Originally Posted by
timtak
Speaking of chains, 10 speed chains are cheaper than 11 speed chains and they appear to work on 11 speed mech and I can't tell the difference, but I am insensitive.
The reason 11s chains are more expensive is that they became too narrow for the normal bushing arrangement, where they're just punched from the side plate, which makes a radius that subtracts from the available bearing area. 11s chains have separate bushes pressed into the plates, providing more bearing area than a 10s chain, maybe more even than 9s.
Because the internal width is the same as 10s, 11s chains are a good upgrade for 10s bikes, offering extended chain life and less chain rub. Worth the extra $.