Been doing more and more leading trips recently, and looking at carrying a full spare chain to ward off chances of walking back.
Apart from 10 speed drivetrains, would a 9 speed chain cover pretty much everything? ie, 7/8/9 speed trains.
Accepting that the bike might be too worn to use a new chain...
Yes it would as KMC guarantee their 9-sp chain will work on an 8-sp drivetrain.
But on that basis, a 10-sp would also work as it is the same internal spacing....just costs a bit more.
I use KMC X10SL Gold off ebay for £23.
If you are concerned about the drivetrain working with new chain, carry a used one...it may be noisy or rough, but it only has to get you home.
PaulD
Wouldn't a selection of quick links be cheaper, easier to use, lighter to carry and more likely to work on worn out bikes?
Yes, I don't have a used one but my current chain will adopt that position when the time comes. Probably easiest to carry a 10spd chain and a bunch of split links for other chain sizes.
I'm not a fan of split links, usually split and rejoin a chain. However I've never had to do it in the rain/sleet/snow...
I agree with Mr Dog. I am often out with big groups and carrying 7,8,9 and 10 speed quick links works well; and is a whole lot cheaper.
I thought 9 and 10 speed cog teeth, and hence chains, were narrower, so wouldn't fit on 7/8 speed cassettes.
I run a 9-sp chain on an 8-sp cassette perfectly...KMC guarantee it.
A 10-sp chain is exactly the same internal size as 9-sp, just has thinner plates.
7-sp may need a quick check with Sheldon on cog thickness as I have not tried this combo...but I do run a 7-sp cassette with an 8-sp chain.
PaulD