Thread started by nancine at 10.13.08 - 3:32 pm

So I just walked into my local bike store to get a new 9 speed chain, and the guy told me that I *had* to get a Veloce specific chain ($60!).

Seriously? I have to get the same kind of chain as my groupset? He has to order it and I'm wondering if I could just put a different/cheaper 9 speed chain on it.

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its not true, you can use a cheap nine speed chain on campy 9 speed. I've done it many times no problems. get a sram or something.



studiodrome
10.13.08 - 3:41 pm

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The guy wasn't necessarily trying to screw you, but he wasn't being wholly honest with you either.

The Campy Veloce chains are extra narrow, according to their PR materials, which makes them lighter, and gives you a little more range when adjusting the rear derailleur.

That said, a regular 9 speed chain should suit you fine. (It may be a few grams heavier, and it may not come from Italy, but in terms of actual use, you should be ok.)

This chart gives you a few options, but you should be ok with a basic 9 speed chain. http://www.probikekit.com/pages/cchart.htm



JB
10.13.08 - 3:51 pm

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but then your gruppo wouldnt be complete (assuming that it is already).



ruinedbyidiots
10.13.08 - 3:56 pm

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@RBI, i'm not a grouppo snob and it's not complete as it is bc the front derailleur is mirage =P

Thanks for the advice guys! Going to pick up a SRAM/KMC this week. I hate feeling like I'm gettin' the upsell bc I'm a girl in a skirt/heels walking into a bike shop...tho I'm sure they upsell everyone.



nancine
10.13.08 - 4:01 pm

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the gruppo thing was a joke. i personally think kmc chains are hell. go with sram if you have to.



ruinedbyidiots
10.13.08 - 4:06 pm

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Not to belabor the obvious, but make sure to measure the new chain against the old one to make sure they're the same length (remove links as necessary), before you throw the old chain away.

You can fit the new chain without measuring it against the old one, it's just a little more difficult.



JB
10.13.08 - 4:11 pm

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Hang on a sec.
You can you use a SRAM or Shimano chain with a Campy group, but you will lose a level of smoothness that comes with it being designed as part of the group.
The newer 10sp chains are thinner, not the 9 speed that you need.
So verify that what he was quoting you was a 9 sp chain.
I know you are trying not to spend alot of money here, but have someone you trust at a shop check(measure) your cassette to see if it is worn out. If not, great.
Putting a new chain on a worn cassette negates some of the benefit. Putting one on a new cassette is like good sex! !
You are a fast rider, so these things will make a difference for you.
Nice to see you on Saturday. Stay safe



Drew
10.13.08 - 4:19 pm

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+1 on the SRAM, I like the master links which make chain removal pretty easy. Very reasonably priced too.



cabhauler
10.13.08 - 4:21 pm

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masterlinks also make it so the pins dont become mushroom shaped from being pushed in and out with a chain breaker.



ruinedbyidiots
10.13.08 - 4:22 pm

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@Drew, After our convo on Sat, I spent last night anxiously/uselessly inspecting my cassette -- way to make a girl nervous! =) I'm going to install the chain this week and see how it shifts, if it's weird I'll def. have someone look at the cassette too.

From the Bianchi specs, the new Veloce comes with a KMC chain, and the old chain looks like a KMC (I hope this isn't the original chain!), but all the SRAM votes have swayed me. Thanks guys!







nancine
10.13.08 - 4:34 pm

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Here's another perspective about mixing and matching from Lennard Zinn:

http://www.velonews.com/article/6007

I tend to agree with Zinn about this and I do a good amount of mixing and matching on my own bikes. But I also understand if you want to match stuff too, there's something nice about keeping it all Campy.

I'm also in favor of supporting your local shop, but Nashbar does have some 9-speed Record chains for $50.



cabhauler
10.13.08 - 4:41 pm

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SRAM or IRD, get one with a quick release master link which makes cleaning much easier. Shouldn't be much more than $35



0gravity
10.13.08 - 5:41 pm

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