, which relies on cogset tooth ramps and such, not an 'over shift' like Campag...

11s, no contest, too narrow and too expensive..consumables..

[pjbaz]

10s chainrings work just fine with an otherwise 9s 'system' and crank..no mods necessary..



Not aesthetically if you want your bike to be OG :banana:

[dddd]

I've actually made measurements of different 9s chains and the Shimano chain seemed to have the most "aggressive" ratio of side-plate width to pin width (vs. KMC and SRAM), and so are top-notch in terms of shifting (front or rear).

A narrower chain will clear the front derailer cage better across the gear range, but as oldpotatoe says it can also make for lazy shifting in cases where anything is marginal.