Bicycle Mechanics - Does anyone have any recommendations for good a chain?

I thought I would change my Sachs pc 41 chain and was wondering which chain to use. I just bought a KMC Z-82s for $16.00 Cdn. But the reviews on this company in MTB Review were not very favourable. I may return it and buy a Sram pc 48 or the Sram pc 68. Does anyone have any recommendations for good a chain?

:confused:
Gordon p

One of the KMC models just scored very favorably in the latest issue of Mountain Bike Action. I think it was a KMC - One of those new one's that are supposedly teflon coated or something? From my experience, you can't go wrong with a SRAM chain.

-Moab

My personal favorite, Shimano 7701. It is the same as the 7700 but with teflon coating. Either way, the higher end SRAM or Shimanos are good chains.

I'm running a PC-48 on my commuter bike. I've no complaints

I have experienced no problems with KMC chains in 7 years. Of course I use expert and elite models for different rigs. I also have no complaints on Sram chins. However the best made IMHO are Wipperman and Rohloff. With Rohloff you may pay alot more but well worth it.

I've had good luck with SRAM on my commuter.

Originally posted by Hunter
However the best made IMHO are Wipperman and Rohloff. With Rohloff you may pay alot more but well worth it.

Where are such chains available?

How does a person tell compatability with thier bike? Or are there even compatability issues?

Chains are compatible with drivetrains based on the number of cogs on your cassete. This is because some chains (like 9 spd.) must be narrower in order to work with a bigger span. The way I understand it, a 9spd. chain might work with an 8 spd. drivetrain, but not the other way around. You would be better off staying safe and buying a chain designed for your drivetrain. Some chains will require some removal of links to fit properly.

-Moab

Get a Sram PC-69, PC-89, or get one of the higher end IG chains.

Personally.. I like the Sram's better... they dont freaking rust like IG's do. I had awesome luck with my PC-69 on my other bike.

Never broke the power link either.

:beer:

SRAM work for me. I like the powerlink concept.

The best chains at the top end of Shimano and SRAM are more likely to give you better service. If you opt for SRAM, match the chain to the cassette. I think they use something like a gold link for the 9-spd and silver for the 8s?

Dura Ace Chain with the SRAM Power Link works for me. A little quieter than the SRAM 69 but doesn't need the special pins.

In my opinion, there are lots of good chains, and like all things bicycling, more $$$ doesn't necessarily mean a better product, likely just one that's lighter and prettier. The chain is the weakest link (sorry, couldn't resist) on the bike, mechanically. Whatever you get/have, keep it lubed and monitor wear and condition.

Occasionally you hear a complaint about an SRAM powerlink breaking. I don't know anyone first-hand that has had it happen to them.

SRAM works really well. Not too expensive either. Although it's not as good as a Rohloff or some others, as long as you lube it and keep it clean, it'll last for a long time. Use teflon lube though, not wax based.

Marc