Shimano 12 speed chain longevity vs price

[irie]

Did some research into Shimano 12 speed chains by watching videos and reading reviews. What I figured out was roughly this, using Deore (M6100) as the base:

Deore (M6100) life index = 100 (no SIL-TEC coating, rusts)

SLX ..... (M7100) life index = 100 (same chain as Deore but with inner SIL-TEC coating)

XT ....... (M8100) life index = 166 (no SIL-TEC coating, rusts)

XTR .... (M9100) life index = 215 (full SIL-TEC coating)

When making a purchasing decision (all other thing being equal), for example an XTR (M9100) chain can be expected to last over twice as long as a Deore (M6100) chain.

* Shimano: SIL-TEC is PTFE plating

No probs if anyone adds to or amends the above

 

[Ride 2d@y]

Here are internet (Jenson) prices in USD as of a minute ago:

Deore $24.99
SLX 32.99
XT 48.99
XTR 68.99

 

[Bummers]

Aren't the cheaper ones stronger due to lack of weight saving and last longer on an eeb?

 

[ozzybmx]

None of them last too long. I went from Sram GX 12 to XX1 12, to XT Linkglide 11spd.

Been through 1 x LG500 chain, then a XX1 11 chain, now on another LG500 Linkglide.

On my 5th chain at 2600km, the ebike is stretching them between 0.5 and 0.75 in 400km for GX, about 500km for XX1 11 & 12 and about 800km with the XT LG500 Linkglide.

Pretty hard on drivetrains. Chains are a cheap throw away, cassettes and chainrings, not so much.

I can definitely recommend the XT 11spd Linkglide groupset for ebikes.

 

[Montana St Alum]

The cheaper chains aren't generally better in any regard, other than being cheap. Longevity, like efficiency, isn't free. On my mtb, XT or XTR or in the case of SRAM, the XX1/XO1, last noticeably longer AND shift better before they are done.

Latest Zero Friction Cycling News - Chain efficiency vs Longevity - Zero Friction Cycling

Latest News 56 – Chain efficiency vs Longevity Alrighty here we go, something I have wanted to be able to publish for a long time – I finally have clearance! Some chains have outstanding wear longevity, but are not very fast. Some chains are very fast, but have very poor wear life. Some chains do...

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[JP-NZ]

Over 2,100km and 30,000 metres of climbing on my XT M8100 chain and its bang on 0.50% So time to replace. Super happy with the durability. Have an SLX M7100 to go on next so will be able to see back to back durability

 

[Montana St Alum]

I have a KMC för next change.

e12 Turbo- KMC

www.kmcchain.com

I guess its shit then for my Sram cassete and front ring ?

My bike came with Shimano and a KMC chain. I took the KMC off (which is waxed and ready to swap back in, eventually) and put an XTR that I got on sale on and didn't see an appreciable difference in shifting. I wouldn't be too worried.