What is the best 7 speed chain?

[Kona-Ian]

As title.

 

[mattbrown]

Re:

KMC

 

[legrandefromage]

a 9spd one

(they shift a lot nicererer)

 

[Kona-Ian]

1993 bike with Shimano HG, so was thinking about one of these.
Not necessarily this exact one but just the same model.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-CN-H ... SwaeRZHa6i

 

[jimo746]

a 9spd one

(they shift a lot nicererer)

Yes!

I prefer Kmc.

 

[lensmansteve]

I'm a KMC fan. I've used them for twenty or so years, Z51, Z7 and Z8. I'd always go for the ones with chromed side plates. No complaints about wear, the side plates spread apart long before the rollers show much evidence of wear. Nice chains. My pocket money doesn't stretch to buying 9 speed chains, or indeed cassettes. Running chains so far off line freaks me out a bit anyway, I'm a sensitive soul..

 

[Retro Spud]

a 9spd one

(they shift a lot nicererer)

Apart from being a tad narrower - educate me why they shift betterer
Otherwise I shall write a stiff letter to the Retro gods advising of your Heresy

 

[Kona-Ian]

Have used KMC before. Doesn't look like a 9 speed chain is anymore than a 7 speed one.

 

[legrandefromage]

I guess its that slightly narrower chain and the extra chamfering that seems to make them smother as you shift up and down. And they're just as cheap (or were before all this)

I wouldnt get hung up on trying to match what was on the original bike, use what works, its not a hair shirt hobby nor should it be.

And anyway, I'm sure I'm one to talk as I've somehow ended up using an old Sachs PC51 on a 9spd cassette :facepalm:

 

[hamster]

I've tended to use SRAM / SACHS over the years as they seem to last longer. Personally I had a disappointing experience with durability with KMC. My LBS now carries Taya which seem quite good so far.
Shimano chains are always smoother and quieter than any other, but don't last well for me.