Shimano's XTR Chain Is Actually the BEST Bang for Your Buck!

If you all have mileage numbers you’ve hit before that 0.5% stretch, let me know! I’d love to collect some data!

A wise man changes his mind, thanks for the video!

I know it’s one person perspective: I’ve used deore, SLX and XT 12s chains on the same bike for the last 5 years, I could only get 6-700km out of deore and slx chains, but I get over 2000km on XT. Same transmission, same weather, same rider weight, pretty much. I also started using muc-off dry lube, dry brushing the chain after each ride and applying new lube, washing it once a month (I mostly ride in dry climate) and this seems to lengthen the chain lifespan. Where I live, XTR chains are double the price of XT, while XT is only a fraction more expensive than deore, so I don’t think I’ll try one any time soon. I’ve got a full SLX drivetrain, but derailleur pulleys, 10-45 cassette, and chain: these crucial components are in fact XT. And that’s where XT matters for real.

This has been a great series. I am going to check my chain RIGHT NOW! Thank you!

I've been using the XT chain since last year. Been loving the shifting performance but I hate the fact that it's not very resilient against rust so I went back from using wet lube instead of chain wax lube. I've been trying to justify getting the XTR chain once my current XT chain wears out and I'm glad you uploaded this. I guess I now have two XTR components that I wouldn't mind getting, the calipers and the chain. 😂

Instant improvement since last video, keep it up! Thanks for the info, it really did answer to me why should I spend TWICE the price on supposedly The Same Chain But Lighter!

Thank you for this video, these info are exactly what I need. I m going to change the chain and your infos are all I need to know about diferences among the chains :)

Great overview, last week I put on a new XT chain and literally broke the plates three times in a few days, most likely a copy. Will give XTR a go from reputable dealer! cheers

I’ve been thinking about this after changing my original Deore chain last month. Got about 500 miles out of it before it was shifting poorly and stretched past .5. Going to try a more thorough lube/clean routine with the new one and see if that helps at all. If not I might make the jump to XTR… Looking forward to the rest of this series!

Nice video bro 👍, I'm following from the beginning and I'm so excited to see that final bike build

A brake comparison will be challenging. There is a lot of subjectivity involved. I’ve used SLX & XT and have my own opinion. It will be interesting to watch your video when it comes out.

This is funny. They cheaped out on 12 speed chains compared to 11 speed… the only difference between the XT and XTR 11 speed were the hollow pins. If you ride in shit conditions, the XTR 12 speed is definitely the best one. The “brown” finish rusts quickly, the “gray” is also low grade. The “sil-Tec” is bombproof. How do I know? 4 years of Canadian winter commuting. Thanks for the video.

Nice video! Can’t wait for the brakes test. As of right now I really think deore 4 pot is best for the buck

Awesome shirt! ;) Yesterday was closing day for the season at Ray's. Sad face!

I believe it was on GCN where one of the pro team mechanics said if there's something you shouldn't cheap out on it should be the chain. Side note: if you wax your cn-9100 make sure you poke the wax out of the holes. A wire hanger works pretty good.

Nice job! Super informative discussion, Thank you! KC CA USA

Ive used XTR, Ive used Deore chains. And kept close track of mileage, both lasted exactly the same, one has hollow pins.

I switched over to road and gravel bikes a few years back. I only use the the CN-HG901 XTR/DuraAce chains on our entire fleet. The chain is changed at exactly 1000 miles on every bike. Never an issue. Not sure though how that translates into MTB miles since I’ve been out of the realm for far too long.

Great Video!!

Just looking at the tracker for my trail/enduro bike. XTR 864km, XT 1383km & current XT 1275km (and still going). Replacing between 0,5 & 0,75. Still on the first XTR cassette.