Chains

With chains being in short supply in late 2021, we entered a discussion of chains, Hyperglide+, and Shimano. Below is what we learned.

MANUFACTURERS: 

- Shimano - Japan 
- SRAM - US
- Campagnolo - Italy
- KMC - US
- Connex - Germany

Our Specialized VADO 5.0 SL eBike recommended by Shimano Hyperglide+ so we focused on Shimano. However, David Hardin from Biker's Choice added chain test recommendation at

Hyperglide may shift the smoothest, however some research proves its not the strongest for wear and tear.  

https://www.velonews.com/gear/we-went-to-germany-to-test-the-most-popular-bicycle-chains-heres-what-we-found/

With Mid Drive E-bikes, that should be a consideration. 

Here is a great everything one wants to know about chain wear.

https://bike.bikegremlin.com/3306/bicycle-chain-wear-elongation/#1 

Even though many bike mechanics suggest replacing your bike chain every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, you may need to replace it sooner, and it’s important to recognize the signs. As Hardin suggests, some heavy bicyclists with mid-drive ebikes probably need early replacement of the chain.

SHIMANO

Shimano XTR M9100 – (honest) overview of a new 12 speed MTB groupset

https://bike.bikegremlin.com/5210/shimano-xtr-m9100-overview-of-a-new-12-speed-mtb-groupset/

Their popular series are organized by quality listed as 9000 for Dura Ace, 7000 for Ultegra, and 6000 for 105. Our VADO was recommended as Ultegra Series. The VADO 5.0 uses a 12-speed setup and the VADO 4.0 uses an 11-speed setup. Doug Depew found the alternative Shimano 105 CN-HG601-11. The outer link for an 11-speed is standardized at 5.65mm and the 12-speed 5.25mm. Doug says the 11-speed will work for the 12-speed set. Is he correct?

Compatibility [01] Chains

https://bike.bikegremlin.com/1220/1-bicycle-chains-compatibility/

11 speeds: Chain width is 5.62 mm. 11 speed chains of all the manufacturers are mutually compatible.

Since 10 and 11 speed chains are almost the same width, as well as cassette teeth, 10 speed chain can be used in stead of 11 speed one, without it jamming between the sprockets. However, this will still not work perfectly and will cause premature sprocket wear, so better to avoid it.

Exception are Shimano Hyperglide+ chains, that work only with Hyperglide+ cassettes, whether they are 11, or 12-speed (same chain is used) – according to Shimano, haven’t put that to the test.

12 speeds: Chain width is 5.25 mm. Made by SRAM, and (from the mid 2018) by Shimano for their 12 speed MTB groupsets (for now), and Campagnolo (who only make road groupsets).

Symmetrical vs asymmetrical chains

Shimano is, as far as I know, the only manufacturer that makes asymmetrical chains (as well as regular, symmetrical ones). The advantage of asymmetrical chain is easier and quicker shifting from small to large front chainring and vice versa.

When Shimano first introduced asymmetrical chains for road double chainrings, it was recommended not to use them on triple chainrings. They still, however, work well on triple chainrings as well.

Table of chain outer widths:

Chain	Thickness mm
All 6-speed	7.8
All 7-speed	7.3
All 8-speed	7.1
All 9-speed	6.5 – 6.7
10-speed old Campagnolo	6.2
All other 10-speed	5.84 – 6.1
All 11-speed	5.46 – 5.74 *
SRAM 12-speed MTB	5.25

CHAIN COMPATIBILITY FROM DIRECTTIRESDIRECT

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/chain-compatibility-article  

Is It Time For Chain Replacement?

Let's review the basics of chain compatibility to set you up for success for your next chain installation.

Chain type is determined by the brand of your components (front derailleurs, rear derailleurs, and cassette) and the number of rear cogs or sprockets ("speeds") on your cassette. An example of this would be Shimano Deore 9-speed, Campagnolo Veloce 10-speed, Shimano Ultegra 11-speed, or SRAM Force 12-speed. With the manufacturer name and 'speeds' on hand, we can easily help you find the right chain.

