[darnelli]

So...I went looking for a new chain today, and was told the benefits of a SRAM chain is that it has the quick release link, but if I'm running a shimano drivetrain its best to stick to a shimano chain.

Now, shimano offers 3 chains at the store I was looking, LX, XT, and XTR. From what I saw, the weights were the same, there is a difference in color, and about 6-10 bucks different from LX to XT/XTR. The shop guy told me to grab the LX and a quicklink (5 extra bucks) and that would be similar to a SRAM chain.

What is everyone's opinion on the best chain to use with a shimano XTR drivetrain?

I'm on a 08 blur XC btw. Thanks in advance.

 

[Cayenne_Pepa]

KMC X9SL with Missing Link...better and stronger than all the chains you just listed.

 

[mtnbiker72]

I prefer Shimano 9 speed chains on Shimano or SRAM drivetrains...they have greater pin pull strength than the SRAM 9 speed chains. You can use the SRAM quick link no problem. The XTR chain (CN-7701) is IMO the best chain available for any 9 speed drivetrain. That said, the LX (HG-73) chain works very well and is an excellent value.

 

[darnelli]

ya i've heard good things at the x9sl, slightly on the higher price range

whats the difference between the xtr chain and the lx?

 

[steadite]

Wippermann all the way.

 

[zebrahum]

but if I'm running a shimano drivetrain its best to stick to a shimano chain.

This is insane, you should run away from wherever told you this. Don't look back while you run or you'll be turned to stone.

I typically use Sram chains, but you really can't go wrong. More money spent on a chain will typically get you corrosion resistance, lighter weight, or a combination of both. Brand is a personal preference. One brand may do something better than another, but it will either be a compromise or you'll pay dearly for it.

 

[Brace1]

I've been using SRAM exclusively on my 8speed drivetrain for years. I bought a KMC, but it's still in the box.

 

[Shark]

The only chains I've ever broken were Sram. I use Shimano now with no issues, but put a Sram power link on for convenience.

 

[perttime]

I have almost exclusively used Shimano chains and the XTR 9 speed chain (CN-7701) is way better than the rest.
- easy to keep clean
- shifts great (now I mainly use them for singlespeed, though)
- does not stretch as soon as the others

You can use the SRAM (and other brands) quick links on Shimano chains too.

 

[darnelli]

ah so the XTR chain vs the LX chain has more maintenance issues?

 

[perttime]

ah so the XTR chain vs the LX chain has more maintenance issues?

What? No!

Ride, wipe it clean if it is dirty, lube, repeat.

 

[frdfandc]

I used a SRAM PG991 for 2 years without problem. Switched to an XTR chain this year under the guise of a better shifting drivetrain. I have yet to see/feel a difference. But I am using the SRAM powerlink with the XTR chain.

 

[hootsmon]

It sounds like we're talking about 9-speed chains only here. Well in that case I usually wear out 2-4 chains a year, so I have some opinions on the topic

Wipperman Absolutely the toughest, most durable chain I've ever used. The only downsides are they're somewhat heavier than many regular chains, plus Wipperman stuff is horrendously expensive where I shop (unless you can score a killer deal somewhere).

Shimano CN-7701 This is my favourite chain. Durability-wise, I rate it a close 2nd, after Wippeman, and these are strong (because I've never snapped one yet). Also, it helps that you can often find CN-7701 heavily discounted at online shops.

SRAM PC-991 I prefer the CrossStep model, however it's not as tough as CN-7701. But unless you're a weight-weenie, I think HollowPin chain is best avoided, since I've had a couple of breakages with them.

 

[COLINx86]

KMC X9SL with Missing Link...better and stronger than all the chains you just listed.

+1!
:thumbsup:

 

[perttime]

you can often find CN-7701 heavily discounted at online shops.

Yes you can. I just bought two when a shop that had nice discounted cranks also had the CN-7701 for half what the LBS is asking for...

 

[darnelli]

wow, does anyone have a link to where to get the cn-7701 discounted?

i was at another LBS, and they have YET to tell me the difference between the XTR and LX chain, it seems like no one knows aside from the color and the extra 15 bucks...

the LBS told me to also get the whipperman quick link to attach to the shimano chain too

 

[perttime]

This isn't bad, especially if you buy at least three:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=1018

(don't know how much the shipping is for you. They have free shipping if you go over a minimum purchase)

 

[darnelli]

ah thanks for the link

i was reading through another forum and found this

http://www.blueskycycling.com/cat-chain-chain-guides/group-154/2/n

xtr chain for 25 bucks, the x10sl is 60, haha, no sale on it

looks like i'll be getting the xtr for 25 bucks

 

[perttime]

That looks good and it is closer to you.

One of those should last a while but I often buy at least two when I find a good price.

 

[kiwi_matt]

I use Sram. As strong as they (shimano) may be I think having to use a special joiner pin or link each time I need to join a chain is stupid.