Shimano Dura-Ace CN-7701

Price Paid:  $25.00 at Performance

Bike Setup:
9 spd ultegra

Summary:
I found this chain for sale at the big P for 25 bucks and grabbed one up to replace an older permagunked up but otherwise trusty shimano chain. Third ride in, on a 20 mile commute home, the chain starts making a ticking sound and I can feel some feedback in the pedals once every chain rotation. I check it out at home and one of the outer plates has bent outward and separated from its pin. I replace the entire link, and 3 miles into the very next ride another outer plate from a different spot completely separates and falls off. I decided I didn't need any more of this and returned it for a Sram chain.

I don't know if I got a bum chain or what, I'm a competent guy and I've pulled and re-connected plenty of chains before with no issue. Furthermore, nothing I would've done would have caused the chain to break in two different spots, nor would it have caused a link to let go of both pins that were holding it. Chain was 9-speed on an entirely 9-speed shimano drivetrain, lubed with finish line pro. It's disappointing that a top shelf product would behave this way.

Strengths:
Was quiet and smooth while it lasted

Weaknesses:
Only lasted 2 rides, back-to-back link failures thereafter. Provided final link-pin out of the box isn't nearly as slick a setup as a powerlink or similar.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano Ultegra, SRAM PC-991

Price Paid:  $20.00 at nashbar

Favorite Ride:
Hunterdon County, NJ

Bike Setup:
1999 Litespeed Classic, Look LDS fork, Cinelli bar & stem, Turbomatic saddle, Dura Ace 9 speed drivetrain, hand built tubulars

Summary:
I've been using Shimano chains on my Shimano drivetrains for 18 years, first the 7/8 speed Uniglide chains, and now 9 speed HyperGlide. I have never had one fail. I remove the gunk they pack it in, install the HG connecting pin correctly, lube it with ProLink, and replace the chain every few thousand miles so the rest of the drivetrain doesn't wear out. I don't remove the chain from the bike to clean it, I just squirt somemore ProLink on it and wipe it with a rag.
I have seen both the 10 speed Dura Ace chains as well as the 10 speed Campy chains break during rides. They are too thin, IMO.
There is not much difference between the Dura Ace chain and the lower-price point versions except the finish. The DA chain is fully nickel plated, whereas the cheaper ones are only partially plated or not at all. I don't think the plating extends the lifespan of the chain, it just looks fancier.

Strengths:
Shifts smoothly, runs quietly

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Sedisport (years ago)

Price Paid:  $29.00 at Performance

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
Scandium Compact Frame, 10 SPD Ultegra, Mavic SL's, FSA Compact Crank, Truvative, Giga Team Ti, Easton Carbon Post, Fizik Seat, Vittoria EVO CX tires,

Summary:
Shifts great, quiet, smooth, much better than the stock chain that came on my bike.

Strengths:
Performance, no noise!

Weaknesses:
none yet

Similar Products Used:
tons so far this is the best

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Denver Spoke

Favorite Ride:
As far from my trainer as possible

Bike Setup:
Merlin D/A

Summary:
First let me say that Shimano products don't generally excite me. With that said, I would have to admit that I've had very good luck with the Dura Ace chains. I used SRAM chains for years until I got one chain that must have been made on the Friday after New Years Days. That sucker just wouldn't work. Out of desperation (I had a race the next day) I purchased a DA chain. I've used two of them now putting several thousand miles on each of them without any problems. I rarely, if ever, clean my chains and will just apply some lub and wipe when it begins screeching at me. Neither of the two chains have skipped a beat or ghost shifted. I do notice that I can get one more gear than normal without grind when crossing over between the chainrings and cassettes.

Strengths:
Relatively inexpensive (compared to Campy, Wipperman) solid no-frills performance.

Weaknesses:
Installation Instructions? I use the good old school chain tool method without any problems. And yes, the goo that Shimano packs these in sucks ass! Try to remove it before using.

Similar Products Used:
SRAM, SedisSport (Now I'm dating myself), Shimano, Campy.

Price Paid:  $29.00 at Lots of Places

Favorite Ride:
The Scream Machine

Bike Setup:
Stock Giant TCR 0

Summary:
The best chain to use with Dura Ace components. Other chains are a tad too wide or not flexible enough and rub and make funny noises when riding. This chain lines up perfectly.

Strengths:
Perfect compatibility with DA group. Strong, long lasting. No more expensive than other chains.

Weaknesses:
Stinky, stinky packing goo. Get it off before installing the chain. Shimano needs to get an easier installation/removal concept like sram and others use. None of this detracts from the pure functionality of this chain.

Similar Products Used:
Sram 89(?). KMC (for track)