What Chain

[dougmcdoug]

Hey guys well its time for a new cassette and chain. Firstly I'm using xt shifters, Derailleurs, and cranks. The original cassette is some crap sram thing and the chain is too i think. So i'm looking at xt cassetter as i have had one before and like the longevity and price of it. But my issue is what chain, i'm looking at either sram 991, shimano xtr, or a wipperman 908 which is nickle plated.

I'm interested in people's thoughts and expericences on them. One mate has said wipperman, where another who is also using wipperman has said get a xtr as his wipperman shifts poorly.

Cheers for the throughts

Doug

[slow_xc_racer]

wipperman. it will cost you more but they are awesome. brand new shimano chains are already pretty average when you measure them for wear and i find thet break easier. SRAM is good value but if you have the cash, go wipperman.

[bighitter]

KMC X10sl............. wipperman sux

[DaGonz]

But my issue is what chain, i'm looking at either sram 991, shimano xtr, or a wipperman 908 which is nickle plated.

...

Cheers for the throughts


I've broken all three... dragged all three through mud, dust, and rubbish.. and am not sure I've noticed a difference.

I'm about to go back to 'cheap' XT chains 'cause I'm sicking of writing 909's off in the mud at every 2nd enduro (though might still yet be able to resurrect my current one as a hand me down or commuter chain or something...) the wippermans are arguably meant to last longer but I don't think I've had a chain last its natural life this year yet :/ so am starting to not see the point.

YMMV *shrug*

Cheers
Gonz

[Bodin]

Best "bang for the buck" is the good ol' Shimano HG73. Works as well as anything higher-up in the Sh!tmano food chain as long as you install it properly. Combine two or three of these with a new XT cassette, rotate the chains around every two or three months and you won't have to buy anything else for many thousands of kms. :cool:

I'm a SRAMwhore, though, so I use the PC990 chain with a PC991 cassette and the performance wasn't great to begin with, but has settled down nicely. Pricewise, though, it's a combination I wouldn't recommend. It's just that the cassette's got that pretty red spider that I lusted after soooooo much... :)

Sorry - this thread's about chains, ain't it? Read my first paragraph, ignore my second. Sorry. :o

[alexb618]

can you use an x10 on a 9speed?

i just use the dura-ace 9speed chains, but next chain will prob be a sram, i like the powerlinks (not sure if you can use them on a shimano?)

[go to bed jessica]

if you are going to use an xt cassette go a shimano chain, dura ace/xtr are very cheap considering the quality. If you go sram cassette, sram chain. Never been that impressed by the wippermann chains. hope that helps.

[dougmcdoug]

if you are going to use an xt cassette go a shimano chain, dura ace/xtr are very cheap considering the quality. If you go sram cassette, sram chain. Never been that impressed by the wippermann chains. hope that helps.

Hmm interesting

Has anyone else used shimano cassette with a sram chain? How have you guys found the shifting? smooth?

By the way this is for a x country bike

[DaGonz]

Has anyone else used shimano cassette with a sram chain? How have you guys found the shifting? smooth?


yes... seems to work ok. at the end of the day, anything at that end works, and I havn't noticed a big difference between chains. Cassettes, shifters and rings however...

I would suggest that you run whatever casette brand your shifters are. There is an ever so slight difference between the sram casette cog spacing I've noticed over the shimano one (990 11:32 vs XT/XTR 11:32). so on the same vein, I am leaning towards keeping things consistent. I figure if you have a shimano chain, on a shimano casette, with shimano shifters and things arn't running well, then there's something up, rather than worrying about some wierd compatability issue.

I went all blingy and expensive, swapped brands etc.. didn't notice much difference and broke the odd newish (ie less than half life) chain all just the same.

But like I said, YMMV

*shrug*

Cheers
Gonz

[FR Drew]

I'm running an 11-34 Shimano XT cassette with x9/x0 shifters/mech and it seems to run better than my PG990. Also seems to run better with a DuraAce/xtr chain than with a SRAM one.

Oh and DuraAce chains work fine with a SRAM powerlink in them. (I'd never be without one on my chain and a spare one in the seatbag)

[Turner_rider]

Have used all three chain brands mentioned at various times and my choice is the XTR/DuraAce 9 speed chain.

