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    • CommentAuthorOtto Rax
    • CommentTimeNov 18th 2008
     
    Remember this is an opinion thread, so don't start beating each other up. opinions are like a set of horns, a point at each end and a lot of bull in the middle. That being said...

    Chains I feel are overlooked much of the time. I said a bazillion people running KMC's, but those chains stretch so fast, they are hardly worth the $9. I have a whipperman, which has been nice and smooth, but seems real friggin heavy. I want a quality chain that will ride quiet, smooth and equal the quality of components its running through (tevano pista cranks to a campy cog). hollow pin? solid? hkk? izumi? sram? regina?

    What is YOUR favorite chain, and WHY (that's the big one)
  1.  
    I'm riding this funny looking KMC K710-SL chain- http://www.danscomp.com/464010.php?cat=PARTS

    Basically, the only reason I ride it, is because they make it in white.

    However, it's also a VERY strong chain, is a few ounces lighter than the KMC K710, and it also runs ninja silent on my Sugino 75 ring and Surly cog (even when not lubed much)
  2.  
    http://www.danscomp.com/464051.php?cat=PARTS

    I wonder if riding a half-link chain would be any advantage, besides getting your back wheel set exactly where you want.
  3.  
    man you don't need the whole chain to be half link. one half link does the trick.
    besides that the only advantage is that they are a bit lighter (some are actually heavier... depends on hollow or solid pins) and a bit stronger- which only matters for BMX or Downhill racing.
    I like the cheap kmc 410s cause I get em for just under $3 from UBI.. so far they haven't stretched yet but I only run them in 1/8" width
    one thing that is important if you wanna avoid chain stretch is to always leave a bit of slack. I also don't really lube my chains too much. I try
    keeping them sorta dry and clean with a small amount of Teflon based lubricant
    Unless you run a fancy gear system that requires a certain type chain or you race professionally I don't see the advantage in getting a fancy type chain.
    • CommentAuthorAaron C
    • CommentTimeNov 18th 2008
     
    i definitely agree with the chain slack issue, i dont know where the idea that your chain should be rock hard came from but it seems like a lot of people on here subscribe to that view.
    i run a 3/32" chain on all my rides usually a sram 8spd chain, and they run beautifully and quietly.
  4.  
    I rock an IZUMI eco chain. no problems here, minimal stretch, real strong
    • CommentAuthorOtto Rax
    • CommentTimeNov 20th 2008
     
    what is your definition of "slack". you want it taut with NO play between forward and reverse pressure, but it should take minimal effort to get it moving, and it shouldn't have the resistance to stop itself quickly. "slack", by my definition is worse, it may not immediately stretch it, but it stresses the pins everytime you begin to slow down or start up.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=504U_9yHYE8
    • CommentAuthorbuckley
    • CommentTimeNov 21st 2008 edited
     
    I'm currently using a 1/8" KMC bmx chain. The cheap one. They usually last about 2-3 months before replacing. This gets my vote for light use, or if you get a ridiculous cheap deal on chains, and don't mind replacing them often.

    Last year, I shelled out for an Izumi V chain (you know, the black/gold/ridiculous fancy one), and that + nice cog/chainring combo did not show any signs of wear after nearly a full year of messengering. I got sloppy when shortening the chain and lost a link, otherwise, I'd probably still be using it.
    I believe this really is the best track chain on the market, if cost isn't an issue.
    • CommentAuthorJohn Tom
    • CommentTimeNov 21st 2008
     
    Izumi eco chains have treated me real well. Rode a silver one for a solid year with regular maintenance. It stayed quiet and smooth. Definitely worth the 12 dollars.
    • CommentAuthorbionnaki
    • CommentTimeNov 21st 2008
     
    KMC Z510HX or Z610HX hands down. Best value, high quality, very quiet.
    • CommentAuthorAeroAceV03
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2008
     
    D.I.D., Izumi i ride on these,super beefy,love em <--my opinion [:
    • CommentAuthorsixspeed
    • CommentTimeNov 24th 2008
     
    HKK Vertex.
    • CommentAuthorGone
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2008
     
    I run Regina's ORO with a half link on all my bikes, very pleased with them.
    • CommentAuthoro_O
    • CommentTimeMar 5th 2009
     
    what about the wipperman IG8?
    beefiest chain i've ever seen.
    • CommentAuthor6dayracer
    • CommentTimeMar 5th 2009
     
    I run the $30 Izumi 1/8" replace it bout every 4-6 months, I run brakeless though. Not much stretch, (converted non slotted road drops) never a problem. But I run a 30 year old Campy Piste drivetrain, so the chain would obviously be the weakest link. Like I said it's rock solid.
    • CommentAuthormrymeski
    • CommentTimeMar 6th 2009
     
    Nickel SRAM PC-1. 14 bucks, strong, quiet as all hell. It's also the standard for singlespeed mountain biking
    • CommentAuthorsfbee
    • CommentTimeMar 6th 2009
     
    the shimano oval plates are dope.

    can't go wrong with izumi either. definitely don't go cheap on the chain
  5.  
    does running a 1/8 chain on 3/32 cog + ring = bad?
    • CommentAuthoradriano
    • CommentTimeMar 15th 2009
     
    if you have a 3/32 drive train, my kmc z610hx has been impossibly quiet. only time will tell of its durability, but im not worried.
    • CommentAuthorLegislator
    • CommentTimeNov 13th 2009
     
    all these chains are totally weak in comparison to a really tough setup:

    http://www.firstflightbikes.com/_borders/hoeflercrank.JPG

    renold block chain, no fancy rollers to wear out, and a full 1/16" wider than a little 1/8" chain. You might need a new cog though, and maybe an upgrade to some sweet cottered cranks.

    Pure beefcake though, about 1438% more rad than wipperman, izumi, hkk, regina, kmc, sram, shadow conspiracy and d.i.d. combined.
 


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