General Tips For Finding The Right Bike Chain:

• The easiest way to ensure compatibility is to buy manufacturer-recommended components. If you have a 10-speed Campagnolo (Campy) cassette, a 10-speed Campagnolo chain is the first option for compatibility.
• Shimano and SRAM 5- to 11-speed cassettes and chains will be compatible with each other, regardless of manufacturer recommendations.
• Campagnolo is only compatible with Campagnolo and a few aftermarket chains, such as KMC and Wipperman, that are clearly labeled "Campagnolo compatible." If the packaging of non-Campagnolo chains doesn't specifically state that it's Campy compatible, it probably isn't.

Here's some more specific guidance to help you find an appropriate chain in our selection.

Chains for 10-Speed Bicycles

Campagnolo Drivetrains are compatible only with Campagnolo or aftermarket Campy-specific chains.

We stock the following Campagnolo-compatible 10-speed chains:

• Campagnolo Record 10 Speed Chain
• Campagnolo Veloce 10-speed Chain
• KMC X10.93 10-Speed Chain (also compatible with SRAM and Shimano drivetrains)

Shimano Drivetrains Dura-Ace 7900, Ultegra 6700, and 105 5700 groups are a little different. With these 2009/10 groupsets, Shimano introduced an asymmetric chain design (with different links on the inside and outside).

According to Shimano, "optimal performance" is only possible with a corresponding asymmetric chains:

• Shimano Ultegra CN-6701 10-Speed Chain
• Shimano Ultegra CN-6600 HG 10-Speed Road Chain

In our experience, any Shimano- or SRAM-compatible 10-speed chain will work flawlessly with either brand of components.

SRAM Drivetrains - Any Shimano- or SRAM-compatible 10-speed chain can be used with any other Shimano 10-speed groupsets, and with any SRAM 10-speed groupset, regardless of manufacturer statements that their chains will provide optimal performance with their components.

Check our range of 10-speed chains that work well with Shimano and SRAM drivetrains.

Chains for 11-Speed Bicycles

11-speed drivetrains require 11-speed chains.

Shimano and SRAM 11-speed chains are cross-compatible. If you have a Shimano 11-speed drivetrain, a SRAM chain will work fine and vice versa, however manufacturer's recommend pairing your components for optimal performance.

Chains for 12-Speed Bicycles

SRAM Eagle 12-Speed Chain

SRAM was the first manufacturer to produce 12-speed components. In 2016, they released SRAM Eagle 12-speed parts for their new 1x12 mountain bike groupsets. If you have a SRAM XX1, X01, GX or NX Eagle MTB groupset, you will need a 12-speed SRAM Eagle chain. The SRAM Eagle 12-speed chains are cross compatible with one another — the only variance between them is weight and material.

Shimano 12-Speed MTB Chains

Shimano came out with XTR, DEORE XT, and SLX 12-speed MTB groupsets shortly after SRAM. These groups require Shimano-specific 12-speed chains as well, and just like SRAM, the only difference between the chains (XTR, DEORE XT, SLX) is weight and material. This means you can use a DEORE XT 12-speed chain with a XTR 12-speed cassette, for example.

SRAM AXS eTap Flattop Road Chains

With the new AXS eTap 12-speed electronic road groups, SRAM developed flat top chains, which allows for a quieter drivetrain as well as added strength and durability. As of now, these chains work exclusively with SRAM AXS eTap 12-speed Rival, Force, & Red groups. Within these three groups, the flattop chains are cross-compatible (i.e. a Rival flat top chain would work with the Red group, etc.).

Campagnolo 12-Speed Road Chains

Campagnolo also has their own proprietary 12-speed chains that work with their groupsets, specifically the Chorus, the Record, and the Super Record 2x12 groups. While these chains are cross-compatible with one another, always keep Campy with Campy.

KMC 12-Speed Chains

KMC makes an ultra-light chain that is compatible with SRAM Eagle 12 mountain drivetrains, Campagnolo 12 road versions, and Shimano's 12-speed mountain groups