chain compatibility

[driftlessregion]

We all know that SRAM chains are compatible with Shimano drivetrains, but do you notice better shifting using Shimano chains with Shimano drivetrains compared to SRAM chains?

[staehpj1]

No, I didn't notice that at all.

[John Nelson]

No, I didn't notice that at all.

+1

[paddleboy17]

My general experience is that a chain is a chain is a chain. 

That said I have don't buy no-name knock offs.  I only buy Shimano chains when they are a bargain.  I prefer SRAM chains for the master link.  Performance wise and wear wise, no detectable difference between SRAM and Shimano.

[DaveB]

I'd add Wippermann chains to that list too.  I've had excellent service and shifting performance from Shimano, Wippermann and SRAM chains.  The Wippermann Connex link is very strong, easy to install and remove and is reusable.   SRAM claims their 10-speed master link is not reusable but their 8 and 9-speed links are.  Shimano, of course, only supplies special joining pins but Wippermann Connex links work well with Shimano chains. 

I do buy mid-level model chains, not the bottom of the line and not the premium ones.   

[Pat Lamb]

I've never noticed a difference.  However, a couple of mechanics and bike shop owners, whom I respect, have said using a real Shimano chain is their secret weapon for cases where a cyclist claims poor shifting or noisy chain.

Most shifting problems come from poorly adjusted indexing.

[waynemyer]

My general experience is that a chain is a chain is a chain. 

Up to a point. Low end chains such as the KMC Z chains shift horribly. I have order one of these and another low end chain by accident on two occasions. They don't even function well on my fixie. But every mid-level chain on up that I have used is perfectly workable.

[PeteJack]

My mechanic put a new cassette (Shimano 11 -32) and chain on my 520 because I had a problem with jumping gears. It seemed OK until yesterday when I was climbing using granny (24T) it started jumping again to smaller cogs from cogs 7 & 8. The guy put a $13 chain on claiming there was no point in using expensive chains, use cheap ones and change them every 500 miles was his recommendation ( a major pain for touring). Should I get a better chain? It only does it on the smallest front ring, could chain tension be an issue?

[staehpj1]

use cheap ones and change them every 500 miles was his recommendation

That sounds crazy to me.  I can't imagine changing chains every 500 miles.  I typically get 10,000 miles on a chain.  I measure 12 complete links and change only when hey measure more than 12-1/16".  Apparently lots of folks get way less mileage out of a chain, but 500 miles seems ridiculously low.

[John Nelson]

The guy put a $13 chain on claiming there was no point in using expensive chains, use cheap ones and change them every 500 miles was his recommendation

When I get weird advice like this, it's usually because they guy is selling me the only thing he has in stock.

For twice the price, you can get a chain that will last 6 to 10 times longer, shift better, and not wear out your cogs and chainrings as fast.