Is anyone using 10 speed?

[cousinmosquito]

Just wondering if there have been any horror stories with 10 speed chains under touring (bike-packing) load ?

I like the sound of having a 36 tooth and I am using friction shifting on this bike so there's not a lot to change.

Cheers
Jeff

[tonymason]

I toured New Mexico this June combining the CDT and GDR. Light weight set up, 770 miles. No problems with my 10 speed chain.

[Area54]

SRAM has just released their new +1 series chains (as in 1051, 1071, 1091) claiming more strength, quieter and longer lasting.

Shimano also have their new directional chains.

So much can rely on correct fitment of either quicklink or joining pin as per manufacturer instructions, this is a common failure point.

You can get a 36t in 9spd too.

Which gruppo/brand did you want to run?

[cousinmosquito]

SRAM has just released their new +1 series chains (as in 1051, 1071, 1091) claiming more strength, quieter and longer lasting.

Shimano also have their new directional chains.

So much can rely on correct fitment of either quicklink or joining pin as per manufacturer instructions, this is a common failure point.

You can get a 36t in 9spd too.

Which gruppo/brand did you want to run?

I dont really care too much what groupo as I will continue to run friction, with an XT derailleur. What ever is the cheapest reliable option I guess. Its on my karate Monkey, but I am in a quandry on whether to ride my Santa Cruz fully, or the Monkey as the Monkey (build) is so damn heavy. Its Full-suspension vs 29er rollability tho. I love the way it rolls.

I see that they had prototypes for 10speed grip-shift at Interbike, will make a lot of people happy.
 
I didn't realise there were so many chain options out there. The 36 tooth 9 speed is just a single 36 sprocket add-on eh, or is someone doing a 9 speed with a 36 now?

Thanks for the feed back.

[bartspedden]

I used the SRAM PC1071 chain, X9 10 speed thumb shifter, and XO short cage rear derailleur on the CTR with an Extralite 30T chainring. No problems what-so-ever while riding.  The master link is a total pain though.  I had a hell of time getting it to click into position.  I imagine trying to remove it would be even harder.  Maybe some other folks have some tricks that they can share on how to better use the 10 speed master links?

[cousinmosquito]

>>The master link is a total pain though. 
>>I had a hell of time getting it to click into position.

To get them to click in I always just gently stomp on the pedal, no problems - its getting them off that I struggle with.
I've given up a few times and just broken the chain and re-mended it by hand : ) Maybe you are not supposed to reuse the power-clips?
I could understand if that were the case as I have to bend the little buggers quite a bit to enable them to come apart.

[Area54]

Shimano brought out a 9spd 36t a few years back to respond to 29er gearing demands, same time they brought out a torque rated hub. Exists (in aust anyways) as a Deore 29er spec 11-36T cassette.

Park Tool make a master link removal tool, but you can also shape an old set of snap ring pliers or cheap needle nose pliers to do the same job, to pinch the two links together.

To close the link, place the join at the top, then press down on the pedals to snap into place.

Yay for planned 10sp twisties, might upgrade my blur...

[cousinmosquito]

Oh, cool, will google it up.

[bartspedden]

Thanks for the info on the park chain tool Area54.  Looks like I'll be buying one for home use. But it's kinda lame that you need one of these for 10spd chains. I certainly won't be taking the tool with me on races 

[Slim]

Correct, you can NOT re-use the 10sp powerlink, so once it's on, it stays on.

[stevage]

I'm using a 9 speed 12-36 cassette - think I found it on eBay. That's on a cyclocross though.

[chrisx]

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=26617&category=41
scroll down to see the 12 - 36
heavy, 425 grams.  Shot-nickel plated steel cogs.
will out last an xt cassette. 

another option
http://www.actiontec.us/ticog.htm
http://www.bikepacking.net/reviews/bike-components/actiontec-36-tooth-cog/

[cocokeelers]

12,000 miles on a 10 speed and no real problems! Check me out


www.spinningsilk.org.uk

[Done]

I failed on the 2011 CTR because of a broken SRAM 1090R chain. OK, I didn't fail because of the broken chain--the over-the-bars crash into the log pile resulting from the broken chain was the real culprit! I should have aimed better when the chain broke, but a tired brain and a narrow trail didn't provide much room for error.

The chain actually broke twice. Once only about 5 miles from the start. It was kind of a nasty break, with a couple of twisted links. I think it's highly probable that the second break was because a few links were weakened from the first break, and that I just didn't notice them. I wasn't shifting either time.

I have used SRAM and Shimano chains since, and not had a problem. I like my 2x10 drivetrain. Honestly, I've only broken a couple of chains in my life, and those were a LONG time ago. Maybe it was just a fluke with that particular chain.

[joeydurango]

I've not used 10-speed personally and can't vouch for its failure rate, but as a long-time shop guy I can say that 10-speed chains are nowhere near as durable as 9-speed.  They simply stretch much faster.  If you stay on top of replacement this fact alone doesn't necessarily mean too much for bikepacking purposes, but it could get expensive!  I'll stick with SS or 1x9.