Dura-Ace Chain 11spd CN-H6901-11 Question
 

I'm noticing that the newer Dura-Ace chain's side plates aren't bulged out like the older ones were; am I seeing this incorrectly, or did they stop doing that? If they did, are there any advantages?

I seem to remember the 9 speed and maybe 8 had a bulge between pins, a extra step to form in manufacturing which when you make as many chains as they do the cost adds up fast and questionable value.

My theories are that the change to the design might have been to reduce chain rub for an intended group set. The more tolerance within a cassette &/or multi geared crank could cause a shift to suffer from the moment of command to execution & chances of such, increases when the designed spacing is already wider & that group set has worn in over time. If the later group set is new, the redesigned chain might not want to release as freely from the gear teeth, resulting in a misfire shift or a heavier demand if using friction shifters.

Just my theories. YMMV.

I see... good theory. Also. Anyone know then when they stopped the bulging side plates then? I have some 6 and 7 speed bikes that I'd like to put a new shimano chain on and was wanting the best shifting chain I could get. I'm asking because I have a good deal on an 11 speed dura ace chain but it looks like the side plates are flat, and I didn't know if that was a dura ace chain or not.

You're considering putting 11 speed chains on 6 &7 speed bikes? :wtf:

Only because I heard they were the best, and the longest lasting. But I'm not sure any more, as I think the bulged sideplates has more benefit for my needs.

DuraAce isn't necessarily longer lasting. It's just the top of the line for Shimano. And it is optimized to work with the other DuraAce components the best of all. Shifting ability and weight will be the performance things Shimano is looking at. Longevity is probably about the same as their lower tiers, maybe even a little less since it's all about crossing the finish line first.

Chains are made to work with specific speed rears. So use a 12 speed chain for 12 speed rears. 11 speed chain for 11 speed rears and so forth. But when you get down below 9 speed rears, then 5,6,7 and 8 pretty much are just the same chain. 9 will probably work on them too reasonably.

Maybe the 'best' for 11 speed drivetrains...it's apparent to me that you need to do some research about multi-speed chains and what should work with what. It makes zero sense to use a D/A 11 speed chain on a 6 or 7 speed drivetrain.

I was watching Silca's videos on drivetrain friction and longevity and not that any of that actually means anything to me in real life, (because i'm just a rider now, not a paid pro competitor) I'm an experimenter, so when I hear or see things I often times put them to the test just for experiments's sakes. This way I can physically see how stuff works, and have the actual experience now instead of just repeating what other's say ya know?

So you're ignoring facts about different speed drivetrains and parts that were designed and engineered to work together by very intelligent people and trying it yourself just to 'see how it works'?

Use a chain that is designed for the number of speeds in your cassette. My DA 11 speed chain is VERY narrow w/no bulged side plates. I can see you having difficulties getting it dialed in just because its made for an 11 speed cassette.

Using an 11 speed chain on 6 or 7 speed drivetrains invites the very real possibility of your chain jamming between chainrings during front shifts and baulky shifts at the rear

Sometimes if you tell a child not to push a button, they'll go way out of their way and through any amount of trouble to push the button. <grin>

From time to time, I've been afflicted with that mentality too!

Who said I ignored it? Not I. My original post was asking about the bulged sideplates; because I was considering one, not buying one. When posters here started chiming in about width specifications, I read them, and took them into consideration.

Iride01, did anyone push any buttons? I'm still looking but I just can't find any.

Thank you for your help guys.

Could not agree more, I have seen the aftermath of what was said to be a lazy shift drop a 10 speed chain between rings and the resulting fall damage was ugly.