Anything better than XT cassette and chain?

PJPenrouz

Seems to me that these wear out very quickly. I do regular weekly clean-ups and lubrications but the chain lasts about 2000 commuting/XC miles and if I want to keep the sprockets longer I have to get rid of the XT chain even earlier. Is there anything more lasting? What about the SRAM stuff?
BTW I had Deore which lasted a bit longer but it was quite heavy.

tmg

To be honest 2000 miles isn't bad going

Personally I only use Sram chains, PC991 Hollow pin on my bike at the moment (SRAM chains also have the power link which makes it easy to remove and clean properley and as far as cassetts go I use XTR, never tried SRAM but most people on here will say they don't last. If you can't stretch to XTR try new XT.

Other chains people rave about are KMC (think thats right).

Also remember if your chainging chain and cassette also consider chainging front chain rings (at least middle ring, assuming thats the one that gets most use)

The Spiderman

Also worth buying a Park tool chain checker and using it regularly.If you can swap the chain in good time,you might get more out of the cassette.

Andy B

Sram PC971 (or 991) chain & XT cassette for me.

As Spidey says, a chain checker is a worthwhile investment too.

ginge7289

i have just upgraded mine, didnt bother with an XT cassette just because i could not see the value for money in it, i have a SRAM 991chain and an LX cassette, both quite cheap to change when one breaks or wears out.

FSR_XC

I use an Sram PC971 chain & XT cassette.

I currently clean the chain after every ride. The Sram link makes removing the chain very easy, so I can wash it in degreaser, leave to dry overnight, before fitting & lubing.

It all seems to be lasting well.

The Big Cheese

the XT is a great cassette for all round use - long lasting and exceptional value for money.

It has an alloy carrier/spider so won't feck up your free hub also (which lower range Shimano can do - especially if you're running a good quality rear hub)

If you have the money - I would go for XTR - although if you're not a weight weenie go for/or stay with the XT - top bit of kit in my opinion.

rob cole

if you read KMC's chain brochure they specifically advise AGAINST using cleaning solvents and chain cleaning machines because it removes the internal lubricant in the chain's roller bushing and in their literature states that this is the first step towards rapid destruction of your chain, they advise brushing of mud or dirt off the external surfaces, wiping with a rag and relubrication with a high quality chain lubricant

considering the amount of chains they make, for **** and ******* they probably know what they are talking about

I personally use XT cassette and SRAM PC-971 chains, and swap the chain as needed, to prolong cassette life

Random Vince

shimano chains ? hahahaha

shimano cassette, mech and shifters, yeh, fine but sram or kmc chains.

yes they will work on shimano stuff

cunning-stunt

Forgive me for asking,but aren't Shimmy and Sram chains made by KMC?

stumpyjon

XT cassette and SRAM 991 hollow pin on mine at the moment. Had a 951 on it before and a deore cassette (on the bike from new, beginning to spot the areas where specialised down specced to save money).

I only got about 500 miles out of the 951 chain, I'd third the Park tools chain checker, easy to use and makes it very obviuos when you need to change chains, I'm hoping not to have to replace my cassette next by checking the chain more often :oops:

Bazzowmb

XT Cassette & Sram 971 for me too.

Its a good combination in my opinion  .

Spud Son

SRAM PG990 cassette and PC971 chain works for me.

If you use a chain cleaner to get it squeaky clean, remove and soak chain in WD40 overnight. Dry/Wipe thoroughly, refit and lube with your favourite top end dry lube. Wait until dry, lube for riding conditions, wipe off excess and ride.

Stumpyjon is right about the Park Chain Checker. Replace as soon as you can beyond the 0.75 mark, and before the 1 ! It may seem like a high cost in chains (which is why I don't use 991's) but it is much cheaper than cassettes and front rings !