The Chain

[Phil H]

Cleaning my bike today, I noticed that my Ultegra chain has a measurable stretch. It's probably just under 1/16th of an inch over 12 inches so I figure I can probably get away with just replacing the chain and leaving the cassette. The question is: do I go for an exact replacement, or a KMC or SRAM chain? I do have a couple of KMC missing-links that I carry for emergencies so I could fit one of those to a new Shimano chain. I've only done about 1400 miles on that bike so the stretch is either down to my massively powerful legs or my substandard maintenance - I'm not sure which. So, what do people think is the best 10 speed Shimano compatible chain that costs under £10, weighs nothing and can cope with enormous power/sporadic cleaning?

[Grahame]

As Keith Bontrager once said: "Light, strong, cheap. Pick any two."

[Andrew G]

Get a KMC chain, the X ones I think, don't bother with the slotted lightweight ones as they cost twice as much for negligable weight difference, personally I'd rather have the added strength of non-slotted plates too.

I use KMC chains on all my bikes, they are very good and seem to last longer than either Campag or Shimano ones from speaking to others that have used them. The missing link makes fitting and removal a doddle too.

I got mine [url=http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/bicycle-chains/kmc-x10-chain.html]here[/url], bought 3 for £48 which is a great deal. They just come in a bag rather than a cardboard box but who cares.

[Grahame]

Mavic 10 speed chains are available for £30 for 3 from [url=http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=33382]Chain Reaction Cycles[/url], and seem to have gained good reviews. Worth a try?

[Marcus]

In my short time as a cyclist and following 's recommendation I have found KMC to be the strongest and longest lasting with mo stretch after many many miles.

[Dominic]

Ribble usually have some good deals. I tend not to spend more than £7 or £8 on a chain but then I usually replace them every month or so depending on mileage. Saves on having to change the cassette should you they have both become too worn.

[Snoop Doug]

...every month!! Cripes - how many miles are you packing in @ the mo Dominic?

I change my chain when it breaks

[Ivor]

This thread reminded me to check the chain on the commuter.... chain was so worn the gauge nearly caught on the roller before. oops.

[mlocke]

If you dont check it, you dont know that anything is wrong. It won't cost you any money (I am northern).



That is until you are 50 miles from nowhere with a drive chain in pieces strewn across the surrey countryside.

If you follow my advise please take a fully charged phone with good network coverage on all your rides as you WILL be needing it

[George]

I use a park tool gauge which shows wear either worn or too worn.

I always replace before too worn to save cassettes and chainrings.

On my TT bike I replace with a cheap shimano chain every month