Basil Moss

Specifically, which should I get, the YBN Reluctant LG1010 with hollow pins (to save weight) or the KMC X10 93? Both are on offer at Chain reaction cycles https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=13377 and https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=12074 for the same price. I'll be needing a new 10 speed chain soon.

By the way, any other comments about 10 speed chains are welcome. I get the impression Shimano chains are poorly regarded in terms of how long they last, but they are all I've used so far. Any recommendations about which chains last the longest, run the quietest, and are least prone to snapping? I usually get a long life from all my chains as I clean them very thoroughly and regularly, but if others will last longer still, I'm interested.

kleng

I'd recomend the Wipperman 10s1 stainless steel chain, available in differnt widths for shimano or campy 10 speed, also comes with the connex link, that allows the chain to be broken and reconected easily.
I've noticed the claimed shifting improvement due to it's lateral stiffness, it's supposed to last 20% longer but I haven't been able to test this just yet.

Creakyknees

I've been using the Wippermans in stainless since '03 or so, never had a problem and they wear very well. I'm a big guy, 190 or so and my main bike is a cx / do everything bike so the chain gets a lot of dirt and abuse and gravel road grit, and I am not the most fastidious about keeping it clean.

I've also heard good things about the KMC's but haven't tried 'em.

Whatever you do, get a quick link. One of the great inventions of the bike business in the past 30 years.

Psimet2001 

I recommend KMC. I usually recommend their DX10 because it can usually be found at most dealers in the $25 range. Performance used to carry it under their "Forte" brand name. They do not seem to have it on their site anymore, but I think I figured out why.

Hawley is showing a new KMC 10spd chain for this year. They have it in stock. KMC X10.93. Supposedly this is the improved version of the DX10 that goes for basically the same price and is titled something like "Super Stretch Resistant" or something like that.

I have one of them on order but I don't see it making it on to a rig until later in the year.

To buy one simply go to your LBS and ask them to price one of them for you through Hawley.

Mtn Mike

I've had no problems with the 10's (100's?) of Shimano chains I've used, other than having to replace them at regular intervals. They don't have quick links, which some people like, but I have no use for. I'd recommend a chain that best matches the rest of your groupo...that is, if you run Shimano drive train, stick with Shimano for the best shifting and lowest maintainance.

DaveSSS 

As far as wear is concerned, Campy is the absolute best and a Veloce chain will last just as long as a Record chain, since the only difference is hollow pins and holes in the side plates. The disadvantage is having to buy a separate connecting link if you want the chain to be removable. On a few links will fit, like the wipperman connex 10S1, a SRAM 10 powerloc and the special KMC missing link made for the Campy UN chain. Other links will go on, but produce far too much side clearance.

As far as bang for the buck goes, the KMC DX10SC, if bought for $20-25, is probably the best deal. It won't last as long, but the price per mile is probably as low or lower.

The only time I tired a wipperman chain, I found it to be noisy. Looking at the outer plates, they lack the edge chamfering an thinner middle section found on most other brands.

kleng

Wipperman does have chamfered outer links, which are visible in the photo

sfcrossrider

Sage like advice.

DaveSSS 

Yes, but the chamfers are tiny compared to those on Campy chains.

Psimet2001 

Campy chains are definitely nice. I look at chains like bar tape though. They are consumable. Therefore i don't like to spend a lot on them. KMC represents a wonderful value and runs clean and quiet. For me they also last longer than Shimano chains.

Wippermann - meh. I ran one on a Shimano setup and one on a Campy setup and just never really liked them. Too loud, too stiff initially. When they finally start to wear in and shift better (get quieter as well) then they wear out. I get better performance out of KMC and at half the price it's a no-brainer.

Basil Moss

So are the hollow pins not cool? Would I need a special chain tool to put it on?

BarryJo

I don't have much to offer, but Shimano's always worked well for me. PBK has DA 10 speed chain for $25, my LBS quoted me over $100 for the same chain. I just ordered a couple this morning.

Psimet2001 

DaveSSS 

Hollow pins are fine and don't require a different tool. A Campy chain with hollow pins weighs 17 grams less than one with solid pins - that's the only advantage. I wouldn't pay much to drop 17 grams.

Mtn Mike

Yeah me too, but online vs. LBS is an entirely different issue. The way I see it, I'll happily give my LBS business if they can provide me with good service in return. Since I can put my own chain on, I really don't see why I'd buy one from an LBS unless it were an emergency.

Psimet2001 

That's too bad. If you would I would walk over to you, grab your bottle and squeeze out a few drops of water from it and then hold out my hand for payment.

Remember guys....there's roughly 473g (little over a pound) of water in a SMALL water bottle.

Agreed for the most part. I now race for an LBS. I manage the team as well. I also have a pretty good understanding of the business model, distribution network and retail agreements. As such the owner shares a lot of access with me, and allows me to order directly at cost. I alwasy chip him some sort of margin that seems doable while still providing myself with a deal. In this case it is silly for me to order much outside of him....

....except for the items that can be found overseas for below US distribution wholesale cost.

Jed19

I use Dura-Ace chains with KMC re-usable links. No issue(s) thus far. YMMV.

And I buy them two or three at a time from PBK.

Regards,

waterrockets 

I only ever buy the cheapest chains I can find. Right now, that's the Forte at Performance for $18 (in-store)

wcoastbikr

I've just went from a 105 chain to a DA...the difference in shifting and noise was huge. Compared to when the 105 chain was new, the DA is much quitter and shifts much more smoothly.

To those that complain about the Shimano's not having a removable link. Just buy one. $2 at my LBS for a KMC missing link.

Basil Moss

The hollow pins do look pretty flash though, don't they. Of course it would be wasted on my bike...

garysol1 

D/A Chains here. Cheap enough and good enough.

Mtn Mike

No joke?? What component group do you use?

garysol1 

I have to disagree with you WR and this may be the first time ever. For $10.00 more you can get a known quality. I do realize that all chains are made by only a few manufactures but that is no guarantee the tolerances or materials are the same. Even if I go through 3 chains in a season that $30.00 dollars I spent is worth the piece of mind when I hammer down.

Cue

Isn't Forte just rebadged KMC? KMC also makes chain for Shimano. Then again, I mostly buy KMC and Shimanos. For chains, expensive =/= better.

Fat Boy

It says KMC DX-10 on every link. That's enough of a guarantee to me.