You hear it said quite often, "For best overall drivetrain performance, use the same brand of components throughout". I have always found this to be true especially regarding cassette / chain combos. There are, of course, exceptions and many accounts of mixed combos that work just fine.
In my case, I added a Sram PG-1170 (11-36) cassette to my Shimano GRX 810 equipped Trek Checkpoint SL6 in place of the stock Shimano XT (11-34) cassette for just a touch more low end. Now, paired with the stock XT / Ultegra chain, the drivetrain became noisier and mysteriously would not upshift from the 13 to the 12 cog. I checked and experimented for hours with every aspect of adjustment possible (proper chain length, b-screw, trim screws etc.) to no avail.
I've read many accounts of Sram cassettes / Shimano chain combos working fine. I was baffled that mine wouldn't do the same. So I switched to a SRAM PC-1170 chain and BOOM !......Problems gone.
Now my entire system is quieter running and shifts perfectly in every gear.
"For best overall drivetrain performance...................
It would seem that all chains are pretty much the same but not so. The SRAM chains are the quietest chains I've used on my bikes and provide smooth shifting and reliable wear. I've been buying these chains for several years now and I will continue to do so.
I wanted to upgrade the stock KMC chain that came with my Giant Advanced Pro2. The drive train was very noisy in the smaller cogs on the cassette. I also purchase the chain tool and was able to do the replacement myself. What a difference! Shifting is crisper and the drive train is quite in the high and low gears. When it's on sale you can't beat it. Very pleased.
Another great product from SRAM. I use this on my 1x11 CX1 Super X Cross Bike and love it. No dropped chains, always crisp shifting! The CX1 1X11 is a game changer, it has plenty of range! I run a 11-32 in the back. No dropped chains in the past 2 years of CX racing is so fast!!!
Installed on Ultegra 8000 system. From the beginning experienced an unintended ghost shift from 11th to 10th under moderate to high load one to several times per ride. Was not able to resolve the issue by adjustments to the rear derailleur. Went back to Shimano Ultegra chain and no longer experience the ghost shifts.
Great product, not as light as the Red version but I run it on my Red eTap and it runs as good and lasts longer than its lighter weight upgrade. Its not worth the cost and weight savings to go with the upgrades in my opinion
My new bike came with a $100 KMC chain which didn't work well. Very noisy in the smaller cogs. Switched to this chain and the noise was gone. Love this chain will always use SRAM going forward. Someone else reported the same issue with a KMC chain and the 11-speed cassette like mine.
