notfred

Damn thing keeps breaking. I've had two links break on the chain, and I've had the powrelink pop off for no good reason three times. The chain isn't that old. After the second time it broke, I ended up putting a wipperman powerlink on it to take the place of the broken link (so I have been running with two powerlinks - a wipperman and a sram), and the wipperman powerlink hasn't given me a sinlge problem. The sram powerlink fell off again yesterday, though. While doing a small bunny hop. I'm sick of my chain breaknig every couple weeks. I think I'm just going to buy a Wipperman chain.

And yes, I'm installing the powerlink correctly (it's extremely simple - you'd have to be an idiot not to be able to figure it out). It will stay on for 20 miles and then just pop off on some small bump."

Oh, and X.9 means PC-990

LowCel 

I've been using SRAM chains for a while and never had any problems with them. Have you contacted SRAM about it, sounds like a defective chain. Couldn't hurt to drop them an e-mail or give them a call, could end up getting a new chain out of the deal.

Snuffleupagus

Weird.

I'm using the cheap PC-59 chain, and have found it to be far superior to the Shimano Chains. Never broken it. Never popped a powerlink.

Then again, the 990 is the hollow link chain isn't it? I'd stay away from it, and look at the solid link chains.

a2psyklnut

You might be using an 8-speed chain link on a 9-speed sytem or versa vice!

I've never had ANY troubles with any SRAM chain or Powerlink. Been using them since they first came out (what? bout 5 years now!)

CranxOC

I've been using the PC (varying nomenclatures) on both my road and mountain bikes for about 2.5 years now and three weeks ago was the first time I've ever had a problem with the chain and - truth be told - that was more user error (I tried powering through a poor shift on a climb rather than ease off or stop) than it was a chain defect.

I actually busted out another Gold Link (I always keep a spare in my pack), fixed the broken link (not the Gold Link) and rode on. In fact, I've been riding on the chain with the double Gold Link on it now for a couple of weeks and haven't had a single problem (I know, I should replace the chain very soon).

As for your problem, it sounds like you're doing something wrong somewhere. The 8 vs. 9 speed chain makes sense. Also, your chain could just be too short thus causing an undue amount of tension.

Dirtbike

What color is the powerlink you are using? The Gold (9 speed) is the one you should be using. The Silver one is 8 speed, and a little bit wider.

Im running a PC-59 9 Speed chain, and a Gold powerlink. I have never had one problem with it.

notfred

It's the gold 9 speed link. It says "9SPD" on the side of it.

phantomcow2

Im using the PC69 chain w/ powerlink. I have had the same chain for almost a year, very pleased. I think its a defective chain, contact SRAM.

Raiyn

I've been running SRAM chains (various models) exclusively for years and have never had an issue with them. Something's hinky

rasheed

i've never had any problems with my sram chain or the powerlink coming off at all. sounds weird. maybe you got a defective one. i'd contact sram and see what's up.

em9ty

sorryy to interrupt

what is the use of "powerlinks" ? ?

Tweek

I've not had a single problem with mine either.

CranxOC

I think we've reached a consensus here: it's either A) user error or B) defective.

LowCel 

It's the SRAM quick release link. It allows you to take the chain apart and put it back together with no tools.

em9ty

oh !