10 speed chain compatibility question

[graham bowers]

I've just got my first road bike, a used Trek Alpha 2.5 that is equipped with a CN6700 Shimano chain on a 10 speed compact Ultegra drivetrain. It came from my brother so know its been very well looked after and has had little use.

I'm hoping to do my first audax in a couple of weeks, a 60 Km, and am putting together my packing list. I always used SRAM chains on MTB's and took along a spare split link and chain tool and had to use them a few times.

It seems its necessary to use a special pin and set of long nose pliers to join a shimano chain which seems like a lot of faff and extra weight to carry. I was wondering if a SRAM split link will work with a Shimano chain? Or is there a SRAM chain that will work well and give equivalent shifting performance with an Ultegra drivetrain?

I'm really not sure what to do about planning for chain troubles with a Shimano road chain so am seeking opinions please?

Thanks
Graham

 

[slowmotion]

I'm reasonably sure that KMC ten speed chains work with drive chains from all road bike manufacturers.. Their "missing links" are pretty good too. You can get a KMC chain and a link for about £15, all up, on Ebay.

 

[raleighnut]

A ten speed compatible chain will fit any 10 speed cassette/mech combo, wether it's Shimano or Campagnolo (or even SRAM) it is a standard size (but only for 10 speed)
FWIW most of my bikes run SRAM chains, I prefer them (but my 10 speed Campagnolo equipped bike runs the posh hollowpin version)

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rc...d53864&usg=AFQjCNHpUV0SuAyDPAghAM4iLX6TGFLJLQ

 

[lpretro1]

You can use a kmc 10spd link in any 10aps chain incl shimano

 

[youngoldbloke]

You can use a kmc 10spd link in any 10aps chain incl shimano

Just for the record - I believe KMC also produce a Campag specific 10 speed link.

 

[graham bowers]

Thanks for the input folks. I'm going to order some KMC links in the first instance and will switch to SRAM when the chain needs replacing.