Quoting MichaelH <mhech...@gmail.com>:
I don't run a single speed, so maybe my thoughts are not relevant. I am also aware of Grant's point of view - a chain is just a chain. But, my experience is different. I have tried Shimano, SRAM and Connex chains and have found that the connex are worth the $35 I pay for them. I get the stainless steel ones(908??) and found they have three big advantages. First, they seem to last a long time. I measure the chain once a month or so and have found I can push these chains out to 2500 miles before they need to be replaced. Second, they hold up very well in wet conditions. I ride in a lot rain, especially while commuting, and don't want a chain that will rust and freeze after one good rain, even if I'm not through enough drying them right away. Third, the Connex quick links work much better than SRAM, which I find very difficult to open, and way better than Shimano's replacement link. I prefer silver chains because it's easier to look at them and know right away when they need to be cleaned, which I do about once a week. I have to admit I've never thought about the weight of a chain but know they make hollow pin chains for the super weight conscious racing crowd, but I've never felt a need to be that silly.
I have no issue with silver chains -- I like them, too, although I've never had a stainless steel one -- and I like Connex links, although in my experience there's no difference in ease of opening compared with SRAM, they both work fine in my book. But I do have to wonder: 2500 miles isn't much mileage. How do you arrive at the conclusion that the chains need replacement? Is it based on measured wear? And what is your maintenance regimen?
I ask because I just replaced a couple of chains, a 9 speed and a 7/88. Both had over 6,000 miles of wear and neither showed any elongation, either by ruler measurement or by the Park gauge. They'd both gotten extremely flexible from side to side, I'd lost a roller from the end of each, and on both bikes shifting (index on the 9, friction on the 7) had become sloppy.
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