Best 9 speed chain for touring bike
 

Considering the conditions a touring bike goes through-Rain, Mud, Road grime, etc, etc, what would be the best chain?

If it's a Sram chain, which model?

If Whipperman, which model?

I hear Sram's better than Shimano for chains, but maybe they got a good one?

Thanks!

Sram. I've been using them for eons and can't complain. Not necessarily the bottom one (still a good chain) nor the top of the line. Get a couple of extra powerlinks...just in case. I always carry extras but I've hardly used them.

On my own tourer and most of those I have built for customers, I have used SRAM chains. They seem to shift well and be reasonably durable. On my own bikes, I use the cheapest models and haven't seen any degradation in performance or durability. Honestly, though, I don't think there is a big difference in the quality of any of these chains. Riding conditions and maintenance will likely have a much bigger impact. However, if you do go with Shimano, I recommend a connector link rather than messing with Shimano's special pins.

I have been using SRAM PC991 chains exclusively for a while now. They work great and have had zero problems.

another vote for Sram. PC59 or PC991

Sram PC59 (discontinued) or its replacement pc 951 are super chains.

If you don't care for sram's new improved pricing (30-40 bucks), then I recommend the kmc z9000 aka nashbar 9 spd, for under 10 bucks on sale (seem to be out of stock right now).

Sram or KMC Z9000 are my favorites. Long lasting with reasonable care and shift well on my bikes.

Whatever you use, use the Sram powerlink. I haven't put a pin in a chain for eons!

the kmc /nashbar comes with a quick link

Anything is better than Shimano's silly pin;)

will the scram power ling work with a KMC chain?

It should. I've even used it on a Shimano chain and I didn't notice the difference. I refuse to use the Shimano pin thingy:D

Thanks for the replies.

In the Sram PC-991, is the Hollow Pin design stronger than the cross step one?

Hollow pin chain
 

The hollow pin chain is lighter and weaker.

Richard

Hollow pin chain
 

The hollow pin chain is lighter and weaker.

Richard

While it's true that the rivets on the basic Sram chain are weaker than the cross-step ones, in practical terms, unless you are a strong pro racer it should make no difference. The normal rivets are more than strong enough for most riders and the usual reason for changing a chain is not broken rivets, but wear.

The basic Sram chain i.e. PC 59 and onwards, are every bit as durable than the nickel-plated jobs costing more. They are not superior in any way, and that's from the mouth of Sram's Managing Director.