Chain replacing specs?

[DebW]

You need to know the number of cogs on the rear cassette. You'll ask for an 8-speed chain, a 9-speed chain, or a 10-speed chain. You need a chain tool to cut the new chain to the same length as the old one. SRAM chains are easy to install, as they have a powerlink that slides together to connect the chain. Shimano chains must be put together with a chain tool and a special pin, and the procedure is quite specific. Just read the directions that come with the chain.

[tzvia]

Yes as DebW mentioned, the rear cog count is the 'type' of chain. However, if your chain is worn out, you may want to also check your rear cogs as they may be worn too, along with the front chainrings. Putting a new chain (will be 'tighter' less space between each pin) on a worn cogset/chainring will contribute to bad shifting, chain skipping and possibly chain derailing. The cogs you use most may be quite worn so it is good to look at the whole drivetrain and determine it's overall health.

As for chain brands, I don't like SRAM. They are noisy and don't shift as crisply as Shimano or Wipperman. Wipperman is my favorite, and they make an easy to use quick-link which makes removing and installing it easy.

[wavedancer]

The ultimate chain-cleaning procedure from the venerable late Sheldon Brown:
http://sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html

Note: originally posted April1, 2007

[jmilburn]

No...It does need more than a cleaning. Or at least I've never known chain stretch to go away no matter how much degreaser I use . The cogs are fine, but a friend of let me use his chain stretch tool, and it looks like its about time. So I guess i need a 9 speed SRAM chain, and a chain tool to cut the old shimano chain. Thats enough?
Thanks for the help