9 speed chain differences as function of $$$

Bill X said:

How much difference is there between chains in terms of durability and
weight as a function of cost? Is the extra cost mostly about weight?

I've had HG-53, HG-73, and HG-93 Shimano chains and noticed no difference in terms of durability or function; however, in my experience I have gotten more miles out of Wipperman Connex chains than the Shimano chains (plus they have a master-link which makes it much easier to install/remove), but they do cost more. I've also used SRAM chains but gotten about the same mileage from those as the Shimano chains (but again, they have a more convenient master link). I would just buy a inexpensive chain such as an SRAM PC59 and not think about it too much.

Weight difference between these chains is so small that it doesn't matter (even if you're a weight weenie!) unless get a Wipperman Titanium chain...which costs well over $300!!!

I have to admit that the dura ace chain (and drivetrain in general) is worth
the money. I've still got a 3 year old DA cassette that hasn't worn at all.
Chains last a long time, assuming you maintain properly. The cheaper chains
wear quickly irrespective of maintenance, and thus wear cassettes quickly.
Hell, I've still got my original 3 year old DA chainrings. This is a total
of about 30000 k.

--
--------------------------
Andre Charlebois
AGC-PC support
http://agc-pc.tripod.com
BPE, MCSE4.0, CNA, A+

"Bill X" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

How much difference is there between chains in terms of durability and
weight as a function of cost? Is the extra cost mostly about weight?

Bill-<< How much difference is there between chains in terms of durability and
weight as a function of cost? Is the extra cost mostly about weight?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

<BR><BR>

Nope, VERY little difference in performance and weight. Mostly looks, like
plating. Use the least expensive compatible chain. keep it clean, change it
regularly. Like engine oil.

Peter Chisholm
Vecchio's Bicicletteria
1833 Pearl St.
Boulder, CO, 80302
(303)440-3535
http://www.vecchios.com
"Ruote convenzionali costruite eccezionalmente bene"

andre-<< I have to admit that the dura ace chain (and drivetrain in general) is
worth
the money. I've still got a 3 year old DA cassette that hasn't worn at all.
Chains last a long time, assuming you maintain properly. The cheaper chains
wear quickly irrespective of maintenance, and thus wear cassettes quickly.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

<BR><BR>

Sorry, not true. Your 3 yr old casette DOES have wear, metal on metal does that
and a 105 level chain for DA will work the same, wear the same as the DA chain.

Peter Chisholm
Vecchio's Bicicletteria
1833 Pearl St.
Boulder, CO, 80302
(303)440-3535
http://www.vecchios.com
"Ruote convenzionali costruite eccezionalmente bene"

This isn't my experience. I measure my chains regularly, to note stretch.
The DA lasts much longer, with maintenance equal to lower level chains.
The main litmus test is shifting quality. As mentioned, that 3 year old
cassette is shifting fine, with no skipping. A 105 cassette I had for a
much shorter period of time wore out (again with good maintenance).
Probably the best bang for your buck is ultegra.

--
--------------------------
Andre Charlebois
AGC-PC support
http://agc-pc.tripod.com
BPE, MCSE4.0, CNA, A+

"Qui si parla Campagnolo " <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

andre-<< I have to admit that the dura ace chain (and drivetrain in

general) is

Quoted message said:

worth
the money. I've still got a 3 year old DA cassette that hasn't worn at

all.

Quoted message said:

Chains last a long time, assuming you maintain properly. The cheaper

chains

Quoted message said:

wear quickly irrespective of maintenance, and thus wear cassettes quickly.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

<BR><BR>

Sorry, not true. Your 3 yr old casette DOES have wear, metal on metal does

that

Quoted message said:

and a 105 level chain for DA will work the same, wear the same as the DA

chain.

Quoted message said:

Peter Chisholm
Vecchio's Bicicletteria
1833 Pearl St.
Boulder, CO, 80302
(303)440-3535
http://www.vecchios.com
"Ruote convenzionali costruite eccezionalmente bene"