Chains

[Mr Scruff]

Time to replace my chain and rear cassette. Rear cassette, no worries, the XT I've got on there has served me very well so I'll just get another.

Chains, on the other hand... Shimano, should be easy enough right? But then do I want an HG73? Will a HG53 suffice? Should I go all out for a HG93?

And lets not even start on the SRAM chains...

Honestly, is there any difference? I don't want to spend too much, but then I've just had a cheepo SRAM snap on me and it flippin' hurt - I'd prefer not to have a repeat!

If it makes any difference the bike is a Ellsworth Joker, gets used at least once a week for XC, in all weathers. Averages out about 20 miles a week once I throw in the occasional big ride/Afan trip.

Thanks!

[Steve UK]

I had a shimano hg73 snap on me after 3 rides so now use kmc chains. I have a shimano hg93 on another bike which is good. Under a microscope the cheaper shimano chain was very poor but also very cheap.

The new xt cassettes are great, very light. Just gone up in price though. Think I paid £40 but cannot see it for cheaper than £55 now!!!

Steve

[Parrot of Doom]

I just buy the cheap Shimano cassettes. The difference in weight isn't worth worrying about. For the chain, I buy the cheap powerlink SRAM jobs. The more expensive ones either have hollow pins ( :| ), or a fancy zinc coating to protect against rust. Seriously, when a chain is oiled, who cares about rust?

If you've had a chain snap I'd proffer the thought that perhaps a pin was inserted incorrectly?

[Mr Scruff]

No idea why the last chain snapped, guess anything is possible though I only removed links, not added, and joined the chain with the SRAM link thingy that comes with it?

With regards to the cassettes, are you therefore suggesting that the only difference between them is weight, rather than design? I'd (perhaps naively) assumed that the XT block would allow for smoother shifting in the gunky stuff? I know the difference between XT and XTR is less pronounced but I was unaware this was the case further down the range?

[Gooby]

I just had a SRAM chain with hollow pins. Very light but broke second time out. After a 5 mile walk home, I returned it to the shop who said that there must be a dodgy batch because they are returning about 60% of the last order. I now have a more basic SRAM. I prefer SRAM because hey are fixable on the trail (if you have a gold link thing), the shimano are not.

With the mega price rises on shimano kit is there an equilivent SRAM cassette?

[Parrot of Doom]

Mr Scruff said:

With regards to the cassettes, are you therefore suggesting that the only difference between them is weight, rather than design? I'd (perhaps naively) assumed that the XT block would allow for smoother shifting in the gunky stuff? I know the difference between XT and XTR is less pronounced but I was unaware this was the case further down the range?

I've used both and never noticed a difference in shift quality - that tends (IME) to be more to do with the cleanliness and lubricity of gear cables. My 8 year old worn-out Deore front derailleur moves the chain up and down just as well as the brand new XT derailleur.

I personally don't feel that there is anything like the difference in quality between the two that the price would suggest.

[mouseymousey]

Gooby said:

I just had a SRAM chain with hollow pins. Very light but broke second time out. After a 5 mile walk home, I returned it to the shop who said that there must be a dodgy batch because they are returning about 60% of the last order. I now have a more basic SRAM. I prefer SRAM because hey are fixable on the trail (if you have a gold link thing), the shimano are not.

With the mega price rises on shimano kit is there an equilivent SRAM cassette?

Snap! (pun intended!) I also had a SRAM chain break very recently, on the third ride. A dodgy batch would explain it.

[Mr Scruff]

Arse, I'm no clearer now than I was before, at least I'd managed to decide upon the chainset!



Anyone else have any ideas...?

[littleandy0410]

I'd go for the SRAM or KMC, as they have the Powerlink/Missing link, which is useful for cleaning, and repairs.

As for a cassette - Merlin's special of the day is an XT cassette (9 speed) for £44.95.

[thepickle]

I’ve had a SRAM PC971 for just over a year on my RM Slayer and it’s never let me down. The powerlink has been great, never come apart/let me down, but easy to get apart when needing to remove the chain. I’ve just splashed out on a SRAM PC890 for my GT, I say splashed out but it’s 8sp so it was only £20ish despite being the “top of the range.” That’s been fine so far but only had it on 3 months or so. I’ve had a couple of mid-range Shimano HG somethings and they’ve lasted fantastically well, never had any problems at all. But I find the HG’s a bit narrow, not a problem for the vast majority, but these Blackspire rings I’m running on my GT are thicker than most and I find the HGs stick on the rings a bit making shifting (and setting up front mech in particular) a pain. When I come to replace the chain on my Slayer, I’ll be looking at those KMC gold titanium things, great looking, whether I can bring myself to spunk £40+ on a chain is another matter!

