Are 'better' chains actually better ?

[weeksy]

Just wondering really on a few things due to the S Works coming in, it has various super components on there like Hope jockey wheels, a PC XX1 chain, along with a SRAM XX1 cassette

My G160 has on it a SRAM PC1130 which is 2nd in the list of chains for the SRAM kit... the XX1 chain is about 5th up the ladder.

Now, cassettes i can understand, they're a LOT lighter on the XX1 than my cassette on the G160 for example, so yeah i get it. But chains, there can't be much in it can there ? the XX1 is 'hollow pin' and light weight, but apparently strong with it... However it's more than double the cost.

What's the thoughts ?

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

If you asked the same question about motorbike chains what answers do you think you'd get?
I dislike o ring chains on motorcycles, in my experience they get more tight spots than a normal chain, yet on most bike forums people think they're the best chains ever made, I suspect bicycles are the same, people will think because something is expensive and the press have told them it's good it's great, personally I'll buy whatever is cheap and replace it when it's worn out.

[weeksy]

If you asked the same question about motorbike chains what answers do you think you'd get?
I dislike o ring chains on motorcycles, in my experience they get more tight spots than a normal chain, yet on most bike forums people think they're the best chains ever made, I suspect bicycles are the same, people will think because something is expensive and the press have told them it's good it's great, personally I'll buy whatever is cheap and replace it when it's worn out.

I think people would say yes... but as much for corrosion properties as anything else. Cheap chains on motorbikes corrode a LOT more than a decent one...

Bicycles you also factor in weight, power loss, lifespan a bit more than you do on a motorbike though.

[Timmy]

I use shimano ulterga chains, plenty good enough for me without spending a fortune. Regular cleaning will make it last much longer though (not a problem you would suffer with though )

Chain checking tool is a must too, change the chain as soon as the chain is worn and it'll make the cassette and chainrings last longer too.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I think people would say yes... but as much for corrosion properties as anything else. Cheap chains on motorbikes corrode a LOT more than a decent one...

That's true, what I really like in a motorcycle chain is a good quality non O ring chain, which seems to be difficult to find.
Though I don't think I need to worry about corrosion, I only ride a bike when it's dry, and I probably do more track miles than road miles these days.

My ebicycle chain is going rusty after 700 miles of off road use in all weathers, I clean it and lube it after every wet ride, hasn't stopped the plates rusting - I think it's a SRAM chain, still works fine though.

[MingtheMerciless]

I’ve a SRAM eagle chain on my Curtis, I’m impressed with how well it’s lasting compared to some of the high end KMC stuff I’ve had in the past. I’ve also fitted a heavier ebike chain to the bike for the winter SS so I’ll report back on its durability.

[Beancounter]

FWIW, GMBN Tech did a video a couple of days ago on the 10 Common MTB Chain Maintenance Mistakes. Was a pretty good watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jVOD9vHt7Q