When you think about upgrades, a new bike chain isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Chains are normally considered maintenance items and are all too often ignored. Most people only pay attention to their chain when there is a problem. However, you should be periodically checking for wear and replacing the chain before it is worn out. This prolongs the life of the cassette, ensures proper performance and guards against failure.
You can, however, upgrade your chain. Wipperman has been in the chain business for a long time, producing chains for a variety of purposes, including timing chains for Mercedes-Benz. Wipperman chains are considered top notch in quality. Its Connex line of bike chains offers Wipperman quality for Shimano and Campagnolo drive trains.
For the first time since the arrival of Shimano's 10-speed drive trains, there is an alternative to the Shimano chain. Wipperman actually has two, the 10S1 stainless steel, hollow pin chain and the 10S0 steel chain. This review pertains to the 10S1 stainless steel version.
The 10S1 provides four performance enhancements that make it a worthwhile upgrade. First and foremost is the improvement in shifting performance. It's not that the Shimano 10-speed chain doesn't shift well, but the Wipperman is stiffer laterally making each shift more crisp and immediate, particularly up front. It even seemed to cure a problem I had with Stronglight Pulsion cranks in a Shimano 10-speed drive train. When shifting from the big to the small chain ring up front, the chain would get hung in between the two leaving me in "neutral" with the chain unable to engage the small chain ring. I'd have to go back to the big ring and try again. It didn't happen every time, but it happened enough to be annoying and enough that I lost confidence with the shifting.
This shifting anomaly never happened with the Wipperman chain, likely due to the higher lateral stiffness of the chain. The space between Stronglight chain rings is a little wider than Shimano's rings to accommodate both nine and ten speed drive trains from both Shimano and Campy in one crank set. The stiffer chain makes the jump more efficiently.
The next improvement with the Wipperman chain is the material itself - stainless steel. Since triathletes ride after swimming the chain is exposed to water in addition to the sweat that normally drips on it. Do you clean and lube your chain after each ride? I didn't think so. Stainless steel isn't impervious to the elements, but it does hold them off longer.
Another improvement is the expected life of the Wipperman chain. Wipperman claims it is 18 - 20% longer than the life of a Shimano 10-speed chain. That would be good as the Wipperman chain cost more than the Shimano chain. It will be a few more miles before I can verify the claim so I'll have to update this review down the road.
The final improvement is the Connex connecting link. Shimano chains are connected with a connecting pin that requires a special tool to install. The same tool is required to break the chain for removal. Wipperman chains are connected with the Connex connector that can be installed and removed easily with your hands. I consider this a performance enhancement because it allows the chain to be removed for cleaning both it and the bike. This makes it much easier to clean chain rings and dérailleurs. I like to clean chains by dropping them in a jug filled with degreaser and shaking, so being able to remove the chain without tools or having to purchase new connecting pins is important to me. Bike parts last significantly longer when they are clean and properly lubricated.
In addition to the performance enhancements, the 10S1 looks very cool. In contrast to the dull coloration of most chains, stainless steel stands out and looks much better.
While $85 may seem a bit high for a bike chain, I think crisper shifting, increased drive train life, easier cleaning and cool looks makes it well worth the price. If that still doesn't convince you, try the 10S1's little brother, the 10S0. For $30 less, you'll get crisp shifting, additional life and ease of maintenance and only give up the stainless steel.
As the TgR staff wrench, the Connex connector has made my life much easier. Thanks Wipperman.
Mark
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