I've decided to go up a step from SRAM951 since the last of my 10 pack is looking floppy and shabby. Do all the shiny coated ones keep the shine? Any to avoid or any miles better for the money? Any deals out there?

KMC X9SL [Gold]. Quality, lightweight, missing link easy to open close for removal and cleaning. Which is great because its gold bling looks deserve to be kept clean. It keeps the bling in my experience for over a year of muddy/gritty/dusty rides – so far anyway. Just bought another for new bike to replace dull grey SRAM…

Yep, another vote for KMC, cracking chains & available in bling gold if you so wish.

I can't help think a chain is the last place i want to save weight.
The cheaper the better, long as it shifts.

KMC +1

Had the gold sl KMC on my bike for 6 months of grityy, hard use, never broke, and lasted more miles than sram or shimano ones do! recommended.

my SL9 is about 60g lighter than my SRAM 951.

you can get good deals on KMC on ebay.

Whilst I always used X9SLs, and will probably use X10SLs now, they don't shift as well though, they have a fair bit of lateral 'play' between the inner/outer plates, they also seem to wear out very fast IME. Maybe it's just my shocking gear shifting!

Good chains, but a PC991 does shift better.

http://www.xcracer.com/jn_shop/viewproduct.php?productid=42

or one of these.

Anyone tried a Yumeya chain?

Can't remember the make but "coloured" is the way to go 😉

Connex did coloured chains. They looked horrendous.

Yumeya chain looks alright, but not worth the price over standard XTR IMO.

Can't remember the make but "coloured" is the way to go 😉

Im running two Yumeya's – very happy with them. Lighter than XTR, cheapish (£35) and look pretty with gold 🙂

Sorry for the crap piccy…..