Need a new chain - which to buy? Can I change brand?

[mrfacetious]

Hi all, I'm currently running a triple 10 speed set (105 chainset, Ultegra rear mech and cassette, 4 years old from new) with a Dura Ace chain which has just reached 1% stretch.

DA are expensive and most likely performance-built (I'd never notice with the type of riding I do).
I'm looking into SRAM because of the PowerLink and "increased durability" I keep reading about online - but will it be alright with my set up?

If so, which SRAM chain would suit my purposes (I have never used SRAM before)? Would I be better off with one than a 105 chain?

 

[ianrauk]

in a nut shell. Yes.

Shimano 105 chains are awful imo.

Either SRAM or KMC will work fine with your set up.

 

[PpPete]

KMC's X10-SL is well up there with DA quality/weight. The cheaper X10-L is pretty damn good too. IME the KMC missing links are even easier to use than the similar SRAM power links

 

[Svendo]

I am using Shimano asymmetrical chains, with a KMC quick link. Reusable and convenient, also universal orientation which makes it by far the best design of quick link. If you're not bothered about having the asymmetrical feature then a KMC chain is probably your best bet. KMC also make some Shimano chains apparently.

 

[amaferanga]

Some very good deals on Shimano chains with Ribble at the moment. I just bought an Ultegra 6701 chain for £20.96 which I'm very happy with. I think you can get SRAM 1050 or 1070 chains for about £25 if you shop around. I'd avoid the cheapest SRAM chain just because it looks naff. I'd also recommend a KMC missing link though - better than the 10 speed SRAM offering which is single use.

 

[slowmotion]

KMC. Excellent missing link.

 

[John the Monkey]

I like KMC too, fwiw, although as a lowly nine speeder, I use X9-93s.

 

[HLaB]

SRAM is good better than Shimano IMO but for 10sp like advocated above I'd go for KMC and with some of the Bargains on ribble just now they are probably the cheapest 10sp chains, I think I'm running the DX10.

 

[mrfacetious]

Once again I find myself so glad I consulted this forum before acting. Managed to get a KMC X10-L on eBay for £24.99 all in. Lovely. Now to buy an new tyre...

 

[PaulSecteur]

The 10 speed quick links that decathlon sell are by KMC, 2 for 4 kwid.

 

[smokeysmoo]

+1 for KMC X10. Both my bikes run them now and I won't use anything else

 

[172traindriver]

KMC on all my bikes.