How to choose a new chain

[tesnusxenos]

Hi,
I ride a 92 paramount. I recently replaced the rear cassette with a 11/30 Sram because I am doing a lot of steep mountain stuff. I put on a HG53 chain it was new off of ebay and have had a lot of problems with it. I want to replace with a better chain but I have no idea how to choose. I have a chain tool on my co2 pump, so quick link are not a necessity.

[cyclerUK]

In what way do you have problems?
What rear derailleur do you have on the bike?
How many gears do you have?
Is it a double or triple chainset?

[tesnusxenos]

I had three links come apart at different times
I have the Ultegra 600 rear derailler.
eight gears on the cassette
double 36/48 chainset

[cyclerUK]

If the HG53 has come apart three times then there is something wrong with the assembly.
The HG53 should work O.K. but is advertised as a 9 speed chain.
You could try another make of chain either KMC or Sram or a Shimano HG70.

I also think that the Ultegra 600 derailleur is not ideal for shifting to a large 30T sprocket.
The 600 is a road derailleur and designed for no more than a 27T size sprocket.
So if you are having trouble selecting gears then this could be why?
You maybe need to change it for an MTB type of derailleur.

I use "quick" links on all my chains for the ease of removal for maintenance purposes.
(I still carry a chain tool just in case though.)