10 speed chain recommendation

[ishaw]

I'm looking to take the plunge into 10 speed and not sure where to go with chain options. Bike is a commuter (airnimal joey) and will be running 1 ring up front and 10 rear via a 105 cassette and xtr m980 clutch mech.

Any thoughts on a suitable chain.

 

[JamesM]

Re:

KMC, they last much longer than Shimano in my experiance.

 

[ishaw]

I've been an sram devotee of late but have never had a 10 speed drive train. Are their 10 speed chains as good as 9? Is it worth going higher up the food chain or is the 1031 a good chain?

I'll look into kmc. Cane across yaban and taya in my research, are these any good?

 

[02gf74]

Re:

I use shimano, sram and kmc. Cant say that i ved noticed any one is better than other brand.

For the w weenie bikes, its kmc 10xsl, for the cheaper or commute bike, its whichever brand is cheapest.

 

[ishaw]

Thanks. Been looking at the kmc sl actually as despite the bike being a commuter, I have pimped it somewhat as I didn't really want a folding bike but decided if I had to have one, I'd make the best of it.

Some custom 24 inch rc31 forks are due to arrive tomorrow thanks to Tim at fork English. I believe I've invented the rc24.

 

[wookiee]

Re:

I have used Shimano XT and XTR, KMC SL and then lastly a KMC X10. The KMC won by a clear mile. The SL was great and then when that was replaced I found the cheaper X10 to perform just as well. Shimano chains, to me riding offroad, wear much quicker and sound more gritty in the drive train in sloppy mud. Depending on your riding, but if you are using it as a commuter then you might not experience the same wear that I have offroad.

...plus you get a quick link with the KMC, put do you self a favour and by the chain tool. Makes it a doddle to get off and on.

Doug

...still got those XTR 10 speed shifters you know...

 

[ishaw]

Cheers for that. I do have one of those tools as I can't quite seem to get the nack by hand. As for the shifters, I'll get back to you as I may still need them, not 100% sure yet.

 

[Cavalier]

I've never had a problem with KMC but then I've also had no problem with Shimano or SRAM. I am, however, a pedant for cleaning and lubing.
I've been told that Shimano have greatly increased the quality of their chains in the last few years but I have to admit that I don't get through enough chains to verify that.
One thing to note is that SRAM chains are now made by KMC, so, if SRAM are happy with KMC there's probably no reason for you not to be!!

 

[ishaw]

I've gone for the kmc x10 as I found them for a good price online. I'll report back on performance but fitting was a doddle, not even the obligatory stiff link after removing a couple that I always seem to get with shimano chains, so a good sign already.