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Bang for buck 10-speed chain? Going to be waxing.

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Bang for buck 10-speed chain? Going to be waxing.

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Old 12-24-21, 10:47 AM
  #1  
BigSilver
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Bang for buck 10-speed chain? Going to be waxing.

What's the go-to 10 speed chain that's in the sweet spot for quality to cost ratio? I'm using a SRAM cassette and derailleurs but no loyalty to SRAM unless it matters.

I was thinking Ultegra but I understand it would require adding a quick disconnect link, since I'm going to be waxing. I plan on getting two and rotating them. The only chain I've ever "broken" was from botching the old school chain press install process. Would rather stick with factory installed reusable quick disconnect links.

Many thanks.
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Old 12-24-21, 11:25 AM
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woodcraft
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I think KMC X10.93 fills the bill- upper/mid quality & moderate price.

The packaging used to have fancier claims but now is bland.
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Old 12-24-21, 12:34 PM
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Sy Reene
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I'd say your thought to just go Ultegra is correct. Unless I'm shopping in the wrong places, seems about same as KMC's lowest level x10 offering
one option: https://www.excelsports.com/shimano-...10-speed-chain

to go with, pick up a pack of these: https://moltenspeedwax.com/products/...sp-master-link
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Old 12-24-21, 07:05 PM
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I have been using ultegra chains and waxing them for over ten years. I use these : Wippermann ConneX Chain Link, never had a failure and they install and remove without any special tools.
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Old 12-24-21, 08:14 PM
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I have, and do use quite a few different brands of chains. Other than a bit of a different sound, I honestly cannot tell the difference between them. I have a Wippermann Connex 10 speed that I have not used yet. I have been using Ultegra lately because they have been readily available and on sale from a few vendors. I reuse Shimano quick links and have never had an issue with doing that. I do not wax chains. I tried that a number of years ago and did not like how quickly they could need to be lubed again.
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Old 12-24-21, 08:44 PM
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KMC, Wipperman, Shimano. They all work fine.
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Old 12-25-21, 07:31 AM
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Im not sure anyone can accurately answer you. Too many variables and prices fluctuating every day. At current EU prices Id go with a 10s hg6701, 11s hg601 or for satisfying my curiosity a 10/11s CN-LG500 link glide chain, that is supposedly extra durable for e-bikes.

If you are going to wax, you'll need additional links regardless what chain you buy. They loosen a lot after repeated use.
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Old 12-26-21, 12:57 PM
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While I am 11 speed, I have been waxing my chain, and use the shimano quick link, but I have a wipperman ready to go the next time I pull the existing chain off to re-wax. I used Wipperman with my 10 speed shimano chains and they worked great.
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Old 12-26-21, 03:55 PM
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Chains aren't really where you want to argue a cost/benefit ratio. Even at premium prices they still aren't going to add much over the life of your bike.
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Old 08-15-22, 05:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Iride01
Chains aren't really where you want to argue a cost/benefit ratio. Even at premium prices they still aren't going to add much over the life of your bike.
My carbon bikes lost (lately) about 500USD a bike second hand (this requires waiting for a slightly damaged one, or one which may be damaged and scares other bidders away). I ride a lot and I get through about a chain every 4 months. I can get Shimano chains reduced to about about 33SUD on Amazon Japan which is about 100USD a year. I think my bikes are going to last five years so I think that chains will cost at least as much as my bikes. At least with 10 speed, which are getting discounted these days, I can get them for about 20 USD from aliexpress but I have been purchasing lemons lately.
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