The recommendation on the DA 10-speed chain is to replace every 1800 miles. On my 9-speed setup, I always replaced every 2500-3000 miles. Are the 10-speed chains really that much more fragile? Do the higher tolerances make them wear faster? Or is this just a gimmick to get you to go through chains faster?
-Colin
Can’t speak from personal experience, but a friend of mine is riding DA 10-speed and had his chain break on him. We were up riding the IM WI course, and it broke out on the rollers just past Mt. Horeb. Wasn’t the quick-release link that broke, either. Since you’re doing IM WI, I’d err on the side of caution and throw down the $35 for a new chain.
Or check out the Shimano 10-speed compatible chains from Wipperman. I believe the 10S1 is their stainless version. I’m putting it on my new bike. They claim an 18% longer chain life than a Shimano chain. The best thing about Wipperman chains, though, is the quick link- so much easier to use than the replacement pins. Make sure you get the right chain, though- the Campy version is 6.2mm wide; the Shimano 10 version is 6.05mm wide.
Mavic also ‘makes’ a very sweet 10spd chain (maybe Wipperman makes it for them??) After 2000 mi, it’s still showing almost no stretch. And it’s quick connect link works great.
However, with the price of 10 spd cassettes, I’d lean towards replacing the chain frequently.
I second the Wipperman chain suggestion. They kick-ass.
The DA 10-speed chain doesn’t have a quick-release link.
Oops…I figured Shimano had added that feature to the new chain. I guess he was riding another make. If it was a Wipperman, I’d be pretty pissed - that’s a high dollar chain to have break like that after ~6 months of riding. The one that broke definitely had a quick-release link in it.
Holy high-prices Batman!! $110 at trisports.com!! Is that really worth it for a part that you still need to replace fairly frequently?
-C
Oops…I figured Shimano had added that feature to the new chain. I guess he was riding another make. If it was a Wipperman, I’d be pretty pissed - that’s a high dollar chain to have break like that after ~6 months of riding. The one that broke definitely had a quick-release link in it.
Well, that’s a relief that it wasn’t shimano, I guess. Still, that does suck. Hey, are you doing IMWIS as well, or were you just in on that organized ride? Sorry I couldn’t make it up that day; I got up there a couple of weeks before. Was it a good time for all?
-C
Yep, I’m in for the race. Sorry you couldn’t make it up for the ride - we had a nice turnout and great weather. I hope you’re feeling ready and enjoying your taper time.
Taper? Nobody said anything about a taper…
Oh yeah…if you’re in the M35-39 AG, then you should definitely keep training HARD. Me, I’m cooked…gotta rest me weary bones and get caught up on sleep.
Oops…I figured Shimano had added that feature to the new chain. I guess he was riding another make. If it was a Wipperman, I’d be pretty pissed - that’s a high dollar chain to have break like that after ~6 months of riding. The one that broke definitely had a quick-release link in it.
Perhaps it WAS a DA chain, the link means nothing. I use Wipperman Connex Links (purchased seperately) on both of my DA-10 chains.