Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Terry C on July 12, 2012 at 14:25

I use 9 speed Ultegra with a KMC Super light chain. ( Box marked KMC  X9SL Gold ). The gold  refers to titanium nitrided coating. The chains are about $35 on Ebay, and I am completely satisified with this combination.  By using the "quick links" for chains that are now available, regular cleaning is just so easy.

Permalink Reply by Roger N on July 12, 2012 at 14:30

Probably not much in it as far as the cassettes are concerned. It's been a while since Ultegra was nine speed so, assuming that the Tiagra is a 4500 series and therefore later, they're probably much the same quality. Perhaps the Ultegra might have a slight edge (I note that the 6500 9 speed Ultegra is 60 grams lighter than the Tiagra if you are a weight weeney) but it would need to be very slightly used to justify not getting a newy. Bear in mind that a newy tiagra 9spd cassette is only $20 from Ribble
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/Cassettes-Road-Shi... - versus $50 for the Ultegra
As far as chains are concerned I use KMC because of the convenience of the joiner link. I've used this one successfully in the past. Probably not better than others, just the devil I know.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/Chains-KMC-X9-X993...
In my experience you don't really save much by just replacing the chainrings, it's about the same cost to replace the whole chainset (about $50 from Ribble for a 9spd). By the way I'm not on a commission from Ribble, I just happened to be on there looking for something else.
Actually I may even have a barely used Tiagra 9 spd chainset in the shed that you could have for a very few sheckles. Cheers

Permalink Reply by Troy Collett on July 12, 2012 at 14:40

ah right.I already have the cassette, just need a good chain.Im thinking the used Ultegra will go on the wheel i intend to use on the indoor trainer

Permalink Reply by Terry C on July 12, 2012 at 14:40

There are still plenty of choices for new nine speed driveline components. My steel bike also uses 9 speed, and currently has a Sram cassette and KMC chain with Dura-Ace chain rings - - works perfectly.

Permalink Reply by Troy Collett on July 13, 2012 at 13:45

all I have to decide now is which chain to use

Permalink Reply by Terry C on July 13, 2012 at 14:24

What ever chain you chose, make sure that it has bevelled inner edges on the side plates - - this aids shifting, and some cheap chains do not have this feature. KMC chains do have bevelled edges.

Permalink Reply by Troy Collett on August 3, 2012 at 14:06

I assume a Tiagra 9 speed chain would have this?  cycling express has tiagra chains for $19.95.I cant see the difference in $20 vs $50 for a chain

Permalink Reply by Terry C on August 3, 2012 at 14:47

The Tiagra and equivalent chains have quite a small bevel on the inner edges, and further up the scale, larger bevel for better lead in, some have beveling on the outer edges to ensure smoother shift to the big ring, plus hollow pins and slotted plates to reduce weight. Personnally, as my bikes have Ultegra and Dura-Ace, I fit the best chain available.

The latest Dura-Ace chain is uni-directional, and MUST be fitted with the writing on the plates facing OUT.  If it fitted incorrectly, it can actually jump off while under load, resulting in a possible fall.   

Permalink Reply by Troy Collett on August 3, 2012 at 14:51

ah so a better quality chain is the go then

Permalink Reply by Terry C on August 3, 2012 at 15:05

Yes, I believe so, and that opinion is based on many years of riding, putting together my own bikes, plus my life long career in mechanical engineering. If you are running Tiagra based components, then I would suggest a 105 equivalent would do the job.