what chain are you using?

[Cavi]

on my 21 Rise I went for over a year with the stock Shimano chain. I then replaced it with a Sram XX1 thinking I was doing a good thing, but it is only a bit over two months old and the shop said it is almost time for replacement. I am running a AXS SRAM drivetrain, and the front chainring was new with the new chain. What are you all running to get more life?

 

[Timbo]

I would check the chain yourself, I got over 3000km on my last XX1.

 

[Mikerb]

I am not convinced there is much difference between chains in terms of wear. It all depends on the conditions you ride in and how you clean and lube the chain. I use SRAM GX chains and change them at 0.5% but the old chain continues to provide value as a spare I carry with me. Equiped with a new powerlock connector it is a perfectly useable and quick change if I get a chain break etc ( thats only happened to me once!). I hear peole say the more expensive Sram chains last longer but then they cost at least twice as much as a GX so they need to!!

 

[The EMF]

I run the GX chain but only change it when it’s over 0.75 on the Park tool chain checker. I’ve never had a problem with a “skipping chain” I run a stock Sram NX 12 speed cassette that came supplied with my Whyte E150 RS. I agree with @Mikerb regarding the cost of the chains, when ever I see a Sram GX for between £20-£30 I’ll buy it. Keep the chain clean and well lubed and it’ll perform better longer.

 

[Ark]

I am not convinced there is much difference between chains in terms of wear. It all depends on the conditions you ride in and how you clean and lube the chain. I use SRAM GX chains and change them at 0.5% but the old chain continues to provide value as a spare I carry with me. Equiped with a new powerlock connector it is a perfectly useable and quick change if I get a chain break etc ( thats only happened to me once!). I hear peole say the more expensive Sram chains last longer but then they cost at least twice as much as a GX so they need to!!

you can reuse powerlocks multiple times, I've seen bike mechanics on youtube even saying they have reused the same one up to 5 times.


GX chains definitely don't last as long as xx1 chains
I've got a GX on my bike right now and it's done about 330miles, it seems like I can probably get 500-600 before it will need changing.
I'#ve seen a lot of posts on internet forums from people saying they only got 400miles.

I've got an XX1 chain ready as it should last 2-3k miles

 

[Mikerb]

I think the confusion re reuse of powerlocks etc is that it depends whether it is Eagle ( 12 speed)...which is a one time use only.........and 10/11 speed which can be used up to 3 times. It is also the case that any chain used on an EMTB..including the powerlock.........is under a great deal more strain than on an analogue bike.
I change at 0.5% for 2 reasons. Firstly, my cassette ( XG 1275) is expensive and it is worn chains that wear the cassette. I can often get GX chains at £20 and they typically last 500-600 miles to 0.5 depending on the season. Secondly, the used chain is still perfectly useable as a spare.

 

[getbusyliving]

on my 21 Rise I went for over a year with the stock Shimano chain. I then replaced it with a Sram XX1 thinking I was doing a good thing, but it is only a bit over two months old and the shop said it is almost time for replacement. I am running a AXS SRAM drivetrain, and the front chainring was new with the new chain. What are you all running to get more life?

Agree that you should get a chain checker and check for yourself, as your shop is likely wrong. The most recent Park chain checker works fine and is very inexpensive. I've done a good amount of testing and lower end chains like GX last me around 500-600 miles, but my last XX1 chain was good for over 2,000 miles. Currently trying X01 chain, which I hear lasts as long as XX1, but we'll see.

 

[Mr-EPIC-3]

I went to a Microshift Advent 9-speed system and use KMC x9 chains, getting 1200miles on the chains and 2400miles on the Microshift 9-speed cassette.

 

[YZDude]

KMC ebike 11 speed. Sunrace steel cogs. About 600 miles, all still looks fairly new.
Save the lightweight stuff for riding in the stretchy pants.

 

[thebarber]

I'm nearly 1500mls on original slx shimomo
Had replacements well over a year but they're still going strong.
Replace when they start to skip.

 

[ilostmypassword]

My trance (2022) came with a KMC e12 E-Bike 12-Speed Chain and after 7 months it was stretched so replaced with a SRAM 12 speed chain that snapped twice and cracked under load. Went back to the more expensive KMC e12 E-Bike 12-Speed Chain and had no further issues. From my experiences the stronger ebike chains matter.

 

[Nomad1]

I would check the chain yourself, I got over 3000km on my last XX1.

Was that a nice way of saying that sounds a little fishy the chain would be worn that quickly? If it is there is something wrong. I like Shimano and also use Sram for that chain to wear out that quick is not normal.

 

[Timbo]

yes

 

[Nomad1]

I think the confusion re reuse of powerlocks etc is that it depends whether it is Eagle ( 12 speed)...which is a one time use only.........and 10/11 speed which can be used up to 3 times. It is also the case that any chain used on an EMTB..including the powerlock.........is under a great deal more strain than on an analogue bike.
I change at 0.5% for 2 reasons. Firstly, my cassette ( XG 1275) is expensive and it is worn chains that wear the cassette. I can often get GX chains at £20 and they typically last 500-600 miles to 0.5 depending on the season. Secondly, the used chain is still perfectly useable as a spare.

Truthfully, it's a liability issue about reuse. The higher up chains do perform better for the most part. The question is it worth it for you? I tend to use xt chain as far as Shimano as I find them to be the best fit for me but won't bother xtr chains unless they are on sale for the price of the xt or I can't get xt chain. As far Sram I do something similar. People make blanket statement about it being about weight that's not it. I do use the XT cassettes vs XTR because of the wear factor and difference between the two is pretty much the weight.