KMC Chain Guide
http://www.Bikeguide.org
Z30
1/2x3/32
Basically a very weak version of a 410 (no "H")
Used on budget race bikes.
Don't bother.
How to spot it: looks like a thin 410 (no "H")
410 (NO "H")
1/2x1/8 This is your normal everyday chain. Found on beach cruisers and such.
DO NOT GRIND Unless you want to walk home.
How to spot it: normal pins. Plates are thin. Normal side profile.
410H
1/2X1/8
Much better than a 410, but not as good as a 415 or 510. This is your basic
everyday heavy duty chain.
How to spot it: looks to 410 except thick side plates. Held side by side, its very noticeable.
Side plate strength is ok, however pin strength still sucks.
Other 410 variations.
All others are normal 410's. With different purposes. Example: RB is the Rust
Buster,. its white in color. Its coated to protect against salt water corrosion.
415
AKA Fat or Fat Fuck
1/2X3/16 (race chains are 1/2X3/32)
While the side pates are 25% stronger than a 510. The pins are actually %60 weaker! In fact the pins on
the 415 are only 10% stronger than the 410H.
Personally, I think they give a false sense of security. I watched a guy break 3 in one night.
How to spot it: This one is easy to spot. Look for the overweight, horrible riding thing.
BOX: Big black box, double thick as others and almost double in size.
510 and 610
The bad ass!
Also known as Z510HX and Z610HX
510 1/2X1/8
610 1/2X3/32 (Race tooth)
Note* There is now a 510 and 510H, which are NOT the same chain!
Notice the pins. They have a dimple in the middle. AKA Bullseye pins. The pins are stronger, combined with good plates that don't snag, make this a great chain for use on
sprockets with guards. Though I have seen these take on cinder blocks and come away with no problems. First guy I knew who tried one, went
through a 410H per week. 510 lasted him 6 months+.
%25 less side plate strength than a 415, 60% stronger pins. That's right. the pins are actually stronger on this.
Other than possibly the Loophole chain (which is hard to get in the U.S. but some companies are cloning it), this is the best chain for its weight. In the U.S. this is a tough chain to beat.l
* See note at the bottom about availability.
How to spot it: Looks like a 410H but with Bullseye pins. The pins give it away.
BOX: Comes in a gold box with Premium written in silver on it. Look for the pins!!! Euro guys, this comes in a red box.
* Update: KMC has recently released a 510 and 510H, I have no idea on the strength of these, but why mess with them, when you canhave this.
Koolchain... 710 and 810.
710 is 1/2 X 1/8
810 is 1/2 X 3/32 (Race tooth, why you would want this for race I have no idea)
Notice the pins. They have a dimple in the middle.
Supposed to be a Tiny bit stronger than a 510. Most peoples experience is that the larger plates snag on concrete and get ripped off easier. Looks like they are using stronger metal than before, which is a good thing.
Known to many as the UN-Kool chain. The plates seem to get snagged and rip off easy, due to the leverage they have on the pin.
Also, they stretch uneven. You can run it a weak. Take it off and dangle it, and watch it curve. This causes all sorts of weird problems. Mine I got sick of it after a weak of feeling it trying to jump teeth (it
can't due to the plates, but it tries), I figured it was a bad chain, and tried another. After another week I dumped it and threw a 510 on. I have not gone back since. Everyone else I know running this, has gone back to 410H, 415, and 510's.
How to spot it: thick and tall plates, and Bullseye pins.
BOX: Black box with Big Kool written on it. Can't miss it.
*Not all distributors carry the 510 chain. If they do not have it tell them to check J&B, TIP
Plus, and S&M all distribute them. They will cost about $3-5 more than a 410H.
Worth every penny.