New Chain Recommendations
#1
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New Chain Recommendations
Hi, gang. It is time for a new chain on my 2018 BMC SLR02 with 105-5800. The current chain is a 105 FC-5800 chain on an 11/28, 50/34, 172.5 setup. Quite happy with how the chain has performed, though I am certainly no sort of bike guru--I just ride a lot. I don't race, I do put up quite a few miles (7200ish for 2019). Shimano is of course out now with their 105 R7000 stuff. Wondering if I should go with that, or look at Ultegra or the Dura Ace option. I do quite a bit of climbing--it is quite hilly/mountainous here in Western Oregon. Conditions here usually later October through and into May are extremely wet and grimy. It can literally destroy a bike, if you don't take care. I clean the drivetrain farily well after every ride and very thoroughly once a week without fail and keep it generously lubed, so I do think I am basically doing my part. It is not making any noise--it is utterly silent, but it is time, based on miles.
Anyhow, would appreciate recommendations on what my next chain should be. Many thanks for taking a minute to help me out.
Anyhow, would appreciate recommendations on what my next chain should be. Many thanks for taking a minute to help me out.
#2
Blazer of saddles, trails
All you wanted to know about chain choice, and more:
https://cyclingtips.com/2019/12/the-...ciency-tested/
https://cyclingtips.com/2019/12/the-...ciency-tested/
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#3
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#5
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Wipperman Connex 11SX is going to be your longest lasting choice due to minimal corrosion (it's stainless steel). I run their 8SX and change out chains a lot less often than I used to with SRAM PC870.
And here's some data to back that up:
https://www.connexchain.com/fileadmi...ments-2018.pdf
And here's some data to back that up:
https://www.connexchain.com/fileadmi...ments-2018.pdf
#6
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I recently went 8500 miles on the (Ultegra) chain that came with my (Ultegra groupset) bike when it was new (two and a half years ago)... the LBS said it still had miles left on it, could have likely gone another 1000 or more.
If I have any secret or advice about how I got some much usage out of it, it is that I keep my drivetrain pretty much immaculate. Clean my chain frequently (maybe every 700 miles or so; more, depending upon how much grime it begins to collect); keep the cassette and derailleur pulleys clean as well; wipe the chain every other ride or so by running four or five revolutions of the crankarms while holding the chain with an absorbent cloth.
Use quality chain lube - I've been using T-9 for years... developed by Boeing, who seem to know quite a lot about metal moving parts.
I think you would be fine with another 105 chain.
If I have any secret or advice about how I got some much usage out of it, it is that I keep my drivetrain pretty much immaculate. Clean my chain frequently (maybe every 700 miles or so; more, depending upon how much grime it begins to collect); keep the cassette and derailleur pulleys clean as well; wipe the chain every other ride or so by running four or five revolutions of the crankarms while holding the chain with an absorbent cloth.
Use quality chain lube - I've been using T-9 for years... developed by Boeing, who seem to know quite a lot about metal moving parts.
I think you would be fine with another 105 chain.
#7
Senior Member
Wipperman Connex 11SX is going to be your longest lasting choice due to minimal corrosion (it's stainless steel). I run their 8SX and change out chains a lot less often than I used to with SRAM PC870.
And here's some data to back that up:
https://www.connexchain.com/fileadmi...ments-2018.pdf
And here's some data to back that up:
https://www.connexchain.com/fileadmi...ments-2018.pdf
"Durability improved by 50% or more (vs. CN-HG701-11)"
https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/produ...-E8000-11.html
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#8
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I would be surprised if you don't have new-chain skip on a few of your most used sprockets after that many miles on one chain. Some consider 105 level parts to be throw aways that are used once and tossed, but if you're using pricey 12 speed parts, it's wise to learn how to measure chain wear and replace the chain before it trashes the cassette. Even better, alternate the use of several chains and the cassette will last for the life of all chains in the rotation.
Some people think that their chains shift poorly after as little as 2000 miles. I've never experienced that myself. I once used a campy 10 chain for 6000 miles, lubricating it very frequently and cleaning it periodically. It showed very little elongation after that much use, but the rollers were extremely worn and the side clearances twice that of a new chain. I got new-chain skip on my pricey campy record cassette. I now practice multiple chain rotation to eliminate new-chain skip.
Tossing chains prematurely is the more common method of increasing cassette life, but if you toss 4-5 chains, you'll still eventually get new-chain skip.
Some people think that their chains shift poorly after as little as 2000 miles. I've never experienced that myself. I once used a campy 10 chain for 6000 miles, lubricating it very frequently and cleaning it periodically. It showed very little elongation after that much use, but the rollers were extremely worn and the side clearances twice that of a new chain. I got new-chain skip on my pricey campy record cassette. I now practice multiple chain rotation to eliminate new-chain skip.
