Bicycle Mechanics - What chain does everyone prefer?

I am just curious about what everyone's chain of choice is. For both mountain and road nine speeds. It's about time to replace them on both of my bikes. I am thinking about changing to SRAM but first I want to get everyone's opinions.

Thanks in advance!

Mountain

Sachs pc59 I believe is the nine speed one. This is an sram chain but can be used on shimano or sram.

No clue about road.

I've been using SRAM chains for a while now with no complaints. IMHO the powerlink is the best reason to own a SRAM chain. The link makes it so much more convienient to clean the chain, yank it off toss it in a coke bottle with some orange cleaner shake a few times and Voila clean chain.

The can be used for either.

Shimano chains are great but they lackt the powerlink which is just about the greatest thing to ever happen to chains. I personally ride the pc99 chains and they now have a few models with hollow pins or plates with holes in them for reduced weight. The pc59 and pc69 are also great choices for either mountain or road. Remember, all chains are not created equal.

-Ryan

I'll put in my vote for SRAM chains too. I have the PC99 on my MTB and the PC89R on my RB. I love the PowerLink... especially for cleaning. If you just happen to really like Shimano chains, you can still replace one of your links with a PowerLink and it works just as well too.

Well on my road I have a IRD chain, and on my cross a Wipperman chain (10sp Campy drivetrain), and on my MTB I have a SRAM PC99.

Road bike - Sram highest 8 speed chain cut down to 6 speed length.

Mountain bike - Sram pc-99

I run a Campy Record chain and have had no problems over the years. But lots of riders here are using the Wipperman chain (stainless) and keep bragging about how they shift and how quite they are.
I'm going to give it a try...

I run an 8-speed rear so I'm for the Shimano IG 90 chain.

I have not noticed any smoother shifting with the wipperman vs. the campy chain. I just like the removable link with it, the IRD has the same type of link with it, it was all black though so matched my bike better hahaha :)

SRAM

KMC its cheap & works just as well :beer:

Went from a Campy 10-speed to the Wipperman Conex. No difference in performance thus far. I did so because of all the bragging about longer life with the Wipperman. Campy went about 3.5K miles. If I can double that I will be very pleased.

SRAM Chains.

Road Bikes: PC-69 unless I can find PC-99 or PC-89R models on sale
Off-Road: PC-59 & PC-99 (Tandem drive chain)

SRAM! I've only heard good things about them. My road bike came stock with a SRAM and I have nothing to complain about. I've got a PC-99 in the mail for my mountain bike.

-Moab

SRAM, MEC sells them, they are well priced, $17 for the PC48 on the beater, and $27 for a PC59. I've yet to break a chain, Ive done in two powerlinks, but thats because of my lack of finesse in shifting.

I've got an sram on my road bike, I think its a 69? does that sound right? I can't find the powerlink though...really have't looked hard though. I suppose I'll do that next time I'm cleaning.

I've always used SRAM chains, but for some reason my Airborne, which has an Ultegra triple FD and an XTR RD, doesn't like them. So I use Shimano chains on it, and SRAM on the Novara. The Fuju is too new to have needed a chain replacement, but I'll probably stick with Shimano on its 105 group as well.

I always carry a chain tool anyway, so it's no big deal to have a few Shimano pins in the tool kit as well.

RichC

Gotta love Shi*No replacement rivets SO easy to lose on the trail.

I take back what I said about the IG90 ... it's rusting. =( I tried to oil it right after I rode that day, but it's already got some rust on the outer parts.

I've always gone with SRAM. But I received a Wipperman as a gift for Christmas and put it on last night. Haven't tried it yet but plan to today.

Very interesting thread. Here's what happens when you live in the middle of nowhere: you don't hear about SRAM being the home of the power link.

Forgive the n00b question, but is Sachs now SRAM in the world of chains?

Originally posted by Raiyn
Gotta love Shi*No replacement rivets SO easy to lose on the trail.
Rayin, I taped mine to my tool, c'mon, mind out of the gutter, it works for me.

sram, can't beat the powerlink :)

Regina "Oro" extra.

Maybe Regina America in a pinch.

Marty

Joining the chorus: SRAM PC69. The powerlink is great. I think that they are less stretchy than Shimano. The PC 69 really looks great. Seems like stainless steel even though it's not. When it's clean, it sure is purty. Save your old powerlinks, they can be used on other brands.

Rich

Thanks for the replies everyone. Glad to know that everyone is happy with their SRAM chains. Looks like I may go for the SRAM PC 99 hollow pin. Supposed to weigh about 30 grams less than the other chains.

Originally posted by Scooby Snax
Rayin, I taped mine to my tool, c'mon, mind out of the gutter, it works for me. :o :eek: Dude sick!! To each thier own I guess. :D


PS Read my sig "Never in the Gutter"

I've now used the Wipperman for two rides and it absolutely sucked. At least that's my first impression. Shifting is pathetic. I think it has to do with the fact that the sides of the links are straight as opposed to beveled like the SRAM. Adjusted the hell out of cable to no avail. Just put the SRAM back on.

SRAM.

Buy the cheapest chain that works for your drivetrain.

All the higher end stuff, bring cosmetic changes. (nickel plated etc...)

This way you can change your chain more frequently while hurting your wallet less...

Thus SRAM PC59 is my choice... cheap and has the Powerlink....

Shimano HG-72 on bike now. Works just fine. That level chain is a HG-73 now.

HG-92 going on bike soon. That chain has been waiting a while to be used. I used one before and it was sooooooooooooooo smooth. Newer name for that level chain is the HG-93.

Buy the cheapest chain that works for your drivetrain.

All the higher end stuff, bring cosmetic changes. (nickel plated etc...)

This way you can change your chain more frequently while hurting your wallet less...

Thus SRAM PC59 is my choice... cheap and has the Powerlink....
Here's a clue newbie just because EVERYTHING says "New" doesn't mean it is. The last post in this thread is from over TWO FRAKKING YEARS AGO
This has been covered many times since then and will be covered in the future as well. NEXT TIME CHECK THE DATES

Thread closed because more recent threads are addressing the same topic with newer information.