Wipperman also work great - and come in funky colours which can be a bonus.

I don't know what it is with SRAM chains though, but they never shift as well as they should for me.

Which ever way you go get yourself a clip on chain cleaner. Using one of these after every ride makes your chain last so much longer as well as avoids those chain suck issues and bad shifting issues. Whatever chain you buy get one. :)

[Grover]

KMC X10sl............. wipperman sux

Seconded. High end KMC chains are pretty rare in Australia, can't remember actually seeing one in stock in a shop.

Anyway, I've used SRAM, Shimano and Wipperman. High end KMC chains are the only ones I haven't snapped, they shift the best (on an XT cassette, SRAM are rubbish - heavy and expensive) and are lighter, not much but it all counts.

I'm currently running the X9, 263 grams at 106 links, my SRAM and Shimano are around the 280 mark. Goes down around 240 grams for the X10SL. Plus they come in gold.

If you can't be bothered finding one, I'd go the PC991.

[miko]

My vote is for XTR. Cheap enough, match it with an XT cassette and it will last and work well. You could probably even go down to LX or straight Deore if you're not a weight weenie.

I haven't tried wippermans. I found that both the SRAM chains and cassettes wore out really quickly. I'd go through both in a few months. Shimano gear is double that and still counting.

No problems with snapping either if you install correctly.

[Grover]

My vote is for XTR. Cheap enough, match it with an XT cassette and it will last and work well. You could probably even go down to LX or straight Deore if you're not a weight weenie.

I haven't tried wippermans. I found that both the SRAM chains and cassettes wore out really quickly. I'd go through both in a few months. Shimano gear is double that and still counting.

No problems with snapping either if you install correctly.

Deore - HG53 - claimed 304grams at 116 links
LX - HG73 - claimed 304grams at 116 links
XT - HG93 - claimed 304grams at 116 links
XTR/Durace - claimed 304grams at 116 links

The difference is the finishing on the plates, some difference in pins most likely aswell.

All Shimano 9speed chains are claimed at the same weight. Usually come in around 296, SRAM claim 294 for their best (no hollow pins or plates), usually come in around 296. Wipperman chains are overpriced and don't offer any advantages so won't bother with them. Between XTR and highend SRAM I've personally had longer life out of SRAM, Shimano tended to snap the quickest for me but you'll hear most likely a 50/50 split on what lasted longer.

I'll still go back to KMC though, people discount them due to the fact that they're primarily known for their cheap stuff but don't be fooled.

[k3n!f]

I use an XT cassette because you can't beat them in terms of bang for your buck. They shift well, last a long time, are strong and are not excessively heavy.

I use an XTR chain. They are *cheap, shift well and are available in pretty much every bikeshop. I used to use XT chains but the inner links are not nickel plated, and I kept bending them somehow. I switched to XTR which is all nickel plated and the problem went away.


*I started changing the chain every 1000km with this drivetrain. So far its working and the chainrings and cassette are still in great condition after 2300km which is about when they normally die. This is why I like the cheap XTR chains as I'm replacing them every four months.

[Bodin]

After everything everyone has posted above, my advice of rotating a few LX (HG73) chains across an XT cassette stands. Probably the best combination of price, performance and longevity you can put together.

[alexb618]

should have added i just put a sram pc1 chain on my SS roadie - it didnt come coated with that waxy/oily muck that most chains have which was nice for a change

[slow_xc_racer]

After everything everyone has posted above, my advice of rotating a few LX (HG73) chains across an XT cassette stands. Probably the best combination of price, performance and longevity you can put together.
Bodin is on to something with the rotation of multiple chains. It works very well for me too. Im no longer a fan of Shimano chains but the XT cassette is awesome value and Ive had no problems with combining SRAM chains with Shimano cassettes. Currently using a couple of PC 991's and having no issues.

[dougmcdoug]

Thanks for all the input.
I just got back from picking up a xt cassette and pc991 chain, will test it out tomorrow to see how it performs.

