Chain dilema

nmarchini

I'm finally getting closer to getting my new hardtail build finished and need to get a new, stong, lightweight weather resistant chain. I'm running an XT shimano 9 speed cassette with syncros front rings.

I've read up about the Wipperman chains, most advise is to steer clear of them as the shifting is messy and noisy.

KMC seem to get good reviews but i've also read they stretch quickly and that is putting me off.

If anyone can recommend a chain (including model if applicable) it would be helpful as i've not had too much experience between brands.

supersonic

Everyone will report varying experiences with chains. A well maintained chain wont rust - the Wipperman Connex stainless chain allows you to be a little lazier!

SRAM PC971 I think offers the best value.

christopher.edwards7@tesc

at the moment i have a kmc gold its shifts poorly and is very noisey the best chain ive used is the sram pc751 cheapest place merlin cant go wrong

Harveytile

PC971 definitely best value. Although i have managed to break one recently! But at 16.5st you can't blame the chain :oops: !

artillerydave

another vote for sram chains here, or shimano ones with a power link fitted.

tjm

christopher.edwards7@tesc wrote:

at the moment i have a kmc gold its shifts poorly and is very noisey the best chain ive used is the sram pc751 cheapest place merlin cant go wrong

and I have just fitted a KMC X9 and it shifts fine and makes no noise at all ;-)

Mind you, I also fitted new shifters, new cables, a new block and stripped and cleaned my rear mech and re-adjusted everything - that might have something to do with it.

I don't know how it will last but at £8.95 is looks good value so far. Powerlink type fitting and weighs about 270g which isn't too bad.

It is worth mentioning that I don't think you can re-use the rivets if you split and join them. When I shortened mine the rivet head was very obviously deformed.

I know you are not supposed to reuse shimano rivets either but I have got away with it in the past.

Groovemeister

I have used a connex wipperman 908 chain for quite a while and have just replaced it with another one.

Never had a problem other than the normal wear and tear. I have just replaced the rear mech (xt shadow) and cassette as well. I was running a old 8 speed set up and moving to 9 made more difference in noise and shift ease than the chain.

I did run the chain on the old setup before i changed as a crash forced me to up date.

I have used and still do use sram on my lads bike, shimano on my full susser and KMC on my road bike and I could not fault or say that any was better than any other.

dunker

xtr/dura ace chain was good, got about 1800miles out of it before hitting .75 on the chain strecth tool. just fitted a kmc X9L as i fancied something different. so far it feels as good as the xtr did and it's easier to remove, dunno how long it'll last though. if it does'nt last as long i'll go back to xtr or maybe try a connex or sram next.