Originally Posted by TJHOO

Just put new SRAM PC-971 9 speed chain on my 9 speed mostly Shimano 105 bike (actually the cassette is SRAM 12-26). Switched to this to have "powerlink". Previously had Shimano HG-53 which was very smooth. Immediately in the stand (not been on road) notice roughness in both chainrings, worse in large chainring; worse toward smaller cogs of cassette. However shifts fairly crisply. No obvious skipping either.

Previous chain had 2.5k miles on it.

I did remove the jockey wheels one at a time from the rear derailleur to grease. Possibly could have replaced in opposite direction.

The chain is NOT rubbing the front derailleur.

Are 9 speed SRAM chains noisy on otherwise Shimano 9 speed drivetrains?
Could it be the powerlink?

http://www.sram.com/en/srammountain/...peed/pc971.php