Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,813
Likes: 1,790
From: Northern California
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
I've seen SRAM SL chains, which are marketed for road bike use, fail on the first ride offroad.
Not a riveting failure, the perforated sideplate fratured.
Think about it, an MTB has a 22t front sprocket, and that alone can put 36% higher tension in the chain than with even a 30t road-triple chainring. Ad to that the conditions of nearly stalling on a steep climb off road, and maximum forces at the pedal will be higher as well.