Chain Choice

[aerobrain]

Hi

I need to change the chain on my bike pretty soon and wondered if anyone had any recommendations?

I've got full Tiagra 2x10sp (compact, 12-28) at the moment. Initially I was looking at an Ultegra chain as they're only £20 on WIggle so thought for the cost may as well move up a couple of notches but then someone said they preferred KMC as they shift better.

My main priority is definitely shifting as at approx £20 to replace even if I get 1000 miles (currently on about 1,070 with the stock KMC X10 CP at just under 0.75%) I'm not fussed. I should get a lot more next time if I degrease and oil it!! Guessing on an Ali frame the weight differences are also going to be inconsequential?! (I weigh 100kg)

Any tips gratefully received!! :-)

 

[HLaB]

KMC, I couldn't guarantee they shift better but the quick link wins hand down (or what ever they say).

 

[ianrauk]

KMC

 

[aerobrain]

Do they come as std with the quick link then? I just assumed you had to buy that as extra

 

[HLaB]

Standard

 

[aerobrain]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-x10-93-10-speed-chain/

This one is 112 links, is that likely to be enough for my set up? 50/34 going in to 12-28, not sure if rear is long/short cage but it's the stock Tiagra one that came with the bike.

Sorry, newbie questions probably!! First time I've had to replace a chain.

 

[I like Skol]

I've yet to buy a chain that has been too short for any bike I own (roadbike, Hybrid & MTB) so I guess the standard length will be good for you too. I have swapped to KMC recently and feel there is maybe a marginal life span improvement over the Shimano equivalent (maybe 10-20%?) but the quicklink/missing link/whatever it is called, is a pretty good improvement so that swings my vote to KMC from now on.

 

[aerobrain]

Certainly seems the KMC is the way to go!! Will get one on order in the next week or so me'thinks.

 

[HLaB]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-x10-93-10-speed-chain/

This one is 112 links, is that likely to be enough for my set up? 50/34 going in to 12-28, not sure if rear is long/short cage but it's the stock Tiagra one that came with the bike.

Sorry, newbie questions probably!! First time I've had to replace a chain.

Fitted the same 112 link chain on the 50/34 13-29 I had fitted for the Alps and the 52/38 11-28 cassette on my last bike both bigger gear length than your, you'll be fine.

Edit: btw, if you fit the new chain and it slips you may need to replace the cassette too.

 

[aerobrain]

Fitted the same 112 link chain on the 50/34 13-29 I had fitted for the Alps and the 52/38 11-28 cassette on my last bike both bigger gear length than your, you'll be fine.

Edit: btw, if you fit the new chain and it slips you may need to replace the cassette too.

Yeah I'm hoping as its under .75 I should be OK on cassette but will expect the worst.

So, cassette. SRAM or Shim? Plan was Shim 105 12-27, only £32 and seems to have slightly more even spread than the 12-28, especially in the middle. Just hope I won't miss the extra tooth!

 

[boybiker]

SRAM PC-1050 for £12 @ halfords http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_557005_langId_-1_categoryId_230505

 

[I like Skol]

Forget Shimano, I have swapped to Sram PG950 cassettes (would never have even tried it if my hybrid didn't come with Sram OEM) and in my opinion the Sram PG950 outlasts Shimano Tiagra by around 40-50%.

Get a Sram 11-26 from ChainReaction for just £21 at the moment (the 11T makes all the difference downhill )

EDIT: Sorry, I see you are on 10spd.....

 

[aerobrain]

Forget Shimano, I have swapped to Sram PG950 cassettes (would never have even tried it if my hybrid didn't come with Sram OEM) and in my opinion the Sram PG950 outlasts Shimano Tiagra by around 40-50%.

Get a Sram 11-26 from ChainReaction for just £21 at the moment (the 11T makes all the difference downhill )

EDIT: Sorry, I see you are on 10spd.....

Cool, would worry that 26t would hurt me uphill but guess at that price I can just write it off if that's the case!

 

[I like Skol]

WOW, 10spd stuff sure is pricey££££ I guess this is why I want to stay 9spd on my proposed MTB upgrade. I suppose on my acceptable budget if I was on 10 spd the Tiagra 11-25 would be the one (my road bike currently has 11-25 9spd Tiagra with Compact chainset which took me up the steep side of Holme Moss ok.

 

[HLaB]

Yeah I'm hoping as its under .75 I should be OK on cassette but will expect the worst.

So, cassette. SRAM or Shim? Plan was Shim 105 12-27, only £32 and seems to have slightly more even spread than the 12-28, especially in the middle. Just hope I won't miss the extra tooth!

SRAM is lighter, last longer and importantly offers better ratios Imo. I have the same mentioned 11-26 on my winter wheels (hopefully Ill have a new bike to go with them but thats another story)