Chain recommends?

Equipment
1

Afternoon all!

So doing some much-needed ride maintenance this summer, prepping for fall CX season. Various tire swaps, rings and chains mainly.

Got to thinking about my chains as I was cleaning racey bike after GPS sent me through a swamp this morning (@#$%!), and realized I’m out of master links for that chain, and my other spares aren’t compatible (Shimano v SRAM, mainly).

Since I’m replacing all my chains this summer anyways, was thinking it’d be nice to standardize across all my rides:

  • Cannondale SuperSix road (11spd Ultegra)
  • Cannondale SuperSix CX (11spd SRAM Force)
  • S-Works CX (11spd Ultegra)

Would welcome thoughts and recommends on a standardized chain brand across the board!

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For my money, and my 2 cents, I’d go with the 11 speed Shimano 105. Best value for dollar and, from what I understand, the 11 speeds should be interchangeable.

I’d also consider waxing (if you’re not already sold on it) for some marginal gains as well as chain wear longevity improvements.

Curious to know where you land on all this, Cap’n Sir.

Ride Bikes. Have fun!

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3

KMC works well for me

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I am considering trying hot wax with the new chains, for sure. Main concern is I’m reading that wax degrades faster in wet conditions. Of which we are extraordinarily “blessed” here in New England.

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I’ve become quite a fair weather rider and wax is working exceptionally well for me. I’m not sure I’d wax if I was frequently riding in the wet cuz you’re correct.

That said, if you have some spare chains already waxed (and with 3 bikes you def should) it’s pretty easy to remove the dirty wet one, replace it with a fresh one and re-wax the old one after throwing some boiling water over it and swishing it about to get off any road gunk.

It’s a bit of a process but I’m loving how clean my drive train has been and all I do is wipe down the chain post ride with a gear wipe to remove the road grit/dust it’s picked up. In my dry conditions, I’ve gotten nearly 1000km on one chain, hot waxed only once, and topped off with drip wax, before deciding to remove it and put on a fresh hot waxed chain while I cleaned up the old one.

Once you’ve tried wax, there’s no going back.

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YBN - I’ve used them (waxed) across both SRAM (my gravel bike) and Shimano for many years.

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