A dumb question about chain replacement

[lauda]

I need a new chain for my road bike which has a Tiagra groupset. Wiggle currently have a 10 speed Ultegra chain for less than I can find a Tiagra one. I can’t think of any reason why the chain won’t work but before I hit the order button, have I missed something that means they won’t be compatible?

[Rich_W]

If your Tiagra is 10 speed you'll be fine.


For reference a 11 speed chain is slightly narrower than a 10. And thus incompatible

On that basis a 10 speed chain will be incompatible wit a 9 speed system.



http://www.wiggle.co.uk/chains/?ea=4294789843

[lauda]

Brilliant, thank you

Whilst I think of it, I was also wondering whether to try and improve the brakes. They’re pretty shocking to be honest, especially in the wet. Would some upgraded brake blocks be worth the investment? And if so, does anyone have any recommendations?

[Barchettaman]

Kool Stop brake pads.

Also, an 11-speed chain will work fine on 10-speed drivetrain (and a 10-speed chain on a 9-speed drivetrain).

[lauda]

Thanks gents. Ultegra chain and Kool Stop blocks have been ordered.

[E65Ross]

I found Swiss Stop brakes a big improvement for rim brakes!!

Gone discs now though, won't be going back to rim brakes

[The Rookie]

Rich_W said:

On that basis a 10 speed chain will be incompatible wit a 9 speed system.

Which would be wrong, a 10 works just fine on a 9 and an 9 on an 8, however as you note the 11 speed chain is narrower (by 1/128" internally - about 0.2mm) than a 10 and that may cause issues.

[wobert]

The Rookie said:

Rich_W said:

On that basis a 10 speed chain will be incompatible wit a 9 speed system.

Which would be wrong, a 10 works just fine on a 9 and an 9 on an 8, however as you note the 11 speed chain is narrower (by 1/128" internally - about 0.2mm) than a 10 and that may cause issues.

My understanding is that a 10-spd chain has the same internal width as an 11-spd.

The only difference is the 11-spd has thinner side plates which makes it narrower outside-to-outside.

The internal dims remain the same...

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.velonews.com/2016...

[Matt_N]

The Rookie said:

Which would be wrong, a 10 works just fine on a 9 and an 9 on an 8, however as you note the 11 speed chain is narrower (by 1/128" internally - about 0.2mm) than a 10 and that may cause issues.

11 and 10 speed chains are internally the same width, it is only the link plates that are thinner. Chain pitch and width remains the same at 1/2 inch and 3/32 inch respectively.

11 speed chains edge to edge are around 5.4mm and 10 speed 5.9mm, the difference being in the plates and how they are attached to the roller pins.

Edited by Matt_N on Monday 29th January 11:45

[Kermit power]

Rich_W said:

If your Tiagra is 10 speed you'll be fine.


For reference a 11 speed chain is slightly narrower than a 10. And thus incompatible

On that basis a 10 speed chain will be incompatible wit a 9 speed system.



http://www.wiggle.co.uk/chains/?ea=4294789843

There's also no need to replace a Shimano chain with another Shimano one. I usually use SRAM chains as they're easier to take apart for cleaning.

[E65Ross]

Kermit power said:

There's also no need to replace a Shimano chain with another Shimano one. I usually use SRAM chains as they're easier to take apart for cleaning.

I use a Shimano chain with a WIppermann connex link. Absolutely great and so much better than the KMC quick links etc. No tool needed for removal which takes less than 10 seconds.

[yellowjack]

E65Ross said:

I use a Shimano chain with a WIppermann connex link. Absolutely great and so much better than the KMC quick links etc. No tool needed for removal which takes less than 10 seconds.

I'm a big fan of the Wippermann Connex links too. I'll use whichever KMC/Shimano chain is cheapest at the time, along with a Connex link. It's the only "quick" link I've used that you can actually remove easily without tools when the chain is filthy (MTB). KMC/SRAM links are fine to fit without tools, but not so great if the chain is dirty. Any spare quick-links from new chains go into my puncture repair kit in case I or (as was the case recently) a riding partner breaks a chain on the trails.