shimano HG 73 9sp chain connectors

The Shimano 9 speed chain uses the pin supplied with the chain, not one of the removable links. (Use a chain tool)

KMC have a 9 speed chain with a removable link. 😉

After a bit of thought, I can simply use the link of the other new chain, which is an sram. The idea being is to put a new cassette on and use 2 chains, swapping them at each clean. I can simply use the same link for both or purchase a link.

mikesbytes said:

The idea being is to put a new cassette on and use 2 chains, swapping them at each clean.

I'm currently alternating 4 chains at 1k ks, with cleaning at about 500ks. My line of thought is to continue till all is shot, then replace rings, chains & cassette, hopefully after no less than 20k ks. Any other ideas welcome on this? [ trying not to hijack your thread 🙂 ]

mikesbytes said:

After a bit of thought, I can simply use the link of the other new chain, which is an sram. The idea being is to put a new cassette on and use 2 chains, swapping them at each clean. I can simply use the same link for both or purchase a link.

SRAM and Wipperman 9sp master links work with Shimano 9sp chains, BUT
SRAM and/or Wipperman (don't remember which one) advise not to use an old link on a new chain.

Mike

mikeg said:

SRAM and/or Wipperman (don't remember which one) advise not to use an old link on a new chain.

That's SRAM, but I would think that advice applies to both manufacturers.

Basically, the pin that the bushing rotates around will be worn down ever so slightly if its off an old chain, having worn with the chain.

I'm rotating two chains at about 4-500km intervals (each clean) and am using a separate link for each chain. Figure that each link will wear with the chain it is attached to.

I've not gotten to 5000km/chain using this method (only started early this year, and am about half-way there with buggerall chain stretch), but a mate of mine who has used this before easily got 12k out of his (two) chains. His the drivetrain worked very well with the new chains he installed, with no appreciable wear.

The caveat is that he was retentive about cleaning and lubing properly, as well as shifting appropriatelym and not cross-chaining, something I'm not as retentive about.

n

mikeg said:

SRAM and Wipperman 9sp master links work with Shimano 9sp chains, BUT
SRAM and/or Wipperman (don't remember which one) advise not to use an old link on a new chain.

Mike

The SRAM chain/link is new. Do you think thats ok? or should I get a second link?

I have used the KMC missing links on my 8 & 10 speed chains. http://home.earthlink.net/~kmcchain/english/index.html [click Missing Link]
KMC do not recommend reusing these links & suggest using a chain tool to break the chain at another location then install another ML.
I have used long nose pliers to squeeze open these links & have reused the same one maybe 5 or 6 times. Not smart I suppose? [also on my 10 s but only reused twice]

mikesbytes said:

The SRAM chain/link is new. Do you think thats ok? or should I get a second link?

My thoughts would be to use a separate link for each chain - if the pins on the link wear out twice as fast (by using them on two chains), it *may* accelerate wear on your cogs/chainweels.

Not worth it for saving a few dollars, in my book.

n

Thanks everyone, I'll get a second link, for the sake of a couple of $, I might as well.

Probikekit have 105 and Tigra 9 speed cassettes and chains cheap. I'd have to go from 21-11 to 23-12, but I can learn to spin. The also have ultegra only $1 more than 105, but out of stock.

Is there much difference between 105 and Tigra cassettes?

Is there much difference between 105 and Tigra chains?

mikesbytes said:

Is there much difference between 105 and Tigra cassettes?
Is there much difference between 105 and Tigra chains?

In my experience, no, and no.

The Tiagra cassettes have more of the larger cogs bound to a carrier, and weigh a smidgen more, but that's pretty much it. I'd imagine that in terms of durability, it would be equivalent to the 105 and Ultegra cassettes.

I'm not sure what the difference in chains is - I've certainly not noticed any difference between the HG53/73/93 chains I've used. I'm currently rotating a 53 and 73 chain on my main road bike, and use a 73 chain on my MTB.

FWIW, I have noticed a marked improvement in shifting when using a DA chain though, although that may either be placebo, or having a new chain. It's not something I would worry about when I am riding, though.

n

Turns out I can get the Tigra cassette for around the same price as mail order locally, so as usual after way to much thinking, I've changed my mind, as my big and middle ring are part way thru their life. I'm going to get the Tigra cluster locally, use one chain, that been the new sram chain and replace the lot in around 6 months at the same time.

mikesbytes said:

.... so as usual after way to much thinking, I've changed my mind, as my big and middle ring are part way thru their life......

Mike, didn't you replace rings only [about] 6 months ago, or is this another bike?

Albert 50 said:

Mike, didn't you replace rings only [about] 6 months ago, or is this another bike?

I replaced the big ring about 6 months ago and you can see some wear in it already. Another 6 months and it can be put to rest.