Let's talk chains................
Discussion
I am running a full Shimano 105 drivetrain on a 2010 Felt F75 and on inspecting the chain last night think it’s probably a good idea to replace it before it goes ping 40 miles from home!
I have always used KMC chains on my MTB’s and would like to fit one to this bike, but am not totally sure which one is compatible with the 105 groupset. I believe the Shimano chain is ‘super narrow’ (5.88mm wide) according to the marketing blurb, and seems to be 116 links. KMC sell a couple of chains that are 5.88mm wide but are only 112 links – will this work?
I could replace the chain ‘like for like’ but would like the ability to remove the chain for cleaning which is a simple task with the KMC missing link system.
Answers on a postcard.......
I have always used KMC chains on my MTB’s and would like to fit one to this bike, but am not totally sure which one is compatible with the 105 groupset. I believe the Shimano chain is ‘super narrow’ (5.88mm wide) according to the marketing blurb, and seems to be 116 links. KMC sell a couple of chains that are 5.88mm wide but are only 112 links – will this work?
I could replace the chain ‘like for like’ but would like the ability to remove the chain for cleaning which is a simple task with the KMC missing link system.
Answers on a postcard.......
This is what you need, and I doubt anyone will sell them cheaper than this http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/K...
Don't worry about the number of links, you'll be taking a load out anyway.
Don't worry about the number of links, you'll be taking a load out anyway.
Rouleur said:
This is what you need, and I doubt anyone will sell them cheaper than this http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/K...
Don't worry about the number of links, you'll be taking a load out anyway.
That's a good price from Ribble, but at 6.2mm is too wide (I don't know if this dimension actually makes any difference)Don't worry about the number of links, you'll be taking a load out anyway.
This one from Parker is only a couple of quid more but 5.88mm in width. http://www.parker-international.co.uk/10573/KMC-X1...
ETA: Or there is the el cheepo version here: http://www.parker-international.co.uk/19087/KMC-X1... I'm pretty sure I have this chain on my MTB
Edited by CoolC on Thursday 12th July 11:37
Thanks for the pointers chaps. I have ordered a X10-L, the only concern I have is that its 112 links v 116 on the Shimano chain.
X10.93 was 6.12 wide, but the Shimano spec is 5.88 - which is the same width as the X10-L. Would have gone for the X10.93 but have a slight concern that it might be too wide to work well with the cassette etc......
X10.93 was 6.12 wide, but the Shimano spec is 5.88 - which is the same width as the X10-L. Would have gone for the X10.93 but have a slight concern that it might be too wide to work well with the cassette etc......
MadDad said:
I am running a full Shimano 105 drivetrain on a 2010 Felt F75 and on inspecting the chain last night think it’s probably a good idea to replace it before it goes ping 40 miles from home!
I have always used KMC chains on my MTB’s and would like to fit one to this bike, but am not totally sure which one is compatible with the 105 groupset. I believe the Shimano chain is ‘super narrow’ (5.88mm wide) according to the marketing blurb, and seems to be 116 links. KMC sell a couple of chains that are 5.88mm wide but are only 112 links – will this work?
I could replace the chain ‘like for like’ but would like the ability to remove the chain for cleaning which is a simple task with the KMC missing link system.
Answers on a postcard.......
As an aside what do you mean by 'inspect'? If you mean a visual check, you're probably too late and could well be looking at a new cassette as well.I have always used KMC chains on my MTB’s and would like to fit one to this bike, but am not totally sure which one is compatible with the 105 groupset. I believe the Shimano chain is ‘super narrow’ (5.88mm wide) according to the marketing blurb, and seems to be 116 links. KMC sell a couple of chains that are 5.88mm wide but are only 112 links – will this work?
I could replace the chain ‘like for like’ but would like the ability to remove the chain for cleaning which is a simple task with the KMC missing link system.
Answers on a postcard.......
You should always replace based on stretch using a stretch gauge.
It's also always worth - given how little they weigh - to carry a chain tool and spare link (sram quick links are the best IMO) with you in your tool kit.
shalmaneser said:
definitely get a Shimano chain for 10 speed. they need to be assymetrical which I don't think the KMC ones are.
It's only with the introduction of Dura Ace 7900 and Ultegra 6700 that chains become asymmetrical. I can't recall 105 "needing" (as much as chains need to be asymmetric...plus DA ones kept going "twang"!) them.Jimbo. said:
It's only with the introduction of Dura Ace 7900 and Ultegra 6700 that chains become asymmetrical. I can't recall 105 "needing" (as much as chains need to be asymmetric...plus DA ones kept going "twang"!) them.
This is correct - the assymetric chains work on older 10-spd too, but not vice-versa.Jimbo. said:
If the new chain is four links shorter than your current chain as fitted, then that may be an issue: 4 links is a lot.
It would only be an issue if he was running a massive largest sprocket, which I'd imagine he's not. With a 50/25 set up for example you have to remove a fair few links to get the right length.I have to ‘fess up and admit it was a visual inspection that made me realised the chain was on its last legs, that and the lateral movement!
To be fair it has well over 3,000 miles on it but I clean the bike, and de-grease/grease the chain weekly, in fact to look at the bike it would be hard to tell its nearly 18 months old.
The 105’s are not direction specific so I believe I should be OK with the KMC X10-L, the only worry is the 4 link difference, but the biggest combo I have is 50/25 so fingers crossed I should be OK – there is a lot of spare chain in the 116 link setup.
If the new chain does not fit then in my mind I have a good excuse to build a new bike based on a spare chain.........
To be fair it has well over 3,000 miles on it but I clean the bike, and de-grease/grease the chain weekly, in fact to look at the bike it would be hard to tell its nearly 18 months old.
The 105’s are not direction specific so I believe I should be OK with the KMC X10-L, the only worry is the 4 link difference, but the biggest combo I have is 50/25 so fingers crossed I should be OK – there is a lot of spare chain in the 116 link setup.
If the new chain does not fit then in my mind I have a good excuse to build a new bike based on a spare chain.........
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