I need a new 10 speed chain. I am wandering if there is much difference between chain models, Sram PG 1071/1091 etc. Are the more expensive chains worth the money? What does a more expensive chain do that a lesser one doesn’t and what 10 speed chain would you recommend? Thanks.

I prefer KMC from Merlin

I like KCM as well. I use the X10-93, very affordable from bike-discount in particular:
http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k513/a7364/x10-93-chain-10-speed.html?mfid=373

Even cheaper, but this does not include the missing link:
http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k513/a71995/x10-93-chain-10-speed-assembly-packed.html?mfid=373

On One have good deals on both KMC and SRAM chain at the moment. I wouldn’t personally notice any difference in performance or longevity between those two

I’m a tart so have a kmc x10sl in gold.
But My main bike is still 9 speed so waiting to see how long it lasts

I’ve got used to KMC in the last few years and have had no problems with them.
Only difference between the cheaper / expensive ones seems to me to be weight. Want light = pay more. Kind of feels as simple as that.
I got one of the Nitride coated KMC ones this year, goldy coloured and it seem sot be quite easy to keep clean so have liked that.

+1 KMC

Buy cheap and replace regularly whatever brand you buy. Cassettes and chain rings are far more expensive than chains. I’ve just bought the bottom spec SRAM 10 spd chain. The next one up in the range is the same chain but Nickel plated for better corrosion resistance – but if you keep up your chain maintenance then corrosion isn’t an issue. As you move further up the range you’re paying relatively big bucks for tens of grams of weight saving. So no, I’d say expensive chains are not worth it.

I’m going to put together an all XT drivetrain on a Soul soon and I was planning on using the HG94 chain but having read the above, I’m now wondering about trying a KMC.

Are the KMC chains any better/worse/different to the HG94 in terms of performance? Not too worried about longevity as I tend to replace chains quite regularly.

Simply put don’t use shimano chains. Yes they work well but stretch fast and use an annoying split pin system. Kmc or Sram chains any day over shimano.

Jez http://www.followingthechainline.blogspot.com