Cycling UK Forum

Hi,
I've just fitted a chain that HG 50, to a bike this is my last stock Of this type.
I went looking for another but I know that it's an old model and they are now very scarce to find.
So what is an entry level Shimano chain today 6 7 and 8 speed?
P.S. I would like to exclude IG 51, as I believe the market has been flooded with these and their origin might well be India?
My experience of these is that they are poorly made, not like an original Shimano Japan/other? one.
Use the IG 51 at your peril!

Why not e.g. KMC?

Purely anecdotal, but I fitted a new SRAM chain to my wife’s 11 speed summer bike last year and it’s already shot. My summer bike has a Shimano 11 speed chain and it’s been on 2 years and not yet 1% worn. We do the same rides, probably about 3000 miles a year on summer bikes, if anything I ride more than her. So Shimano seems to be longer lasting, certainly than SRAM.

Hi,

ratherbeintobago wrote: ↑29 Jun 2021, 11:00am Why not e.g. KMC?

The thought had crossed my mind this morning.
I've used a few KMC "Z" chains which are bottom of the range, A rusty one which snapped after about 300 miles, A few more which will have to go and look for on the mileage.
Yes I might consider it as I don't think they are that expensive?

P.S.just recently had to repair an electric bike and the chain had snapped, derailleur type, The chain was a KMC "Z" 100 miles from new

After seeing the number of cheap, clearly counterfeit, Dura Ace chains on eBay recently (solid pins, not hollow, etc) I am left wondering about all discount 'branded' chains and will be sticking with mainstream suppliers for the foreseeable future.

TrevA wrote: ↑29 Jun 2021, 12:04pm Purely anecdotal, but I fitted a new SRAM chain to my wife’s 11 speed summer bike last year and it’s already shot. My summer bike has a Shimano 11 speed chain and it’s been on 2 years and not yet 1% worn. We do the same rides, probably about 3000 miles a year on summer bikes, if anything I ride more than her. So Shimano seems to be longer lasting, certainly than SRAM.

SRAM do different grades. I bought some 850s some years ago and they have lasted well. However a lot may have changed in 10 years. They also do 830s but these were regarded as softer and inferior by, I think Brucey among others. The last chain I bought was a KMC but I haven't tried it yet.

The KMC X range is pretty good value and IME last well

(and I believe that KMC makes Shimano chains)

NATURAL ANKLING wrote: ↑29 Jun 2021, 12:18pm Hi,

ratherbeintobago wrote: ↑29 Jun 2021, 11:00am Why not e.g. KMC?

The thought had crossed my mind this morning.
I've used a few KMC "Z" chains which are bottom of the range, A rusty one which snapped after about 300 miles, A few more which will have to go and look for on the mileage.
Yes I might consider it as I don't think they are that expensive?

P.S.just recently had to repair an electric bike and the chain had snapped, derailleur type, The chain was a KMC "Z" 100 miles from new

KMC Z are not rated for ebikes, they have a specific E range

Hi,

foxyrider wrote: ↑11 Jul 2021, 9:42pm

NATURAL ANKLING wrote: ↑29 Jun 2021, 12:18pm Hi,

ratherbeintobago wrote: ↑29 Jun 2021, 11:00am Why not e.g. KMC?

The thought had crossed my mind this morning.
I've used a few KMC "Z" chains which are bottom of the range, A rusty one which snapped after about 300 miles, A few more which will have to go and look for on the mileage.
Yes I might consider it as I don't think they are that expensive?

P.S.just recently had to repair an electric bike and the chain had snapped, derailleur type, The chain was a KMC "Z" 100 miles from new

KMC Z are not rated for ebikes, they have a specific E range

This is a hub electric so the chain probably see's less than a standard bike.
I will probaly use the snapped Z on my training hack, and see how it goes.
I think in fairness the pedalec has very very poor gears.

Shimano's entry-level 6/7/8-speed chain is the CN-HG40 (see Wiggle, for example).

Hi,
quote=AndyK post_id=1621480 time=1626095208 user_id=2695]
Shimano's entry-level 6/7/8-speed chain is the CN-HG40 (see Wiggle, for example).
[/quote]

Yes maybe, but from experience they are noisy chains, I put one on and took it straight off, still have a new one, but I would need to check as I have so much stuff, I keep finding things squirreled away

NATURAL ANKLING wrote: ↑12 Jul 2021, 4:58pm Hi,

AndyK wrote: ↑12 Jul 2021, 2:06pm Shimano's entry-level 6/7/8-speed chain is the CN-HG40 (see Wiggle, for example).

Yes maybe, but from experience they are noisy chains, I put one on and took it straight off, still have a new one, but I would need to check as I have so much stuff, I keep finding things squirreled away

Original post...

NATURAL ANKLING wrote: ↑29 Jun 2021, 10:31amSo what is an entry level Shimano chain today 6 7 and 8 speed?

I know it's frowned on in this forum to give a straight answer to a straight question, but I was always a bit of a rebel.

Hi,
That's okay you've answered the question correctly HG 40 chains have been around for some time, and I didn't realise they must have a lot in stock which is why they're still selling them?
From experience I know the HG 50 is a good chain.
And like some other ranges they're probably economical too.
I suppose I'm back to trying chains and see how I get on.

Was using a KMC but it wore out. Bought a budget Clarks one but it doesn't like the 11t spocket - jumps. Have just ordered a HG40 as it matches the rest of the groupset (Acera M360/Altus M310)

robgul wrote: ↑11 Jul 2021, 5:32pm The KMC X range is pretty good value and IME last well

(and I believe that KMC makes Shimano chains)

I have read elsewhere that izumi make some Shimano chains too.

I also mostly use kmc chains because i think they're good value.