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SRAM / Shimano Chains

shinsplintshinsplint Posts: 565
edited June 2012 in Road buying advice
Has anyone compared equivalent SRAM and Shimano 10 speed chains?

My summer bike has Shimano Dura Ace 10 speed (with Ultegra chain), and the winter bike has Shimano 105 (with a SRAM chain). I was always surprised at how smooth the winter bike drive train ran compared to the Dura Ace setup... its only just occured to me that it could be down to the SRAM chain on the winter bike.

What do you think?

Posts

  • apreadingapreading Posts: 4,535
    KMC chains at 10 speed for me - cheap and come with a RE-usable link.
  • danmitchdanmitch Posts: 47
    Really interesting and comprehensive comparison / test from Tour Magazine at http://www.tour-qtr.com/epaper_4_2011

    I have changed from SRAM to Shimano Dura Ace chains on Shimano running gear and found it a bit smoother if a little noisier. On my Surly Cross Check I use a Wippermann Conex link which is great, makes cleaning so easy.
  • maddog 2maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    KMC every time for me. That mag looks good though - is it available in the UK?
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • ricklilleyricklilley Posts: 110
    Not changed the chain on my Shesh Allez yet, but have been using KMC 9speed chains on my MTB for a few years with no problems.
    Specialized Allez sport 2010
    Handsome Dog framed MTB
  • juankerrjuankerr Posts: 1,099
    KMC>SRAM>Shimano ....at least from my experience.
  • warrerjwarrerj Posts: 665
    KMC EVERY TIME for me.
    My ride :
    http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/2236156/
    http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/2236165/
  • BozmanBozman Posts: 2,518
    You'll probably find that KMC make Sram and Shimano chains.
  • gabriel959gabriel959 Posts: 4,227
    that magazine is amazing. It is everything Cycling Plus should be but it isn't.
    x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
    Commuting / Winter rides - Jamis Renegade Expert
    Pootling / Offroad - All-City Macho Man Disc
    Fast rides Cannondale SuperSix Ultegra
  • maddog 2maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    gabriel959 wrote:
    that magazine is amazing. It is everything Cycling Plus should be but it isn't.

    +1

    A magazine actually testing stuff, rather than just riding it. Why are UK mags so bad at this?
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • shinsplintshinsplint Posts: 565
    Cheers guys, i'll probably go with KMC then.

    In saying that, I checked my chain for wear last night (ruler method), and its barely over 12" pin to pin - not even 12 1/16 and not getting any issues with it. I keep reading that people get 1000 miles or even less out of a chain :? Mine seem to last well over that, im talking 2000 miles easy, probably more. I give it plenty of stick to, or at least I like to think so.

    Could it be down to properly treating the chain with decent lube?

    How many miles would you say you get on average?
  • Chris JamesChris James Posts: 1,040
    I like KMC chains too, but my last two cracked across the side plates from the rivets well before they had 'stretched'.

    It might have been nasty as one time I noticed it bending whilst going up a 1 in 5 hill. Fortunately I was only a mile from home. I alwasys listen out for any suspicious ticking noises now.

    Having said all that, I still buy KMC. I believe they make the Shimano chains anyway.
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