thinktubes 

Searched, but couldn't find a thread newer than 2018...

Title says it all. Running Shimano 12-23 cassette, tri-color RD. Something smooth and quiet.

Thanks!

nlerner

SRAM PC- 830 or 850 (or 870 if you want to get spendy) is my go to:

https://cambriabike.com/products/sra...xoC33kQAvD_BwE

leftthread

I installed a Wippermann Connex 808 on a bike with a Dura-Ace crank and cassette recently; smooth so far.

https://www.connexchain.com/en/8-speed-chains.html

gkamieneski

Running KMC 8-speed chain with Campagnolo 8-speed ergo. To me they work smoother than the SRAMs I have always used

Murray Missile 

KMC or SRAM for me, depending on which is available at the best price. I have a slight hearing loss so they're both quiet to me LOL.

C9H13N 

SRAM 8 speed chains only come 114 links. If you need something longer, you’re SOL.

I had never given chain length much thought until last year, I’ve always had to shorten them. I built up a Davidson sport-tourer, which has long chain stays, 52/42 crank, 32 tooth freewheel and Campy NR RD with Soma long cage. Bought a PC-870…too short.

Had to buy a 116 link KMC instead.

verktyg 

Most modern chains rated for 8 speed cassettes "should" give you decent performance. I've been an SRAM fan for the past 15 years. Before that SRAM's predecessor Sedis.

The SRAM PC-8x0 series are rated for 6, 7 and 8 speed cassettes and freewheel. They perform well and can be purchased at an affordable cost.

To expand of the nlerner post above, the PC-830 chains are the bottom of the series and are gray colored. For $3.00 USD more, the PC-850 chains look the same but are probably worth the extra cost. The next up is the PC-870 chains with nickel plated outside links for a little bling! It looks like SRAM has discontinued the PC-890 chains with all of the links nickel plated.

I only have one bike that I ride that has a Campy cassette, all the rest are Shimanos or FWs. On several recent builds with 8 speed cassettes, I've tried out KMC 9 speed chains which are slightly narrower and seem to shift better on those bikes.

To gore some oxen... I don't see the value in uber-priced Campy and Shimano chains. Depending on where and when you ride, bike chains are consumable components with a 3000-5000 mile life expectancy.

You can buy 2 to 3 SRAM or KMC chains for what one of those vanity brands can cost, funds better spent on other things!

Now that I've offended/insulted some, here's a list of various derailleur chain widths from 5 to 10 speed:

Multi speed chains, from 5 to 8 speeds have inner widths of 3/32? (2.38 mm).
Multi speed chains from 9 to 12 speeds have inner widths of 11/128? (2.18 mm).

Outside width of the chain links (Note: Measuring the pin width may give different specs - published specs don't list that info):

5 & 6 speed – 7.8 mm (5/16 in) (all brands)
7 speed – 7.3 mm (9/32 in) (Shimano HG), 7.1 mm (9/32 in) (SRAM, Shimano IG)
8 speed – 7.3 mm (9/32 in) (Shimano HG), 7.1 mm (9/32 in) (SRAM, Shimano IG)
9 speed – 6.6 to 6.8 mm (1/4 to 9/32 in) (all brands)
10 speed - 6.2 mm (1/4 in) (Shimano, Campy), 5.88 mm (7/32 in) (Campy, KMC)

Dimensions listed can vary depending on who published them. Also, bike chains are pretty crude technology not Swiss watch movements, so expect some tolerances in those measurements....

verktyg

thinktubes 

Thanks all - I'll need to drill deeper into the SRAM and KMC lines. I did like the old Sedis chains. Not sure what I have on there now, but it has well over 5000 miles on it. I'm also bumping up the "big" chainring from a 48 to 50, so I need a little more length. The current chain was rescued from the parts bin and was borderline too short. Looks like all new chains have a "quick link" - that will be new for me.

natterberry 

I tend to buy the KMC X8.99

bargainguy

Recently bought a bulk box of 25 PC-830 chains for just under $200 at modernbike.

Surprised when a 3 ft. long box showed up at my door. When I opened it, found 25 chains had just been thrown in there, all tangled together.

I wasn't expecting original packaging, but individually wrapped would have been nice. Guess they skip that step for bulk buys.

jamesdak 

I'm usually a KMC guy unless I can find a comparable SRAM at a better price. Seems like noise is more relative to how true the frame is and how well the components are set up.

thinktubes 

So I ended up with a KMC 8.93 - Turns out I have bought one a few years back and forgot about it

I found the new chain still in the box, along with a nice 8-sp Durace cassette and the 50T chainring I'm going to install. Guessing I bought this last year or earlier.

jdawginsc 

Good choice. They are just so good for the price...

wesmamyke

That's the bulk pack for bike shops, you can also buy an uncut roll if you want 500ft of chains.

thinktubes 

Reporting back - after 250 miles, the KMC 8.93 has worked great! Easy to install and very smooth. Shifting has gotten better and quiet as a mouse. Thanks for the recommendations!

ThermionicScott 

Isn't it great when Past Self did something nice for Current Self? I love discovering forgotten goodies in my stash.

For anyone still weighing the SRAM options, I recommend against the PC-830. It doesn't have the chrome-hardened pins of the PC-850 and PC-870, so it won't last as long. Sure, the PC-850 is 50-60% more expensive than the PC-830, but it'll last twice as long (or more!)

Roger M

I've been using both KMC & SRAM chains. They both work well from my experience.

FWIW, REI has the PC-850 for $14. I bought one a few days ago mostly because it was local to me and I didn't have to wait on shipping.