[Sleeman]

High end KMC chains are the only ones I haven't snapped

Until the Subaru 12hr anyway...:o

[angryasian]

I'm running a 991 hollowpin!(yeah - they didn't have stock on the regular so my LHS upgraded me..) on a PG 980 and it's been fine so far.

For me it's just a cost thing.. shimano stuff seems to be just that much more, that it makes you think...

I do like a full shimano system for smoothness though..

FYI:
I run Sram X9, pg980 + 991 hollowpin
Mr Shimano takes care of stuff up front...

[Grover]

Until the Subaru 12hr anyway...:o

What do you expect when its had pins pushed in and out as my mind flip flopped as to whether I'd run single speed or not. It would have been fine if you hadn't have said I couldn't.

We'll see how long that rubbish SRAM PC99 hollow pin you gave me lasts.

[Hud]

someone mentioned clip on chain cleaners. I've been looking at the Park tools chain cleaner, is this the best one?

[Oddjob]

someone mentioned clip on chain cleaners. I've been looking at the Park tools chain cleaner, is this the best one?

They are all pretty rubbish. The best way to clean your chain is to get an water tight container with a wide mouth (I use old gatorade powder tubs), fill with degreaser of choice and then shake.

I personally use Wipperman 908s on an XT cassette and very rarely have any problems.

I've been meaning to try one of the KMC chains for a while but they simply aren't available anywhere except on the net.

[Turner_rider]

someone mentioned clip on chain cleaners. I've been looking at the Park tools chain cleaner, is this the best one?

I got a Pedros Chain Machine back in 2002 and its been one of the best things I've ever bought. With a bit of Park ChainBrite (which goes in the top, water in the bottom) it takes less than a minute to get the chain clean - even after the muddiest Wildside stage.

I've never had any chain suck issues since, and everyone who's borrowed mine has been impressed with the way it cleans.

http://www.pedalpushersonline.com/images/pedros_chain.jpg

[miko]

I'm happy with my park, for a quick clean after a messy ride, it does quite a good job.

It shouldn't replace a decent clean periodically though.

[angryasian]

Nothing beats powerlink + bottle+degreaser...

Quick and easy...

Chain off.. dump it in the bottle with degreaser (either straight or slightly diluted) give it a good shake. Rinse an done!

Note: Don't leave the chain sitting in the bottle. Most degreasers will eat plastic bottles.

[Techno Destructo]

Whatever chain you go for, make sure it's not a Wipperman stainless steel chain. Unless you don't value your life. Trust me on this.:mad:

[Bodin]

Whatever chain you go for, make sure it's not a Wipperman stainless steel chain. Unless you don't value your life. Trust me on this.:mad:

I've been waiting all thread for that. You should dig up a link to the thread you posted about your "incident" for the benefit of those that don't know what you're referring to.

[Techno Destructo]

I've been waiting all thread for that. You should dig up a link to the thread you posted about your "incident" for the benefit of those that don't know what you're referring to.

Yeah, I'm a bit predictable, aren't I?:o

Anyhow... here's why you shouldn't trust a stainless steel chain, no matter how reputable the company who makes it is....

http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=46057

[dougmcdoug]

Far out that’s a nasty story something I’m all too familiar with working in a emergency department

However I don't think i have ever been so glad to have not got a certain product, I too was thinking along the same lines as you, getting a drivetrain that doesn't need maintained.

However first ride after changing the cassette and chain and pullies as one had lost a complete tooth, I realised my middle chain ring was gone too. This really pissed me off as the crank set is less than 3 months old, and had at least 3 weeks of no use due to injury. Granted I had been doing a fair bit of riding in heavy mud, but less than 3 months out of crank ring was annoying.

It just went to show i need to put new chains on more regularly to save other parts, so there is no way i would anything much over $50 on a piece of equipment that I'm going to have to change in 3-4 months

But so far so good with the sram chain on the xt cassette.

I am interested in the people using the hollow pin chains, I was advised a while ago not use them as they have a tendency to stretch.

[k3n!f]

I am interested in the people using the hollow pin chains, I was advised a while ago not use them as they have a tendency to stretch.

I thought chain stretch was due to wear on the outer parts of the pins?

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html