Edited by thepickle on Wednesday 8th April 20:58

[Mr_C]

Get a SRAM, mine is ace. Shimano chains are ok, made by KMC IIRC. I'll only use KMC's on my single speed Monty trials bike, but my mountain bikes have all got SRAM's and I've never had an issue. The break link in them is useless though, I can never get them apart!

[gbbird]

I have SRAMS on all my bikes, and never had one snap yet. SRAMs were recommended to me over Shimano.

g

[JeepJunkie]

Last time I replaced my chain it snapped, must have been my fault for not inserting the link properly...

Got the shop to fit the chain and no probs since

The make escapes me...

Edited by JeepJunkie on Thursday 9th April 10:58

[Parrot of Doom]

Mr_C said:

The break link in them is useless though, I can never get them apart!

Its easy, just squeeze the two link plates together between your finger and thumb before you try and separate it. It'll come away much more easily.

[P-Jay]

You wont go wrong with the holy partnership of XT cassett and SRAM PC991 or 971 chain. I don't know why, but it's common knowledge (on bike radar anyway) and most kit reviews say SRAM make the best chains and Shimanno the best cassetts.

I'll be running a slightly smaller than standard SLX cassett on my Shocker this summer, but I've ran this set-up for years now and it's served me well.

[Agoogy]

P-Jay said:

You wont go wrong with the holy partnership of XT cassett and SRAM PC991 or 971 chain. I don't know why, but it's common knowledge (on bike radar anyway) and most kit reviews say SRAM make the best chains and Shimanno the best cassetts.

10/10

[lingus75]

Hope OP doesn't mind a little thread raid Well, the day finally arived when I discovered the black art of the powerlink removal in less than 5 minutes. I have always given the chain a good clean on the bike but after todays ride I did it properly.

I have noticed some discolouring on the outler links (rollers fine)which I thought would go, but they remain. Chain is only 4 rides old so don't really think it needs replacing as its the Sram 93(?) which I think are quite pricey. I dont want to damage drivetrain as XT and XTR so should I replace or are the outer irrelevant to wear?

[Parrot of Doom]

lingus75 said:

Hope OP doesn't mind a little thread raid Well, the day finally arived when I discovered the black art of the powerlink removal in less than 5 minutes. I have always given the chain a good clean on the bike but after todays ride I did it properly.

I have noticed some discolouring on the outler links (rollers fine)which I thought would go, but they remain. Chain is only 4 rides old so don't really think it needs replacing as its the Sram 93(?) which I think are quite pricey. I dont want to damage drivetrain as XT and XTR so should I replace or are the outer irrelevant to wear?

Buy one of these:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

...or similar. Removes the guesswork.

[lingus75]

Parrot of Doom said:

lingus75 said:

Hope OP doesn't mind a little thread raid Well, the day finally arived when I discovered the black art of the powerlink removal in less than 5 minutes. I have always given the chain a good clean on the bike but after todays ride I did it properly.

I have noticed some discolouring on the outler links (rollers fine)which I thought would go, but they remain. Chain is only 4 rides old so don't really think it needs replacing as its the Sram 93(?) which I think are quite pricey. I dont want to damage drivetrain as XT and XTR so should I replace or are the outer irrelevant to wear?

Buy one of these:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

...or similar. Removes the guesswork.

I have 'or similar' and it is fine (really good bits of kit) but will the corrosion on the outer plates damage anything as the wear is fine.

[snotrag]

Agoogy said:

P-Jay said:

You wont go wrong with the holy partnership of XT cassett and SRAM PC991 or 971 chain. I don't know why, but it's common knowledge (on bike radar anyway) and most kit reviews say SRAM make the best chains and Shimanno the best cassetts.

10/10

He's not wrong. If anyone asks me at work, this is the answer you get.

Shimano cassette to suit your budget, plus a Sram 951, 971 or 991 to match.


ETA - your much better buying a 951, and changing it every more often.

Edited by snotrag on Tuesday 14th April 20:48