chain replacement

wonky

im confused i am running on a Shimano 105 system and need to replace my chain. I thought that i should replace it with the same 105 chain however i have been told by several different bike shops local to myself that you can replace with another make. PLEASE HELP AS I AM CONFUSSED WITH WHAT TO DO

thecrofter

The world's largest chain manufacturer is KMC.....they also make Shimano's chains for them. I must admit there does seem to be a deliberate attempt by all the different manufacturers of bike components to make it confusing so you stick to the original type whrn replacing. Other chains will fit Shimano gear.

Wirral_paul

I'd go for a KMC chain myself. The quick links are so much easier than the Shimano joining pins

rpd_steve

You can use any 10 speed chain from Shimarno, KMC or Sram. KMC seem to be best priced and as good quality/lifed as any.

Yossie

KMC with the really funky quick release link and available from Chain Reaction Cycles for a pittance.

Bobbinogs

Yepp, I run 105 on one of my bikes and the KMC X10L works very well (well made, good weight without paying silly money, etc), even comes with the quick link.

bus_ter

Surely the matching Shimano range chains shift better? I believe they're uni-directional and machined to match the corresponding groupset exactly. The KMC chains are just generic one size fits all non directonal chains. Or does it not make any difference in practice?

smidsy

Who's been reading the Shimano marketing blurrb then ;-)

£30 for a Shimano less than half that for KMC and with a quick link - I know which one I go for.

cycleclinic

KMC it what I use in the shop. KMC on campag works very well too. KMC in Shimano will shift just as well.

bobgfish

Adn KMC don't break after 100 Miles like Shimano....

bus_ter

I'm reasonably confident that not all Shimano chains break after 100 miles! But thanks for your opinion.

Does everyone agree the whole Shimano uni-directional thing is marketing rubbish and it doesn't help shifting?

warrerj

I've tried KMC, Shimano and SRAM on my bikes (MTB & Road). KMC have lasted logner and change just as well if not better IMO. I haven't bothered looking at prices at other chains or a few years so can't commetn on that but for me it's KMC every time.