Wich road chain?

[ChuckyRagnar55]

Hi everyone, there might be a thread for this, but I can't find it. I need help with a 12-speed road bike chain. I've installed a Goldix 11-34 steel cassette and 55-40 Stone chainrings. The groupset is Wheeltop EDS EX 6800. According to artificial intelligence, the smartest option is a KMC X12, but I've read that they don't last very long, and I wouldn't want to break the chain and damage my teeth. Any advice or experience? I've used a KMC 11-speed without problems, but now I'm not so sure.

[Da11as]

No discussion here. Hot waxed in Silca/Squirt XTR/Dura-Ace or YBN SLA.

[jfcb]

I'm a big fan of the Ultegra chains (price-wise the best option). With squirt/drip wax they almost don't wear out.

[Dan S.]

With today’s prices, I would opt for either Ultegra, or Dura-Ace chains. I’ve recently bought a Dura-Ace chain for roughly 45 USD. A bargain. Paired with Dynamic Prime Wax, to be topped with their Slick Wax.

[jsiegrist]

Another vote for DA chain and Silca hot wax. I've got an 11sp DA chain on one of my bikes with over 30k Km on it. Chain check shows almost no wear. I am pretty diligent about waxing though. It's honestly shocking how long they last when they're waxed!

[bremerradkurier]

KMC also sells pre-waxed chains which save the work of stripping them before the first hot wax in Silca, MSW, or whatever additive containing wax you're using.

My 12 speed ones aren't showing any measurable wear at the 2500 km mark.

[crazyravr]

KMC also sells pre-waxed chains which save the work of stripping them before the first hot wax in Silca, MSW, or whatever additive containing wax you're using.

My 12 speed ones aren't showing any measurable wear at the 2500 km mark.

If you do proper waxing, there should be no wear for at least 10K km.

I have both KMC and Ultegra. They both run smooth BUT the shimano chain is for sure quieter. Does this mean anything....... I dont think so. All chains get hot wax weekly and drip wax in between. I try to get a weekend (300-350km) on a fresh wax chain and then top up every 200km with drip wax. By next weekend that gets replaced with another chain.
I do around 20K km yearly and every spring buy new pair of chains.

[Takiyaki]

Chains are def in the same category as tires in that its not worth cheaping out on

[alfiomotrambo]

Chains are def in the same category as tires in that its not worth cheaping out on

I totally agree with you. I heard a story about a guy who lost his frame due to a faulty KMC chain https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005009520281907.html. The chain broke between one link and the other.