Any reason to buy a more expensive chain than Shimano 105?

DVV

Need a new chain for my SRAM drivetrain, I can find Shimano 105 for £15 which seems to be the best bang for buck.

My question: Is there any reason to buy a more expensive chain?

I can also get Ultegra for £20, SRAM 1030 for £20 and there are options from KMC and Wipperman but I don't know much about them.

redddraggon

Get a chain with a quick link rather than a pin you have to push in.

DVV

I already have some KMC quick-links, and AFAIK they are compatible with SRAM and Shimano, so not too worried about that!

redddraggon

If you have new quicklinks for the new chain, why not get a 105 chain? Nout really wrong with them.

Don't use a used quicklink with a new chain.

DVV

Yeah good idea, I will keep the used quick-link as an emergency spare.

crankycrank

For durability the 105 chain will function as well and last as long as anything. Spending more will just get a more shiny finish and possibly save a few grams but not a more durable chain IMO.

chrisw12

Can see/feel/measure a difference with other throw away parts (tyres, brake blocks) but I don't see any difference with chains.

Buy cheap and buy often seems to be the most productive attitude to have towards chains.

Squillinossett

Well as I just picked up 3 x 105 10speed chains for £40 at crc, I agree with chrisw12, hell, at that price I will replace every 3 months!

redddraggon

crankycrank wrote:

For durability the 105 chain will function as well and last as long as anything. Spending more will just get a more shiny finish and possibly save a few grams but not a more durable chain IMO.

Well that's not entirely true. Campag chains don't stretch anywhere near as much Shimano chains.

chrisw12

redddraggon wrote:

crankycrank wrote:

For durability the 105 chain will function as well and last as long as anything. Spending more will just get a more shiny finish and possibly save a few grams but not a more durable chain IMO.

Well that's not entirely true. Campag chains don't stretch anywhere near as much Shimano chains.

that's because people who buy campag don't actually ride their bikes.

No ride=no stretch.


But joking aside, that would be a very easy thing to test, can you back that up with real data?

redddraggon

chrisw12 wrote:

redddraggon wrote:

crankycrank wrote:

For durability the 105 chain will function as well and last as long as anything. Spending more will just get a more shiny finish and possibly save a few grams but not a more durable chain IMO.

Well that's not entirely true. Campag chains don't stretch anywhere near as much Shimano chains.

that's because people who buy campag don't actually ride their bikes.

No ride=no stretch.


But joking aside, that would be a very easy thing to test, can you back that up with real data?

It's anecdotal evidence from other people. I don't use Campag chains anyway, KMC or Wippermann - I can't say I've worn out a chain anyway, I tend to put a new one quite early.