MTB 10spd drive trains - Wear and Tear

[xamnam]

Is the wear rate higher using a 10 sped drive train as apposed to a traditional 9 speed drive train?

 

Those of you that have purchased new 10 spd cassettes and chains, do you experience that you have to replace your chain and cluster more often than you did with your 9 spd?

 

Any feedback much appreciated.

 

Thanks

[Tankman]

how do you come to this conclusion question?

Edited April 5, 2011 by Tankman

[Christopher Brunsdon]

I think the reasoning is that the chains are thinner and the cassettes are also thinner.

[Tankman]

but we have been using 10 speed on the road for ages and they outlast any 9 speed mtb gear. I know you cant compare road with mtb but just because it is minute fractions thinner doesnt necessary mean worse quality?

[xamnam]

how do you come to this conclusion question?

 

My mechanic at my LBS told me not to go for 10sp as you chain life is approx 350km

where 9spd is closer to 600-750km

 

Just want to get feedback from people who has used 10spd MTB drive trains as to what they have experienced.

[Tankman]

Is the mechanic basing this on facts or did one of his clients complain and convince him otherwise?

[Christopher Brunsdon]

but we have been using 10 speed on the road for ages and they outlast any 9 speed mtb gear. I know you cant compare road with mtb but just because it is minute fractions thinner doesnt necessary mean worse quality?

 

Yes and the irony is that the chains are thinner where it really dose not make difference to chain wear, its only weaker with sideways movement and that is only a problem when somebody is not shifting correctly.

 

I'm on 8spd and my original OEM cassette was junk, lasted only 2000km of mostly tar. Replaced it with a better quality 8spd cassette (HG-80?) and its now 4000km of tar & dust with at least another 10'000km to go.

 

Quality of the product used and its maintenance is still the deciding factor.

[Christopher Brunsdon]

My mechanic at my LBS told me not to go for 10sp as you chain life is approx 350km

where 9spd is closer to 600-750km

 

Just want to get feedback from people who has used 10spd MTB drive trains as to what they have experienced.

 

I would ask the mechanic to sell a better quality (and not always more expensive) chain if those are the km's you can expect.

[Wolweseun]

My mechanic at my LBS told me not to go for 10sp as you chain life is approx 350km

where 9spd is closer to 600-750km

 

Just want to get feedback from people who has used 10spd MTB drive trains as to what they have experienced.

Your LBS is an Ass and clearly does not know what he is talking about

In essence he is saying you cant even finish an Epic on a Chain

 

Plse use another shop it will save you a lot of money

[koukie]

My mechanic at my LBS told me not to go for 10sp as you chain life is approx 350km

where 9spd is closer to 600-750km

 

Just want to get feedback from people who has used 10spd MTB drive trains as to what they have experienced.

What bike shop was this, so that I know where not to shop.

[The Drongo]

I think the reasoning is that the chains are thinner and the cassettes are also thinner.

 

The teeth on the cassette are no thinner than 9 speed. The spacing between them is less, hence the thinner chain.

 

Drive-train wear is all about cleanliness, shifting, crank use.

[The Drongo]

but we have been using 10 speed on the road for ages and they outlast any 9 speed mtb gear. I know you cant compare road with mtb but just because it is minute fractions thinner doesnt necessary mean worse quality?

 

As you so rightly say sir......the contamination and terrain are far more taxing on a MTB drive-train than on a Road setup.

[andretraut]

My mechanic at my LBS told me not to go for 10sp as you chain life is approx 350km

where 9spd is closer to 600-750km

 

If your mechanic is not bullshitting, I will be replacing XTR chains weekly. WTF!

[Christopher Brunsdon]

The teeth on the cassette are no thinner than 9 speed. The spacing between them is less, hence the thinner chain.

 

Drive-train wear is all about cleanliness, shifting, crank use.

 

The problem I see is that too many mechanics and bike-gurus still live in the past and compare the the 7-spd vs 9-spd world. There is just too much "reasoning" and common logic floating around, and that is in no way a good thing.

[Just Keep Pedaling]

I reckon if it does wear faster is will only be about 10/9 or 11% faster. A small price to pay for being a cool kid with 10 speed shifting.

[AndreZA]

My mechanic at my LBS told me not to go for 10sp as you chain life is approx 350km

where 9spd is closer to 600-750km

 

So I think I should have changed my 9spd chain before I reached 5500km.