Mountain Biking - Chains..... all the same?

ok, i need a new chain. SRAM seems a better deal, but even SRAM dosent know whats the difference. is there any? and what about shimano chains? does it make a difference?

I'm really digging SRAM stuff lately. I have 2 sets of wheels. On one, I have an XT cassette, on the other I have a SRAM 970 cassette. I have been running a 990 chain on either cassette and it seems to work equally well.

I totally prefer the SRAM chain to my XT chain that I usually use because of the power link. It's so easy to take that sucker off and give it a thorough cleaning every blue moon.

I can't tell any difference between the two except for the powerlink. That is enough of a reason for me to buy SRAM.

Sachs-Sedis [now owned by SRAM] invested a lot of time, money and research into their chain design, both for shifting and pin strength. The higher-end chains have better riveting processes which lead to lower failure rates. I'm still using a Sachs chain that I bought in the mid-90's that is on its third bike. Granted, the chain went from mtn to road to singlespeed, but damn! That's way more life than I ever got out of an XT chain. The Power Link kicks a great deal of ass as well.

I tend to like wipperman (ooo colours) and sram. Both have "similar" power link system. I kept breaking shimano chains (not sayig they are weak, but they didn't work for me)

SRAM chains are looking good, i have one on a single speed, and my shimano HG chain just ate it. i think im going for a 991 chain. 10 bucks more, and its lighter. cant beat that!

I currently have 5 bikes and they are on shimano..they seems ok...but from now on, if i need a new chain...i mite think of SRAM becuase of power link...

BTW...SRAM chain works with shimano gears and der(s) rite?

thats what i have been told.

BTW...SRAM chain works with shimano gears and der(s) rite?

Yeah, they work perfect together.

I thought the SRAM thing was a bunch of hooey until I replaced my Shimano chain. Total replacement time for shimano chain to shimano chain (first time): 25 minutes. SRAM to SRAM-2 minutes.

Hoorah for SRAM

The shimano 9-speed chain that I just bought (hg53) came soaked in more vaseline than I had degreaser to remove it. This grease laughed at dish soap. If you do buy shimano, be prepared to spend some time cleaning it.

It also has some strange pins that gave my pocket-sized park tool (ct-2?) a lot of trouble. Gonna need a bigger chain tool I suppose.

The shimano 9-speed chain that I just bought (hg53) came soaked in more vaseline than I had degreaser to remove it. This grease laughed at dish soap. If you do buy shimano, be prepared to spend some time cleaning it.

It also has some strange pins that gave my pocket-sized park tool (ct-2?) a lot of trouble. Gonna need a bigger chain tool I suppose.

It isn't vaseline and that stuff actually lasts a long time. I left mine in place and it really helped during the fall rainy season. Shed water and mud like mad.

lets see, I prefer SRAM, i broke 2 Shimano chains, and now I'm still on SRAM chain numero uno, The powerlink is mucho delicioso, ten times better and more convenient, as far as SRAM, so far my experience using their stuff has been good

So are you Saying Vaseline is good for your chain

No I meant to say thats not vaseline, it is a very stick grease that isn't harmfull to your chain. One of my first chains I cleaned it off to but was later told by a mech buddy of mine that I could have left it on

That coating looks and feels like cosmoline that is used to protect metal for long-term storage. I get it on new guns all the time. I prefer the Sachs/SRAM chains. The power link really does it for me. Cost and PW link wins every time for me.

I spend the extra moeny and buy my kids (22 &14) wipperman stainless steel chains. They last, they have the con-ex link - which makes chain cleaning easy - and, overall, I find (being the one who pays!) that they last longer.

My older son rides alot and races a little. The younger one races and rides alot - and a new chain at x-mas doesn't always get used right away - sometimes it August before he changes it.