Mountain Biking - Chains

What do you all think is better? Shinmano XT 9 speed chain or the SRAM PC-99 9-speed? also compare the PC99 to the XTR as well.

ps anyone know if the SRAM hollow pin chains r any good?

cheers:beer:

PC99 only for the fact that it weighs less (Its the hollow pin, right?) and the Power-Link will make it easy as all hell to keep your chain clean since you can remove it with just your hands. Which means your drivetrain lives a longer life and your shifts are cleaner for longer.


I have a SRAM chain that's been awesome... it's the PC99. I've ridden Sachs, Shimano.. practically everything. And to be honest a chain is pretty much a chain... some will last longer and resist stress better, but for the most part they're pretty much the same.

BTW... the chain I broke was a Shimano, not that it really means much. But I weigh 140 pounds and I don't think I'm really strong enough to be breaking chains. I was climbing a steep incline, not even shifting.. just climbing... when the chain snapped loose and I came smashing down on my assets.


http://www.dirtpassion.com/pissed

for me weight doesn't matter. its about strength and cost. the PC99 is not the hollow pin holes its like the PC 89something thats the hollow pin i think.

i have a pc58 right now that im really impressed with which makes me really consider continueing with them once i switch from 8speed to 9.

the power link is a god sent indeed.

I really don't think you can go wrong with the SRAM chains. What matters the most is that it's installed correctly!! Reguardless of brand, if it's installed right a chain is pretty much a chain.

man u respond fast lol:D

Yeah.. I'm just browsing the forums, looking around.

:)

thanx man SRAM it is

do NOT get a hollow pin chain. If you break a pin, you can't replace it on the trail without a mess of gold links. You can't re-press the hollow pins, they collapse.

I would only get a hollow pin for road.

A PC89R is fine (hollow plates), or the PC99 (non hollow).

I don't like Shimano chain's. I have broken a number of them.

My buddy dave has broken 3 SRAM PC89R-hollow pin chains. My buddy Justin broke 1 of them, and then one Shimano chain.

PC99, or 89R. No hollow pins, and I wouldn't ride a Shimano.

I too have had similar experiences with the CN-7700/Dura-Ace/XTR chain weaknesses (http://journals.neebu.net/khuon/archives/2001_05.html). I too went to SRAM PC99 (non-HP). I too have been more than happy since and have stuck with SRAM chains on all my bikes for both durability and ease of maintenance (which IMHO directly effects lifetime of the chain). I also concur about the HP criticism. Although I don't have any first-hand experience with the HP chains, I run PC99 on MTBs and 89R on my RB and stayed away from HP versions because they looked like trouble.

in my limited experience I've found SRAM to last longer and be stronger than Shimano but that's 8spd. Shifting wise all chains feel pretty much the same to me...

I to have converted all my bikes to sram pc 99 nonhollow.On the new bike i'm building i'm thinking of wipperman chains.ANyone tried them before??

The best chain's on the market are Rohloff chains. Unfortunately, they retail for 60 bucks, and you'll have a hell of a time finding one at the current moment.

If you find one, it's worth it.

My buddy has been riding one for 3 years on his single speed XC bike, and it is just now starting to stretch.