Ultegra 6600 vs 6800 chains

[Mile195]

I've finally used my last Shimano 105 5600 chain that I've been hoarding since I bought a load on sale once.

Since I last ordered them it seems 10 speed Shimano 105 road chains are no longer available, so I have to buy Ultegra instead.

Can anyone tell me if there is any significant difference between Ultegra 6600 and 6800? Certainly between 105 5600 and 5700 I was never able to notice any difference (although website blurb seemed to imply shifting *should* have been smoother).

I'll be using them on 105 chain rings and cassette. I know they'll both work satisfactorily, but don't know whether it's worth spending an extra 3 quid a piece on them!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ajax Bay]

The 'significant' difference is that the 6800 chain is . . . 11 speed . . .

 

[lpretro1]

You shouldn't use a 6800 chain as it is 11 spd to thinner than the 10spd ones.Just get a KMC chain instead as they are well priced and last well - you do not have to fit Shimano chains - and any 10spd chain will be ok

 

[Mile195]

The 'significant' difference is that the 6800 chain is . . . 11 speed . . .

Oh yes... so it is! That'll teach me to read the website description properly before getting on the forums! Thanks!

I've generally avoided other chain brands in the past, simply because I've never had any significant problems with the Shimano ones despite doing quite a lot of miles in all weathers. I know I can get 2500 miles out of a Shimano chain if I look after it. I'm probably needlessly suspicious of other brands and assuming that I'll get fewer miles before it hits the wear limit, although I'm sure that for the most part they're probably just as well made.

 

[Deleted member 35268]

i'm still in 9 speed land. Boo

 

[Mile195]

i'm still in 9 speed land. Boo

Count yourself lucky... I see a lot of people in london still in 1 speed land, a land full of pain and suffering once they try to cycle anywhere further south than Dulwich... (there's a very good reason they put that big TV transmitter up there...)

 

[Ajax Bay]

i'm still in 9 speed land.

Many people are quite content, happy even, with 3x or 2x 9speed land. Unfortunately because of various treaties, entered into with no democratic mandate, 10 speed people, and even more recently 11 speed people have been allowed to come and stay, occupying valuable road and cycle lane space. However this has provided an economic benefit to, in particular, the cycle and accessories industry, so on balance we may all be better off. Another benefit is that 9 speed items can be acquired relatively cheaply, so 9 speed natives can keep their identity, or choose to fraternise or even integrate with this higher speed society.

@Mile195 I'd like to see people from one speed land try the path up from Sydenham Hill station towards Crystal Palace. I think the lactate customs would not let them in. (OA)

 

[subaqua]

thats like comparing brie with cheddar.

they are both cheeses and therefore the same use as a shimano chain. get a KMC . with the quick link (that can be reused ( not sure for 10 / 11 speed ))

 

[lpretro1]

It's not so much about the make of chain - more about the way it is looked after once it is fitted when you ponder on longevity - neglect it and it's done in a few hundred miles - look after it and it will go on and on - like most things really. But we fit hundreds of KMC chains in our workshop of all speeds and have never had a complaint yet

 

[Apollonius]

I believe Shimano chains are made by KMC. The only difference is that with KMC you get a proper quick-link to join then and with Shimano you have to attempt to push the rivet through to the right place. Good skills if you can. If going KMC - highly recommended - buy one of those pliers-like tools to open the links. Closing them is simple.

 

[subaqua]

I believe Shimano chains are made by KMC. The only difference is that with KMC you get a proper quick-link to join then and with Shimano you have to attempt to push the rivet through to the right place. Good skills if you can. If going KMC - highly recommended - buy one of those pliers-like tools to open the links. Closing them is simple.

opening them is pish easy too.

i have used KMC and SRAM chains and never had a problem , my lubing frequency isnt brilliant and generally lube gets applied when chain gets noisy. shimano means a bit more effort or they fall apart.

 

[Mile195]

I did suspect that where chains are concerned, most of them come out of the same factory.

Well perhaps I'll live life on the edge and buy aftermarket if I'm feeling brave when I place the order... Anything for a bit of excitement in life eh?!..

As for Sydenham Hill @Ajax Bay , I know it well... Legend has it that the best way to undertake the climb on a single speed is to wait at the bottom for a few thousand years until erosion and plate tectonics reduce the gradient...

 

[Citius]

I believe Shimano chains are made by KMC. The only difference is that with KMC you get a proper quick-link to join then and with Shimano you have to attempt to push the rivet through to the right place. Good skills if you can. If going KMC - highly recommended - buy one of those pliers-like tools to open the links. Closing them is simple.

Shimano chain + KMC quick link. Win-win.