Mountain Biking - Chains - which one ?

I am looking at Sram chains for ease of fitting & removing.

There are quite a few to choose from - is it worth the paying the additional $ for the marketed higher quality ones ?

Is it just weight saving or do the higher end chains also shift better ?

Finally then - what chain for XC/Enduro ?

The higher lines are not necessary. Even being as big of a weight weenie as I am I can't justify one of them. I run the PC-970. I ran the PC-69 (I think thats the number) for years and only broke one of them. Unfortunately they quit making that one.

Lowcel is right, not neccesary, but I too use the PC-69 and been told the PC970-971 is the replacement for the 69. LBS recommended not going any lower.

I run the PC-970. I
is that the same as the PC59? I just bought that, but havent installed it yet, i read it was a pretty good chain. Do you carry around extra powerlinks?

I think the pc59 is the same as the pc-950 chain. I'm running a pc-970 and broke it on my last ride. I carry an extra power link and it sure came in handy. Just pop off the broken link with the chain tool and pop on the power link. Took about 5 minutes, mostly 'cause I had to dig out the chain tool from my camelbak....

Dean

I prefer the Sachs/Sedis/SRAM chains for the Power Link and the better riveting. I've had so many problems with Shimano chains over the years, I just don't want to deal with them anymore. I ran PC-89R on my road bike for 6 years [one chain!], and PC-99 on my mtn bikes.

I also wanted to reaffirm what others have said about different SRAM chains. I've used a variety of them have noticed little difference in terms of shifting reliability and longevity between the lower cost (PC-59, PC-69, PC-950) and more expensive (PC-99, PC-990, PC-89R) SRAM chains.

I've had a PC-99 on my cyclocross commuter bike for about a year now, prior to that I had a PC-69. I've noticed virtually no difference in terms of overall performance and durability. The PC-69 lasted about a year/3000 miles, and I have about the same time and mileage on the PC-99 and it's about ready for replacement.

The more expensive chains are built with racers in mind. You are basically paying for lower weight, and in most cases this is only important to racers. For those of us who are commuters and recreational riders, 30-40mg less weight isn't worth the extra $20-30.