Are Shimano and SRAM chains/components interchangeable?
01-25-08 | 09:03 PM
#1
Thread Starter
trois, mon frère
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Gainesville/Miami, FL
Bikes: '01 Gary Fisher Wahoo, '08 Giant TCR C2
Are Shimano and SRAM chains/components interchangeable?
I have a Gary Fisher with Shimano components and I was wondering if I could replace the chain with an SRAM chain. Having the powerlink would make my life just wonderful and I was just wondering if the chain would still be compatible.
01-25-08 | 09:37 PM
#3
Thread Starter
trois, mon frère
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 576
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From: Gainesville/Miami, FL
Bikes: '01 Gary Fisher Wahoo, '08 Giant TCR C2
Follow up question: I can't find a 7 speed SRAM chain but according to the SRAM website the PC 10 chain will work with a 7 speed. Can anyone confirm this?
01-25-08 | 10:34 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,200
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From: Southern California
The SRAM chain should be compatible. I have a Fisher, with Bontrager cranks/chainring, Shimano XT rear der, Shimano LX front der, Shimano cassette, and a SRAM chain. Yes, the Powerlink is a wonderful device.
Last edited by MudPie; 01-25-08 at 11:23 PM.
01-25-08 | 11:39 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Ballard, WA
Bikes: '98 Kona Kula, '8X Univega Sportour SS, '81 Trek 710
I have a PC951 (9sp, formerly PC-59) chain on a 7 spd uniglide cassette, no problem. You would be better off getting a SRAM PC870 (8sp, formerly PC-58), they are cheaper and will probably be more durable. I only use the 9sp chain because I have a 9sp campy RD which I hear don't like wider than 9sp chains.
01-26-08 | 01:05 PM
#6
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
I don't think SRAM ever made a specific 7-speed chain but any SRAM 8 or 9-speed chain will work fine if you have a 7-speed cassette or freewheel.
Don't use the 10-speed SRAM chain as the 10-speed Powerlink is not reusable the way it is on their 8 and 9-speed chains.
Don't use the 10-speed SRAM chain as the 10-speed Powerlink is not reusable the way it is on their 8 and 9-speed chains.
01-26-08 | 01:30 PM
#7
cab horn
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Toronto
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
The PC48 is marketed as a 7/8 speed chain.
01-26-08 | 04:47 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
