Chorus vs Potenza (aka NonSeries)11s Chains

[RoosterCogset]

I noticed that the Potenza level chains have the slotted links, hollow pins, weigh less and cost less than Chorus (or Record) chains. What does one give up if opting for Potenza vs Chorus/Record?

[R3awak3n]

Probably just a little heavier. I have used all sorts of campy chains and they all have worked just as well as eachother

[RoosterCogset]

Originally Posted by R3awak3n

Probably just a little heavier. I have used all sorts of campy chains and they all have worked just as well as eachother

That would make sense, but the listings I've seen show the Potenza chain is the lightest of any of the 11s chains.

for example:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...s.php?id=83898

https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...s.php?id=26417

https://www.modernbike.com/campagnol...11-speed-chain

[Spaghetti Legs]

That is interesting. They all are listed as 114 links but at Merlin, Potenza is listed as 112 links, so maybe that explains it. FWIW I bought a Potenza chain, I forget if Universal cycles or Merlin, and it came in a Campy box but no model identifier. I suspect a lot of these specs are propagated from a single, maybe inaccurate source. I'm using the chain on a 10s Record, 11s Athena crank setup and a little noisy, but otherwise good.

[Dave]

Should be the same as current Centaur, since Potenza is no longer listed at Campy website.

https://www.campagnolo.com/US/en/Com...gnolo_11_chain

[RoosterCogset]

Originally Posted by Dave

Should be the same as current Centaur, since Potenza is no longer listed at Campy website.

https://www.campagnolo.com/US/en/Com...gnolo_11_chain

Interesting because most sellers US or UK (Wiggle, Merlin, Modern Bike, Universal) all list the same 235 grams which is 20 grams less than Campagnolo's site for what you linked. I wonder if there is indeed a different between a Potenza and a Non-Series (centaur) chain?

[bshell]

Can anyone explain what AND why is a 'non series chain'?

I asked a couple of online shops via email as i recently searched for chain availability and got "they're just as good" and "they work fine".

Then WHY would anyone buy a 'series chain' -for more $? There has to be a difference in steel or plating or construction...right??

I like a deal but not if the quality is off.

[RoosterCogset]

Originally Posted by bshell

Can anyone explain what AND why is a 'non series chain'?

I asked a couple of online shops via email as i recently searched for chain availability and got "they're just as good" and "they work fine".

Then WHY would anyone buy a 'series chain' -for more $? There has to be a difference in steel or plating or construction...right??

I like a deal but not if the quality is off.

A guess? Perhaps Chorus/Record chains for 11 speed have been discontinued, but to support 11s systems, Campagnolo now offers a single '11-series' chain.

From Universal, the Record chain seems to have some value-added descriptors (if they're worth anything is another question) that the Chorus or Non-Series/Potenza don't show. They also show a weight that is a bit less than others that have 242g for Record.

11 speed specific 5.5mm spacing
Built with a special new steel that increases strength by 20%
Improved outer link design for faster shifting, especially under load
Ni-PTFE treatment ensures smoothness and long life
Requires Ultra-Link fastening system (included) and Campagnolo 11 speed chain tool, UT-CN300, for installation (sold separately)
Record level: hollow pins - 229g
Color: nickel/grey
Links: 114
Width: 5.5mm
Size: 11/128"

[Mark McM]

Originally Posted by RoosterCogset

A guess? Perhaps Chorus/Record chains for 11 speed have been discontinued, but to support 11s systems, Campagnolo now offers a single '11-series' chain.

I doubt that Record 11spd chains are discontinued, or will be any time soon. Record 10spd chains are still available, after all. And even if the Potenza group is discontinued, that doesn't mean that Potenza chains will be - as previously noted, Record 10spd and Veloce 10spd chains are still available, even though these groups have been discontinued.

[RoosterCogset]

Originally Posted by Mark McM

I doubt that Record 11spd chains are discontinued, or will be any time soon. Record 10spd chains are still available, after all. And even if the Potenza group is discontinued, that doesn't mean that Potenza chains will be - as previously noted, Record 10spd and Veloce 10spd chains are still available, even though these groups have been discontinued.

I guess that was the reason it was a guess. As you say, you can still get Record or Veloce 10s chains. Chorus maybe not. For 9 speed, it looks like Record is only option but I don't know whether there were other options when that was current (eg Veloce)? The trend seems to reduce the number of SKUs as next generation groupset (# of speeds) releases.

Is this the first time that can be recalled where Campagnolo took the trim level name off of a chain?

[kramnnim]

It’s been a few years, any new input on these non series chains?

[RoosterCogset]

I don't think much has changed. But the data/specs on various sites is all over the place. These all seem to be 114 link products, but the weights are weird.

There seems to still be 3 trim levels.
Unnamed 11s - USA price about $45, listed weights about 235g, has cutouts on the side plates. Solid pins.

Chorus 11s -- listed weights vary. Seem to range from 224g (Competitive) up to 252g (Excel) Solid pins and side plates. About $50 in US

Record 11s -- listed weight 239g (Competitive) up to 245g (Excel). Range in prices in US from ~$65-70, but these come down the most in price if you shop from overseas suppliers.

By most accounts, whatever these unnamed Campy chains are (Potenza sometimes at Euro sellers), seem to be the lightest weight, but seems counterintuitive since they're the cheapest. I wouldn't be surprised to hear these are rebranded KMC X11EL chains.

[chrisroph]

Campy chains all work absolutely the same and are of the same quality. There is some difference in cutouts etc but functionally there is no difference. There is absolutely no reason to pay more money for an up level campy chain. If you looked at chains on the campy bikes at the giro I bet $$$ you would have a variety of chains not tied in any way to team leadership.

[soulspinner]

Originally Posted by chrisroph

campy chains all work absolutely the same and are of the same quality. There is some difference in cutouts etc but functionally there is no difference. There is absolutely no reason to pay more money for an up level campy chain. If you looked at chains on the campy bikes at the giro i bet $$$ you would have a variety of chains not tied in any way to team leadership.

+1

[RoosterCogset]

Originally Posted by chrisroph

Campy chains all work absolutely the same and are of the same quality. There is some difference in cutouts etc but functionally there is no difference. There is absolutely no reason to pay more money for an up level campy chain. If you looked at chains on the campy bikes at the giro I bet $$$ you would have a variety of chains not tied in any way to team leadership.

Functionally, I would guess that yes they're all comparable. Lacking any evidence though, I don't know with your certainty that they're the same quality/longevity though. The Zerofriction testing unfortunately doesn't include the Potenza/generic level chain.

Anyway, for net upcharge of about $6 over the Non-series, I opted for a Record chain. I'm going out on a limb perhaps thinking there must be some weight savings and/or that Ni-PTFE coating might yield something extra.