Does chain matter?

[beany_bot]

I need a new chain on my bike. Its a Triban RC500, rear cogs are 9 and 2 at the front. It current has a KMC 8J - 2 Narrow chain just now. But do I need to replace it like for like?

 

[vickster]

No, just get 9 speed. I like SRAM

 

[DSK]

As above, no it does not have to be KMC, only the the right type/spec.

Usually the cheaper chains are the strongest and the more expensive/lighter the chains become, the weaker they get regardless of what gibberish the marketing bods spew. I'd say just get something like a £20ish Shimano, SRAM, Wipperman. KMC chain.

(I just bought a replacement KMC (EL 11 speed) 2 weeks ago for £65...... looks very fragile. So little faith I have in its 'strength', today I ordered a Wipperman chain.)

 

[I like Skol]

(I just bought a replacement KMC (EL 11 speed) 2 weeks ago for £65...... looks very fragile. So little faith I have in its 'strength', today I ordered a Wipperman chain.)

2 questions..... Why spend £65 on a chain? Why do you think it is a weak chain?

 

[Fab Foodie]

Basic KMC 9 speed will be perfect. Don’t waste money on anything more.

 

[slowmotion]

If you're thinking of trying the TdF, start worrying. If not, get the cheapest 9 speed KMC chain you can find.

 

[beany_bot]

Will this work OK? https://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-x9-9-speed-chain
KMCX973 114 Links

 

[vickster]

Yep
Just get the grey £13 one

 

[vickster]

Did your tyres arrive ok?

 

[beany_bot]

Yep
Just get the grey £13 one

Just to triple check, my current chain says "narrow" on it. that isn't important?

Infact, I think my current chain (came on the bike from new) is an 8 speed. Says 8J narrow.

 

[beany_bot]

Did your tyres arrive ok?

on route thanks.

 

[vickster]

Just to triple check, my current chain says "narrow" on it. that isn't important?

Infact, I think my current chain (came on the bike from new) is an 8 speed

I don’t think it matters, that one is compatible with Shimano drive chains (you have Claris or Sora maybe)?
Have you checked the state of the cassette too? How many miles has that chain done?

 

[beany_bot]

I don’t think it matters, that one is compatible with Shimano drive chains (you have Claris or Sora maybe)?
Have you checked the state of the cassette too? How many miles has that chain done?

It's a Sora groupset bike. The chain is just almost 0.75 wear with the little doo-da tool. So I thought now is the time. It's never been changed before, the bike is 1 year old. This is the bike - https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rc-500-disc-road-bike-turquoise-sora-id_8554411.html

 

[vickster]

It's a Sora groupset bike. The chain is just almost 0.75 wear with the little doo-da tool. So I thought now is the time. It's never been changed before, the bike is 1 year old.

Check the teeth on the cassette too. You could change chain and see if it behaves with the cassette

personally I just get the LBS to change both when I start getting issues with slipping and whatnot

 

[OldShep]

Don’t forget to count number of links in current chain and replace with same number.
At 0.75 you should get away with just the chain.