Bicycle Mechanics - Chain Replacement

Hi,

I have an older (1991ish) Trek 2300 Pro with the Shimano 600 (Ultegra) components group with a 7 speed cassette. I'm in need of a new chain and I'm trying to nail down the correct replacement. The two that I think might work are the "Shimano HG-91 7/8 Speed Chain" and the "Shimano HG-70 7/8 Speed Chain." Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott

Hi,

I have an older (1991ish) Trek 2300 Pro with the Shimano 600 (Ultegra) components group with a 7 speed cassette. I'm in need of a new chain and I'm trying to nail down the correct replacement. The two that I think might work are the "Shimano HG-91 7/8 Speed Chain" and the "Shimano HG-70 7/8 Speed Chain." Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott
Use a sram 8 speed.It's also got the neat power link.

Thanks for that info ... I see a few different types of those, do you recommend a specific one? Performance has the SRAM PC-68 8 speed, the SRAM PC-58 8 Speed, and the SRAM PC-48 8 Speed.

I've been out of the cycling loop for a number of years, what does the power link do? Does it forego the need for a chain tool? Also will I need to shorten that 8 speed chain to work with my seven speed cassette?

Thanks again,
Scott

Any of the chains you have listed will work. I personally prefer the SRAM chains because I'm not a fan of the Shimano hyperglide pins that are used to connect Shimano chains. Within each brand they offer several grades of chains. The more expensive ones are supposed to be a little stronger.

Whatever you buy, it'll be too long when you get it and you'll have to remove a few links with a chain tool. Assuming your present chain is the right length, the easiest thing to do is to lay your new chain alongside your old one and cut it to the same length.

Thanks for that info "RG."

Scott

The Shimano HG-70 or HG-91 will also work if anyone else is interested. HG-91 is just a higher quality chain. I remember when Shimano said that only their chain would work with their components. What a laugh. I replaced mine with a Sachs and it worked even better. Next time around I think I'm going to try the Sram chain you guys are talking about.

Any of the chains you have listed will work. I personally prefer the SRAM chains because I'm not a fan of the Shimano hyperglide pins that are used to connect Shimano chains.

Whatever you buy, it'll be too long when you get it and you'll have to remove a few links with a chain tool. Assuming your present chain is the right length, the easiest thing to do is to lay your new chain alongside your old one and cut it to the same length.

Retro, I'm also a fan of the SRAM chain. Just bought a new riig and before its first ride, off came the Shimano and on went the SRAM (PC 69). I've used the SRAM chain with both Shimano and SRAM cassettes - with equal results

The "Powerlink" is a special link that can be disassembled in 4 seconds with your fingers, once you know the trick. It's great and I tend to disassemble and clean my chain more often. And assembly takes about 2 seconds.

Sram definately.

Thanks for all the replies!! I think I'll probably go with the SRAM PC-68.

Scott

The Shimano HG-70 or HG-91 will also work if anyone else is interested. HG-91 is just a higher quality chain. I remember when Shimano said that only their chain would work with their components. What a laugh. I replaced mine with a Sachs and it worked even better. Next time around I think I'm going to try the Sram chain you guys are talking about.

Is Sachs the same as SRAM? Did SRAM buy Sachs? I recall something like that.

Wipperman makes a very nice stainless steel chain, too. You should consider that.

Wipperman makes a very nice stainless steel chain, too. You should consider that.

I recently switched from SRAM chains to Wippermann-ConneX. I'm running the 908 chain on my MTB and the 911 on my RB. I thought that the SRAM chains were the cat's meow until I installed the Wippermann chains. They shift smoother than SRAM, are just as tough if not tougher and just as user-friendly (conneX-link is similar to SRAM PowerLink). They are however pricier though. This not to say that SRAM sucks but I found the Wippermann chains to be superior. I would recommend either over Shimano. The only question I have is: is there anyone out there that buys the TR series titanium chains? They're like $300. :eek:

otherr than weight, I jsut dont see where having a titanium chain would be worth that much.

I'll stick to my SRAM PC-59. Wipperman might be better, but not going to sweat it until this chain dies on me :)

I'm all about considering alternative options ... which one of the Wipperman chains would be right for my 7 speed cassette?

Scott

I'm all about considering alternative options ... which one of the Wipperman chains would be right for my 7 speed cassette?

For 7-speed, you have some choices:


Connex Intrax 700 - inexpensive (~USD$9), steel, intrax construction, very durable and will last a long time but heavy. This chain doesn't have a ConneX-Link though but uses a spring clip instead so it's not as easy to install and remove as others.
Connex Intrax 7Z1 - same as above but a wider chain; also slightly pricier (~USD$16). It will last even longer but may not be compatible with narrower drivetrains.
Connex 800 - fairly inexpensive (~USD$15), hardened steel, made for 7 and 8 speed systems and comes with ConneX-Link. This will shift much better than the Intrax chains because it has chamfered sideplates.
Connex 808 - same design as 800 but more expensive because it is nickel plated to prevent corrosion. This is the best you can get for 7 and 8 speed. I run the 908 which is the 9-speed version on my MTB. Price is around USD$20.


My suggestion would be 800 for road bikes if you are anal about cleaning and lubing and 808 for otherwise or for MTBs, commuters, touring or anything that really sees harsh conditions.

Not trying to hijack your post Blue Rat, but since we are talking about chains, what's out there for a Shimano 6-speed freewheel? I need one for my "antique" Miyata MTB. Thanks.

Not trying to hijack your post Blue Rat, but since we are talking about chains, what's out there for a Shimano 6-speed freewheel? I need one for my "antique" Miyata MTB. Thanks.

The Connex Intrax chains I mentioned above will work on 5, 6 and 7 speed derailleur systems. But personally, I'd stick with the SRAM 48/58/68 chains since they have better plate designs for smoother shifting while the Connex Intrax chains don't. I suppose you might be able to use the 800/808 chains but I don't know for sure.

I'm rebuilding several older bikes (80's) which need new chains. I've used the SRAM PC-48 chains before on 7-speed gear trains but want to confirm that these also work for 5-speed and 6-speed. Thanks.

I'm rebuilding several older bikes (80's) which need new chains. I've used the SRAM PC-48 chains before on 7-speed gear trains but want to confirm that these also work for 5-speed and 6-speed. Thanks.Yeah.