Yet Another Chain Question - KMC X10-73,93,EL

wolfsbane2k

Hi.

Sanity check. Need to stock up on chains again, and noticed that Decathlon have the KMC X10 Extra Light in for £16 each, while they are £25 ish elsewhere.

The EL verison is a fully nickel plated chain, whereas my usual, the X10-93 (~£17) is only half nickel plated, and the X10-73 (~£13) , is not at all.

I expect the EL ( KMc state Double X-Durable) version to be a little less durable than the 93 (extremely durable), but what this means in reality I really don't know.

Is there any real reason not to go with the EL version at that price for an all weather commuter?

Ta

keef66

Hmmmm, - lighter, shinier chain with a more durable finish for a pound less than the next one down in the range?

Unless they come without the missing link it looks like a no brainer to me.

And if it's kosher I'll be taking them up on their generous offer myself!

keef66

You appear to have spotted a genuine bargain, they are indeed £24.50 everywhere else.

wolfsbane2k

keef66 wrote:

Hmmmm, - lighter, shinier chain with a more durable finish for a pound less than the next one down in the range?

Unless they come without the missing link it looks like a no brainer to me.

And if it's kosher I'll be taking them up on their generous offer myself!

What I'm trying to work out is if the EL version IS actually one above the 93 version, or if it's changing the point in the cheap,light,durable triangle away too far from durable.

It's tempting to get Halfords to price match it and then see if they take the extra 10% BC discount off as well...

keef66

I think it's easily 2 above the 93 version. All the side plates are coated and the inner ones are slotted* for a tiny weight reduction. Doubt there's anything in it in terms of durability. If anything it should better resist corrosion and shed dirt than the cheaper ones, so it could conceivably last longer.

But the main thing is it's shinier!

* I've noticed that the pics on KMC's website and other retailers @£24+ have the X10-EL with both inner and outer plates slotted.

So maybe the Decathlon chains are older stock X10-L, which did have just the inner plates slotted (I found a confirmatory pic on Wiggle but unavailable) Might explain the price. Either that or Decathlon using an old pic and they really are fully slotted EL chains for £16

The only current chains I can see on the KMC site with slotted inner and solid outer plates are 9 speed, eg X9-L...

super_davo

I've used all of the different flavours over time, across 10 and 11 speed.

I tend to end up buying ELs for my best bike & 73 for the commuter; though depends on what is on offer (running ELs on both ATM).

ELs are every bit as durable as the others, probably more so. The full nickel plating is great because it is much more forgiving if you aren't bang on with your maintenance during winter rides.

93s aren't worth the extra £4 over 73s for me IMO, never seen any improvement in durability and they can still rust if you're lazy over winter. On balance think it is better to spend 1/3rd less and change after 2/3rds of the use; keeps your cassettes in better nick.

To me the ELs at £3 more than the basic chain is a no brainer.

luv2ride

Great thread - 2x ordered! 8)

wolfsbane2k

super_davo wrote:

ELs are every bit as durable as the others, probably more so. The full nickel plating is great because it is much more forgiving if you aren't bang on with your maintenance during winter rides.

Ta. THat sold it. 2 ordered.

keef66

Somebody come back and tell me if they get X10-EL or old stock X10-L?

wolfsbane2k

keef66 wrote:

Somebody come back and tell me if they get X10-EL or old stock X10-L?

Will do. Due for delivery Tuesday

wolfsbane2k

Arrived today.

BTWIN box , but the chain is stamped KMC X10-EL, and is slotted in both inners and outers. 114 links, and quicklink is included.

And shiny. Boy, is it shiny.

keef66

Wolfsbane2k wrote:

Arrived today.

BTWIN box , but the chain is stamped KMC X10-EL, and is slotted in both inners and outers. 114 links, and quicklink is included.

And shiny. Boy, is it shiny.

Excellent news!

Bordersroadie

Thanks for the thread. Just received two bargain chains. It's the make and model I usually buy so a proper money saver.

luv2ride

^same here. Arrived yesterday. Proper bargain