Comparing KMC Bike Chains as one stretched after only 2 months on Hybrid Bike

[@mac16a]

I work at a bicycle store. One time we ordered 8 speed chains from KMC and we received a batch with outer plates with x9 stamped in them. Width was like a regular 8 speed and it shifted good. All that from an official distributor. When I check 12 speed chains on one month old bicycles the chain checker dropps at 0.5% meaning they are worn out. And those are deore grade. We live in times in which companies manufacture crap. That's it. There are counterfeits, sure, but 10 years ago I was killing 10 speed deore with 1500 km milage. The hg-40 8 speed was trashed after 700 kms of riding, meaning sometimes in less than two weeks. I think older cyclists who say "they don't make chains like they used to" were just riding on one chain until it snapped or the cassette skipped. Nowadays bicycle manufacturers spec bicycles with OEM shimano cassettes and KMC chains that straight need replacing because you can feel vibration from grinding on the pedals.They simply don't match well. Some customers will not buy the bike, some will ride the break-in period....

[@yuckybear5026]

Very interesting. It's true as an older rider I didn’t know about chain stretching or how to check my chain for wear. It was only after I changed the chain because it was slipping that I bought the tool. Thanks for your feedback.

[@grahambonner508]

Since I started using and chain wear checker tool I seem to be replacing chains quite often. I have tried various makes but none seem to last long. What I do now is lubricate them every 100miles with dry lube and also clean them quite regularly, I'm still evaluating this approach. I'm sure that there is a balance to be had between the cost of the lubricant and chain (replacing at 0.75% wear) and the cost of lubricant, chain and cassette (Lubricating less frequently and running until the chain breaks or starts skipping) Spreading the wear more evenly over all of the cassette sprockets also helps with the latter approach. Of course this is only really an issue with derailleur systems, single speed or hub gears will tolerate much more wear. Chains and replacement sprockets are also much cheaper when they eventually do need to be replaced.

[@yuckybear5026]

Thanks for the information. I think your strategy is a good one. I am going to try degreasing more often with fairy liquid to stop the dirt and grime sticking to the chain then lubricating with 3 in 1 oil afterwards to see if that helps. Thanks for the feedback.

[@felicetanka]

That one retailer has one million (1000000) workers. Monopoly.

[@yuckybear5026]

Thanks for your feedback

[@johndef5075]

Ive received fake Shimano chains from ebay and Aliexpress. Sticking to local bike store from now on. Not worth saving a couple bucks on a critical part.

[@yuckybear5026]

Agreed, it costs you more in the end, it was just chance I checked my chain early. As for most people they would just think the chain is new and probably won't check it again until something else went wrong. Thanks for your feedback.