Dura Ace chain compatibility?
07-22-22, 07:23 PM
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Dura Ace chain compatibility?
Is it possible (or even advisable?) to use a Dura Ace 11 speed chain with Dura Ace 7700 9-speed cassette, crank and derailleurs? Looking for weight savings and perhaps better function. Or should I just stick with the 9 speed chain?
07-22-22, 07:42 PM
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Chain weight is a false chase IMO. VASTLY more important is shifting performance. Andy
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07-22-22, 07:53 PM
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07-22-22, 08:40 PM
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You want to use a 9 speed chain with a 9 speed derailleur and cassette. 11 speed is excellent for 11 speed stuff. The only time you are going to use a chain for more than one speed is generally with 8 speed going down to 5,6, and 7 but sometimes 5 speed might not always be as good with some of the 8 speed stuff.
Not sure what performance is to be had with the incorrect chain? Also not sure what weight savings you are really getting on a metal chain? If you are looking to save weight go with a single speed and a belt or lose weight elsewhere.
Not sure what performance is to be had with the incorrect chain? Also not sure what weight savings you are really getting on a metal chain? If you are looking to save weight go with a single speed and a belt or lose weight elsewhere.
07-23-22, 06:08 AM
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Here's my take on chain compatibility (wrote it down for my own use, has worked for me so far, but use your own common sense and caution).
Briefly put:
Going with a chain for one (or more) speed fewer than the cassette is generally not a good idea.
Going with a one speed plus chain is OK (unless we're talking about some exotic shain design, like the Shimano XTR M9100 12-speed chains - I haven't tested these with a "normal" drivetrain so can't say).
More than one speed plus with a chain?
Well, I'm currently running a 10-speed Ultegra chain on a 7-speed drivetrain. Works fine.
I would expect an 11-speed chain to work OK with a 9-speed cassette.
Would I do it?
No. It's more expensive, with marginal weight savings (my 10-on-7 is an experiment, and since it works fine, no use to throw it away until it's worn).
Briefly put:
Going with a chain for one (or more) speed fewer than the cassette is generally not a good idea.
Going with a one speed plus chain is OK (unless we're talking about some exotic shain design, like the Shimano XTR M9100 12-speed chains - I haven't tested these with a "normal" drivetrain so can't say).
More than one speed plus with a chain?
Well, I'm currently running a 10-speed Ultegra chain on a 7-speed drivetrain. Works fine.
I would expect an 11-speed chain to work OK with a 9-speed cassette.
Would I do it?
No. It's more expensive, with marginal weight savings (my 10-on-7 is an experiment, and since it works fine, no use to throw it away until it's worn).
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