Hey guys, I already purchased my 520 sprockets (got a good deal on them), and now I need a chain. I didn't go 520 because of the weight savings or anything like that, but merely because the chains are cheaper than 525 chains and I got a good deal on the sprockets. Also I just bought a chain rivet kit so I'll be doing the install myself. I know 520 chains don't last as long, but I want to try it out to see if it's worth it in the end (if not, I'll go back to 525 when it's time to change again).

Anyway, I was looking on eBay and found two RK chains that I'm interested in:

RK GB520SHO XW -$36.94 shipped
RK 520XSO -$86.45 shipped

Anyone know the difference? Is the SHO XW sufficient? I know I'll be taking care of it regularly but I'll also be riding in the rain (the F4i is my commuter bike I ride year-round) so that might shorten the life a bit, but it's no problem.

I can't seem to find any info on the SHO XW chain on the RK site. Thanks

 

That chain is discontinued (I believe) so what you'd be getting is new, old stock. The "GB" stands for gold finish, and the "XW" is the ring type, which is like an x-ring. That's the one I'd go with.

 

excellent! now I only wonder how long it would last.. thanks