KMC chain worth the money

[wisecrack]

I'm replacing my old Ultegra chain and was wondering if forking out R500 for the KMC X-10SL is worth it or is a chain a chain?

 

Would appreciate the thoughts of someone that has bought one.

• 10spd Shimano and Campagnolo compatible
• - Superlight only 240g
• - Slotted plates & hollow pins
• - Extremely durable
• - Low maintenance & high reliability
• - Lightest 10spd chain available
• - Includes missing link

[Mudsimus]

- Includes missing link

 

uhm....

 

Get yourself a 105 chain and stop worrying about that 2g your saving. And it wont be any more durable and any other 10sp chain.

[turtlek]

its just another chain dude if you want a decent chain for that sort of money go for the Mavic chain but in all honesty stick with shimano

[wisecrack]

Thanks for the advice maybe take the $ and rather treat the misses to dinner tonight :-)

[Dicky DQ]

in fact it will be LESS durable!!!

[intern]

I dunno I definitely can see a hige difference in an HG50 and a HG93 Dura Ace chain - the HG50 is pretty soft.

 

But I am definitely interested in that missing link. That's a bit like the holes in the swiss cheese, you know, the ones you leave on the side if you don't like them?

 

Or Mrs Ples or some similar creature's gonna be in the box...

 

 

[GIRR]

I dunno I definitely can see a hige difference in an HG50 and a HG93 Dura Ace chain - the HG50 is pretty soft.

But I am definitely interested in that missing link. That's a bit like the holes in the swiss cheese' date=' you know, the ones you leave on the side if you don't like them?

Or Mrs Ples or some similar creature's gonna be in the box...

[/quote']

 

How do you mean its soft?  Does it wear faster?  What is the difference between a Dura-ace and HG-50 chain other than weight?

[Mudsimus]

 

  What is the difference between a Dura-ace and HG-50 chain other than weight?

 

The HG 50 is a 8sp chain. Dura Ace is 10sp.

[Johan Bornman]

Sensible chains are all made from carbon steel and differ in look by either being plated or plain brown. For those who cannot decide, you can get one that's half brown, half shiny.

Non-sensible chains are made from stuff other than carbon steel such as titanium or stainless steel. Neither of these materials are as durable as carbon steel chains.

 

It helps to distinguish between durability and strength. Terms like soft and hard doesn't help here. A durable chain is one that will last for a long distance/time. A strong chain is one that can withstand the rigours of poor shifting. Other than in poor shifting, all chains are strong enough since we cannot break them other than to force-shift.

 

Chains with holes, slots, voids, grooves, gaps, piercings, openings, outlets, punctures, fissures, perforations and apertures in the side plates are not as strong as those without those "features." These chains fail by breaking at the sideplate through the weakest point where the hole is the largest.

 

Most experienced cyclists know how to shift by reducing force on the pedals at just the right moment. Those that don't know this technique should stay away from chains with added features.

 

Some chains have hollow pins. This does not affect the chain's durability or strength. It only adds to the chain's cost.

 

All things being equal, an 8-speed chain is more durable than a 9-speed than a 10-speed than a 10+ speed. This is simply because there is more wear surface on those chains.

 

All bicycle chains have a 1/2 inch pitch and gradually elongates as its gets worn down. Once a chain has elongated by 1%, it should be replaced since it will start damaging rear sprockets from them on.

 

Track and single-speed chains are essentially 8-speed chains with much less side flex than conventional chains to prevent them from de-railing.

 

Chains are best lubricated with a flowing oil and last longer when cleaned regularly. It is virtually impossible to clean a chain properly when it is on the bike.

 

Go ride.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ShortLegs]

Personal experience; KMX X10SL Ti is more durable, lighter and easier to maintain that the DA that came with my bike. It's also mega-bling to be warned!!!

 

I have two chains that I alternate on my race bike and have yet to experience a failure. Keep them clean and lubed and alternate every month or so and a pair should last. I'll post back if and when either of them require replacement. They've been going now since last spring series.

[Minion]

Slightly off-topic, but does anyone know where I can but KMC Missing Links in Joburg?