Was riding my new C’Dale IM Slice for the first time and pulled up to a traffic light…did a quick reverse of the crank about halfway around to reposition my feet for dismount and my BRAND NEW Dura Ace chain bunched up in a wad below the rear derailleur. Apparently, some Dura Ace chains have had issues.
My C’Dale dealer says, “no worries, we’ll just stick an Ultegra chain on it” and that’s fine with me. But when I called them today, they changed their story to “we can put a 105 chain on it”.
Are Ultegra and 105 chains basically the same? I know the name is different, labeling, etc. but mechanically and from a wear/tear perspective is it the same?
One website says the 105 chain is ‘steel’ while the Ultegra chain is ‘zinc-alloy steel plated’. I don’t know what difference that really makes. Both chains weigh the same.
I hear that the DA and the Ultegra chains are exactly the same. The only difference being the stamping on the links themselves. Can anyone confirm (or deny)?
All shimano 10 speed chains seem to be having issues related to seperation of the pins from the side plates. I have had the best results using KMC or Wipperman chains, wipperman seems to run quieter than Shimano as well.
I doubt you’ll notice much difference in performance from any of the name brand chains, provided you keep it clean and lubed. Some may be more corrosion resistant, lighter, etc. but we’re talking minor differences. Add me to the list of folks that prefer SRAM chains over Shimano. They are easier to put on and take off and as such are much easier to maintain.
I am in the market for a new Chain for my drive train - Ultegra 9 speed. Would you suggest/reccomend, an SRAM chain over the appropriate Shimano Chain(Ultegra). Thanks.
Yes: all of the Shimano chains I have ever used have broken on me (and I’m 6’1", 145 lbs, so I am not putting out all that much power), but I have never had issues with SRAM. I am using a Wipperman chain right now that I also like.
From what I have seen the SRAM chains are also less money so that could be the move. Need a new cassette as well, so I might as well do the whole thing this week.
For what it’s worth, last year I switched all 3 of my chains (Ultegra & DA) to SRAM 9 speed chains. They perform just as well ( I can’t tell a difference ) and they are a snap to put on or take off with only your hands. I only have a couple thousand miles in, but I’ve never had a failure or problem of any kind. I think you’ll like them and like you said, I pick them up at my local performance bike for the same price or cheaper than the Shimano chains.
By the way, I also bought a SRAM casette and like it better than shimano because the spacers between the cogs is a single solid plastic deal that keeps them from falling apart when you have it off the bike.
I have seen packages on ebay for an 9spd SRM 12 -23 cassette and chain, very reasonably priced. I can go through a wholsaler here in Canada. Shall I assume this will work with my Ultegra rear deraillier.
It works fine with mine. I have three bikes, one has Dura Ace Derailuers, the other two have Ultegra (one long cage and one short cage) and it works fine with all of them.
“Older Ultegra 9 speed was great and the chains and cassettes wore better”
That’s what’s on there now. It’s an ancient Ultegra 9 speed chain, that’s seen a lot of miles and is only now starting to act up. Never broken one, but the chain was making some weird sounds in an all-out effort up a hill on the weekend group ride.
I use SRAM 9 speed chains on my 'cross and mountain bikes. Never a problem with either one. I wouldn’t worry about quality at all… I only wish they made a 10 speed. I know they will, but it would be great if there was a Shimano-compatible SRAM 10 now.
Add me to the list of the SRAM recommenders, especially the lightweight one (can’t remember the model no). I’ve never used a Wipperman, but have only ever heard very positive comments about them.
BTW, I also prefer SRAM cassettes. Makes me excited thinking about their new groupo.