Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Northern California
Posts: 9,193
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
Mentioned: 132 Post(s)
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The directional thing on certain models of Shimano chain started with 10-speed and has continued to 11 speed.
I have had a bike or two come in with shifting issues that was caused by the 10-speed chain being on backwards.
There was an older version of Shimano 10s chain that was not directional.
If what that shop owner said about not degreasing your chain was true, then there would no doubt be problems from using any of the many chain lubes which contain high concentrations of solvent. But of course no such problems occur!