Ultegra or kmc chain?

mosa

I've just changed my front crankset & rear deraillier. I suppose I may as well replace the cassette & chain too. My questions are

1 should I buy ultegra chain or kmc ?
2 if I went to kmc which model do I buy as there seems to be a few
3 I currently run 11-28 if I go to 12-30 will I get away with that without too much trouble


10 speed by the way.

Bozman

KMC X10L. I've used SLs, ELs and they'll pretty much the same so I just look for the one on offer.

fleshtuxedo

Kmc come with a joining link which makes life easier. Shimano uses joining pins which are a faff.

+1 for whatever kmc is on offer the cheaper 10/93 model is also just as good IME.

pitchshifter

Used both. 2 Ultegras have snapped on me. Kmc (cheap one that came on my Canyon) has been great so far, after 3000 miles there is little wear.

smidsy

KMC every time given a choice.

Bordersroadie

KMC on all my bikes, 8, 9, 10 speed. The price and the easy-to-open (and close) link is the clincher - makes chain cleaning so easy.

dj58

www.parker-international.co.uk have the KMC X10 L Silver on offer @ £23.95 plus p&p.

overlord2

I really like KMC chains but they don't like salt. On my commuter a KMC chain lasted about 4 weeks. Shimanos are a lot more forgiving. Hence I only use KMCs on my summer machines.

maddog 2

Overlord2 wrote:

On my commuter a KMC chain lasted about 4 weeks.

What? 4 weeks! What sort of lube are you running?

I've been a big fan of KMC for a long time but recently I've been using Shimano on the commuter. Runs fine with a KMC powerlink.

marin_maniac

I've never had an Ultegra chain snap. I've tried every chain known to man and have gone and stuck with Shimano chains. I always use a KMC or similar joining link.

To have a chain snap on you I reckon you you either have to be very unlucky, or its been installed incorrectly.

Nairnster

KMC chains all the way.

I have always replaced my Shimano chains with KMC, as the convenience of the master link just can't be beaten.

Currently running an X93L, have previously used the X9SL gold, and I think they are quiter and smoother too.

Do KMC not make Shimano chains anyway, but opviously to specs provided by the Big S.

Grill

Indeed they do. I run a quick link on DA chains with no issue.

hypster

Wippermann Connex with the best quick link bar none. I've used 8, 9 and 10 speed for years on three MTBs (including one SS rigid) and three road bikes (incuding one SS) and never broken one chain with tens of thousands of miles covered.

bobones

Shimano with a KMC joining link. An here's the proof