Chains and cassettes ... confused

iain_j

Looking to replace my cassette and chain. The cassette is a 9-speed Deore HG50, 11-32T. Fine, found it on Wiggle. But I'm confused what chain I should get. I presumed the chain should be HG50 too, but I can only see 7/8 speed HG50 chains, the 9-speed ones are HG53, 73 and 93. What's the difference?

Daimler

Providing your current set up is 9 spd then any 9spd chain should do (stick with SRAM, Shimano or KMC for best results). Generally the higher the number as in HG50, HG70 etc the better the quality and lighter it is generally speaking so just depends on your wallet funds.
Hope this helps.

iain_j

Thanks Daimler 8)

"Wallet funds" doesn't really come into it, getting my bike sorted is the priority, now where's my credit card!

Would a lighter chain tend to mean thinner plates, more susceptible to breaking? Hoping to get something hard-wearing, it's for my tourer.

Daimler

Not really. Some more expensive fancy chains can be weaker where weight is sacrificed but generally shimano chains are very good quality through the range.
A SRAM or Shimano chain HG50 or HG70 9 spd will be plenty strong enough.
If you get through chains quickly then just get the cheaper ones and replace more often.

Good luck

www.cyclesclements.co.uk

The correct Shimano chain is CN-HG53. This will work best if the rest of the drivetrain is Shimano. They cost £18. I always Find you getthe best performance if you use the manufacturer's full groupset, be that Shimano, Campagnolo, etc.
Regards,
www.cyclesclements.co.uk

redddraggon

www.cyclesclements.co.uk wrote:

The correct Shimano chain is CN-HG53. This will work best if the rest of the drivetrain is Shimano. They cost £18. I always Find you getthe best performance if you use the manufacturer's full groupset, be that Shimano, Campagnolo, etc.
Regards,
www.cyclesclements.co.uk

Bullsh!t.

An SRAM, KMC, or Wipperman 9spd Chain with quick links are your best bets.

keef66

I wouldn't go paying £18 for a 9 speed chain unless it was hand crafted by Faberge.

Just buy the cheapest, keep it clean and lubed, and replace it before it's worn out.

inseine

I can't get on with Shimano links and would always go for KMC if I had a choice. SRAM links are not reusable so a bit rubbish also IMO. As for Campag....argh

iain_j

Just put my order in, for a KMC chain - thanks for the help all 8)

parryman

I have snapped shimano chains, but never snapped a sram.

Shimano cassettes and sram chains for me (on the MTB)

rolf_f

inseine wrote:

I can't get on with Shimano links and would always go for KMC if I had a choice. SRAM links are not reusable so a bit rubbish also IMO. As for Campag....argh

They seem pretty reuseable to me - and SRAM seem to think that too. Never used KMC but SRAM certainly easier than Shimano.

redddraggon

SRAM 8 and 9spd quick links are reusable, it's only the 10spd ones that aren't

The Mechanic

Bullsh!t.

Don't mince your works Reddo, get it off your chest.

I do agree however. I use Sram chain on my road bike and KMC on my audax bike, both with shimano gears and find no difference from when I used shimano chains. Only difference is that I can spit them with impunity without any stupid pins and chain tools.

keef66

@ The Mechanic

"Only difference is that I can spit them with impunity.."

That's some core strength you have there!