Can't decide which chain to order!

ADIHEAD
ADIHEAD Posts: 575
edited June 2010 in Workshop
Running Full Ultegra, currently using KMC X10SL. Was about to order another, but am considering Wipperman Connex 10S1 Stainless. Anyone got any experience of it? Friend of mine reckons they last longer and maintains it's look for longer but I've read a few dodgy things about the connex links in these pages :?

Or should I just go for an Ultegra 6700 and save some cash? Decisions decisions....

Comments

  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    you might have read about my problems with a new connex link.. ;)

    I'm still using the wippermann chain itself though - now joined with a KMC link and seems to be ok.

    To be honest, 10sp reliability seems to be pot luck, no matter which brand you buy...

    If they ever start making SRAM Red in 8-speed, I'll be first in the queue.. :)
  • ADIHEAD
    ADIHEAD Posts: 575
    Sure, think it was yours. I use Sram links on Shimano chains on my winter bike and their fine.
    How many miles do you get out of the Wipperman chain? Shimano's seem to be just under .75% worn at approx 1000 miles, same with the KMC SL. I'm pretty fastidious about cleaning and lubing, but I do ride a lot of hills.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    I run an X10L on my winter bike, it's been (touch wood) faultless. Relatively cheap too

    But as softlad said, these things can be pot luck...
  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    ADIHEAD wrote:
    How many miles do you get out of the Wipperman chain?

    it's the first time I've tried one and it's early days for mine yet, as I've only had it for a couple of weeks - unless someone else can answer...
  • ADIHEAD
    ADIHEAD Posts: 575
    No worries mate, have just pressed the order button with Mr Ribble for another KMC anyhow as not had any probs with their links so far :roll: Gotta have something else on the order for the weekend you see so had to get on and order it :wink:

    Cheers
  • rhnb
    rhnb Posts: 324
    Speaking from my experience with Wipperman chains you've made the right choice.

    I've had 2 Wipperman chains snap on me.

    The first was the 10 speed stainless job (I actually ordered the cheaper one, but Ribble sent me the Stainless so I wasn't arguing!) Might have known it would be a lemon.
    Chain only had about 250 miles on it, all dry riding (well it was on my best bike). Chain snapped going up steep hill.
    Thought I'd maybe just been unlucky so bought another Wipperman (I like their Connex links) but similar problem after 5/600 miles.

    I've switched to KMC X10SL and find those fine - the link is a tad more difficult to get apart, but once you get the nack of it it's fine. I know some folk won't have had any issue at all with Wipperman, but you did ask - and that's my experience of them.

    Cheeers... Allan.
    ~~~
    http://www.bikeit.eclipse.co.uk
    Cycle tour reports and the home of \'Cycling Before Lycra\'
  • ADIHEAD
    ADIHEAD Posts: 575
    Cheers Allan

    Yeh I noticed the links are a bit tricky. The Sram ones are much easier if you've tried them? Anyhow, I don't take them apart much to be honest anyhow - got a chain cleaner for that :)
  • rhnb
    rhnb Posts: 324
    Used to use SRAM 9speed chains, and never had any problems with those.
    Aren't the SRAM 10speed ones all 'Powerlock' links (ie one use only?).

    I like to have 3 chains on the go and rotate them. Find the cassette lasts longer that way.
    The powerlinks make it easier to do that.
    ~~~
    http://www.bikeit.eclipse.co.uk
    Cycle tour reports and the home of \'Cycling Before Lycra\'
  • ADIHEAD
    ADIHEAD Posts: 575
    I was told you can use the 10sp links 5 times, KMC's twice by my LBS. Think the 3 rotating chains is a great idea, but too much effort for me - keeping mileage logs for each chain and finding somewhere to keep them as I don't have much space :roll:

    Fair shout though if you're that organised :wink:
  • sturmey
    sturmey Posts: 964
    F**k me! Was using a Sram PC951 on my 9 speed Ultegra drivetrain and have now swapped to a Dura Ace 7700 chain. Now much smoother and quieter.Unbelievably so in fact. Only £5 more as well.

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