Tossing chains prematurely is the more common method of increasing cassette life, but if you toss 4-5 chains, you'll still eventually get new-chain skip.
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#9
Full Member
Wipperman Connex 11SX is going to be your longest lasting choice due to minimal corrosion (it's stainless steel). I run their 8SX and change out chains a lot less often than I used to with SRAM PC870.
And here's some data to back that up:
https://www.connexchain.com/fileadmi...ments-2018.pdf
And here's some data to back that up:
https://www.connexchain.com/fileadmi...ments-2018.pdf
#10
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If there's rust, then the chain is not 100% stainless, or at least not an alloy that resists corrosion. Not all stainless steel alloys are corrosion resistant.
#11
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All things considered, I'd go Dura-Ace. The chain is one part that's going to have more durability than Ultegra or lesser.
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Thanks. The cassette looks pretty good to me. The teeth look pretty well-formed and intact, but again, I'm just a guy who rides and no kind of mechanic. How do I tell if I need a new cassette, assuming shifting is no problem?
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If shifting is no problem your cassette is OK. See Dave's post #8 , new chain will skip on too worn cassette.
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All you wanted to know about chain choice, and more:
https://cyclingtips.com/2019/12/the-...ciency-tested/
https://cyclingtips.com/2019/12/the-...ciency-tested/
#15
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I recently went 8500 miles on the (Ultegra) chain that came with my (Ultegra groupset) bike when it was new (two and a half years ago)... the LBS said it still had miles left on it, could have likely gone another 1000 or more.
If I have any secret or advice about how I got some much usage out of it, it is that I keep my drivetrain pretty much immaculate. Clean my chain frequently (maybe every 700 miles or so; more, depending upon how much grime it begins to collect); keep the cassette and derailleur pulleys clean as well; wipe the chain every other ride or so by running four or five revolutions of the crankarms while holding the chain with an absorbent cloth.
Use quality chain lube - I've been using T-9 for years... developed by Boeing, who seem to know quite a lot about metal moving parts.
I think you would be fine with another 105 chain.
If I have any secret or advice about how I got some much usage out of it, it is that I keep my drivetrain pretty much immaculate. Clean my chain frequently (maybe every 700 miles or so; more, depending upon how much grime it begins to collect); keep the cassette and derailleur pulleys clean as well; wipe the chain every other ride or so by running four or five revolutions of the crankarms while holding the chain with an absorbent cloth.
Use quality chain lube - I've been using T-9 for years... developed by Boeing, who seem to know quite a lot about metal moving parts.
I think you would be fine with another 105 chain.
#16
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Wipperman Connex 11SX is going to be your longest lasting choice due to minimal corrosion (it's stainless steel). I run their 8SX and change out chains a lot less often than I used to with SRAM PC870.
And here's some data to back that up:
https://www.connexchain.com/fileadmi...ments-2018.pdf
And here's some data to back that up:
https://www.connexchain.com/fileadmi...ments-2018.pdf
#17
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The connex link that holds it together can get light surface rust that cleans off easily, as you describe.
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#19
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I would second DA chain. I've had really good luck with the CN-HG901 with the SIL-TEC surface treatment. Really smooth running & shifting, holds wax well and often can find them priced equal to Ultegra.
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#22
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All you wanted to know about chain choice, and more:
https://cyclingtips.com/2019/12/the-...ciency-tested/
https://cyclingtips.com/2019/12/the-...ciency-tested/
I have used SRAM, Shimano, and KMC. Not a fan of KMC but the others are interchangeable as far as I am concerned so I just get whatever is on sale.
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I came across this a while ago. Its quite a read. Anyone running YBN chains, which test quite well according to the article? I may have to give them a try.
I have used SRAM, Shimano, and KMC. Not a fan of KMC but the others are interchangeable as far as I am concerned so I just get whatever is on sale.
I have used SRAM, Shimano, and KMC. Not a fan of KMC but the others are interchangeable as far as I am concerned so I just get whatever is on sale.
*Not sure why they didn't include the base KMC 11s chain (I think just called the X11 now) in testing?
Also of interest, and at least in my mind an unexpected finding, is that the the higher the speeds, the chains have gotten progressively more durable/longevity. Seems counterintuitive.
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I came across this a while ago. Its quite a read. Anyone running YBN chains, which test quite well according to the article? I may have to give them a try.
I have used SRAM, Shimano, and KMC. Not a fan of KMC but the others are interchangeable as far as I am concerned so I just get whatever is on sale.
I have used SRAM, Shimano, and KMC. Not a fan of KMC but the others are interchangeable as far as I am concerned so I just get whatever is on sale.