Biker Pete 

Hello, I just got a new Shimano Dura-Ace chain for my road bike, and got it de-greased and waxed per my other thread “Chain Waxing Question” - thanks for all your replies!

I want to get a second chain and I’m wondering if there’s anything ‘better’ out there?? I ride about 2500 miles per year on mostly flat ground and always on dry roads (which are sometimes a little gritty here in SW Florida). I ride solo for exercise on a 10 mile loop averaging 18-20 mph.

Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.

bbbean 

Zero Friction has done some testing. You can see the results and discussion starting at https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/p...1-speed-chain/.

jadmt

just get a shimano 105 or ultegra....you won't feel any difference. I stopped buying durace and have been just using ultegra because a couple times a year either REI or Bike tire direct has great deals on them.

FBinNY 

You already have far better than you need. Moreover, on a cost per mile basis, spending more would be counterproductive.

In any case, you have a year to wait and see what might come to market.

Biker Pete 

Thanks, interesting read!

Crankycrank

You are usually paying for slightly lighter weight and maybe a nicer looking, but not necessarily more durable, finish with high dollar Dura-Ace or ?? chains. Performance wise there is little to no difference in getting $20-$30 discounted chains from the major brands. For my 10 speeds I use KMC X10 chains for under $25 and never had any issues with performance or durability but most of the major brands are fine as well.

bblair

Why?

You will get a year or two out of your top of the line chain as it is. If you see something on sale, from a legit source, get it. Otherwise, ride on.

Biker Pete 

So when it’s time to remove chain #1 for cleaning and waxing I can put on already cleaned and waxed chain #2 and clean and wax chain #1 at my leisure.

Camilo

Functionally, a chain is a chain (IMHO of course, knowing that there might be contrary data... but is that data relevant??). You pay extra for weight, maybe looks (shinier - which goes away with use) and possibly durability - that would take some pretty serious data gathering of road/dust/mud conditions, maintenance, mileage, wattage, etc. . Only you can decide if lighter, shinier and possibly more durable is "better".

FWIW, I buy chains without concern for brand that have good prices at the time I buy them, usually in the first or second tier of whatever brand. No particular functional reason for not buying the cheapest except I do have some vanity. And generally buy a couple to have some on hand for when I need them. Aside from a couple of AXS 12 speeds, I maintain 8 family bikes in 8, 9, 10 speeds. I have all 8 on 10 speed chains just so I don't have to do inventory management. My current stock is KMC 10 speed chains, not sure of which ones (too lazy to go to the garage and look at the packages). I also buy similar cost, similar tier of Shimano or Sram chains. I have used Dura Ace and Sram Red, and top level KMC chains and other than satisfying my old weight-weenie-ism and transient desire to have matching "high end" components, there's no functional difference that affects me in any way. And the "looks" of a chain is irrelevant to me, but I don't maintain our bikes in showroom shinyness.

base2 

Nothing wrong with Dura-Ace chains. But for my money I prefer the stainless steel Wippermann SX chains with the Connex link. The SX ones are the only ones with all the components made from stainless. The others only have some components made from stainless. They claim 40% longer wear life than their conventional steel competitors.

Thus far I have yet to show any measurable wear on any of them and they all have 1000+ miles of all condition riding each. So, I tend to believe the claim.

Unlike KMC (or others) the Wippermann measure 0.0% wear right from the box. That means you are starting from a better place than their competitors as well. Maybe that has something to do with it?

As far as I'm concerned, it's $80 well spent.

Biker Pete 

Thanks everyone for your replies. I am really enjoying and learning a lot from this Bicycle Mechanics sub-forum!

blinky

I agrree , Wippermann chains are great and I personally like the cleaner look of stainless especially after a run through the chain cleaner and then a rinse & re-lube - I got mine from our LBS but I was just out on the Wippermann website and it appears that they only sell through dealers rather than direct - not a deal breaker but I was surprised.

blinky

With more research I found that the all stainless chain ( 11 SX ) is available through Wippermann's online store - go to Connexchain.com