What do you look for when buying a new chain

[Heltor Chasca]

Correct compatibility with my cassette. I also make sure it has a quick link/smart link or similar because I take my chains off to soak them as my cleaning method. I also like silver rather than grey.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

silver rather than grey

They all end up black don't they?

 

[Heltor Chasca]

They all end up black don't they?

Nope. Mine take on a terracotta hue.

 

[Will Spin]

I look for one that won't get dirty.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Nope. Mine take on a terracotta hue.

Ah yes - land of clay

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Ah yes - land of clay

Indeed. Slowly all my clothes go down the same colour wheel spiral. Even Persil doesn’t work.

I also had a lovely chain in ‘ferris-oxide’ red on my Raleigh Chopper in my teens. That was nice. Even Vasaline jelly with added petroleum couldn’t halt the damp demise.

 

[derrick]

I look for one that won't get dirty.

Leave it in the box, stays clean forever.

 

[smutchin]

Checking my Wiggle order history, the last chain I bought was a SRAM PC1 1/8" for the fixed. The fact that it was priced £7 may have had something to do with choosing that one rather than any other possible options.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

‘ferris-oxide’ red

Ah yes - I've had a few in that colour

 

[smutchin]

Just remembered I've also got a Muc-Off Nanotube-treated Dura-Ace chain (RRP £109) ready to fit to my audax bike when I get round to buying a new cassette to go with it. Have to confess that I didn't pay for it myself though.

 

[Vantage]

Cheap, KMC and in silver. Keep it clean using the method formally known as 'the mickle method'.

 

[User16625]

Fitted a KMC one today, seems smoother than the shimano HG93 one I had on it before. I also had an HG53 chain that felt very rumbly thro the pedals. There's definitely differences in the chains somewhere. I also only ever use the quick connector things aswell.

 

[Banjo]

SRAMs have proved reliable on several different bikes for me and come with a quick connector link.

 

[JhnBssll]

I've just replaced a KMC Z8 with a SRAM PC850 on the commuter. The KMC came on the bike but has only lasted 900 miles and seemed to rust up quite quickly. Whilst overall the commuter doesnt get quite the same level of cleaning as the other bikes I do ensure it's always mechanically sound. As such the chain has been regularly cleaned and lubed so I was a bit dissappointed it needed replacing so quickly.

The other bikes all have KMC - the main reason for buying SRAM this time was it being the cheapest available on Amazon prime with next day delivery