Trying to figure out what chain would work out best with the drivetrain I have... an XTR chain or an equivalent SRAM chain.

My bikes setup is X.9 RD, X.9 shifters, SRAM PG-990 rear cassette, SHimano SLX crankset, XT FD...

The package I ordered came with the XTR chain... just thinking if I should exchange for a SRAM chain.

thanks

srams got the hollow pin chain (991 i think) which is cool, but really its a chain, your just gonna wear it out anyway so I don't sweat it too much, save my money for somthin that matters, I do like the power link that comes with sram chains

SRAM, no contest. The powerlink makes all the difference, if you like to remove your chain for maintenance. Also, the options are nice. You'll want the 991 series if you want xtr-comparable. You can get last year's "base" 991 for about $27,the ultralite hollowpin from 08 for about $37, or the super-burly 991 cross-step for $35 (2008). The cross-steps' been good to me, and i think it's neat that the thing was made in Portugal.

The shimano is basically the type of chain that, once you take it off, you will need to throw it in the garbage, or get the new weird pin and remove a link (!) before putting it back on. The powerlink of SRAM chains makes removal and re-installation super-easy. (the new 10speed roadchains have powerlinks, but they're one-use, which sucks. But, we're dirtpeople; we don't care about 10speed--yet.)

hth,
-rob

Agreed on powerlink

or you could just get a kmc link for your shimano chain, its exactly like the pwr link, I think it says you aren't sposed to remove it and re-use, but i've never had a problem, also you don't have to remove a link to use a shimano chain pin, just pop the old pin out, then when re-intalling the chain use the fancy reinforced pin, so power link isn't the end all be all, but its still a plus, and i do like sram chains, just wanted to point out that its not the end of the world

SRAM for me

I crossed over from shimano years ago as soon as the powerlink came out. Those shimano special joining pins are a real pain. If you need to remove the chain for serious cleaning or whatever, you have to split the chain at a new spot and use a new pin everytime.

I am pretty sure I have at least one Shimano chain around with a Sram power link in it.


EDIT

Lies. Its a sram. I could have sworn it said hg on it.

To me, it seems that SRAM chains last longer and sare smoother than Shimano's.
If you like Shimano chains you could just use a SRAM power link on it, if you like.

I've had good luck with KMC and Wipperman chains on Shimano drivelines. Both manufacturers offer a "quick link."

Thanks for the input.

I called the bikeshop and they are putting the SRAM PC-991 on hold for me until my SRAM cassette comes in.

thanks

kmc or wipperman

Have you seen the difference in weight between the 971, 991 cross step, and "ultralite hollowpin 991" I was looking at those but quickly decided that a chain is no place to shave weight.

Hollow Pin - 114 links 278g
Cross Step - 114 links 300g

SRAM 971 for $17 works fine for me:

1 Sram PC 971 Chain w/ PowerLink 2008 $17.98 In Stock

I run all shimano except for the chain, hello powerlink.

+1 for the power link
I have SRAM chains on all my bike but one - I got a closeout special and picked up a XTR/ Ultegra level chain for cheap - I bought a spare SRAM power link and use it on that chain as well.

Shimano chains are fine. Were it me, I'd run the XTR chain. And I'd buy a Powerlink to have on hand against the day that I might want to remove that chain for some reason.

It'll probably end up heavier when mud and all sorts of icky living creatures get trapped in the hollows

I run Sram Chains, everything else is shimano.

Y'ual are ametuers, shimano chains work on any driveline flawlessly, can't say it's the other way around. Neither can all yo'uns. I however can make a 991 hollowpin Sram work on my new drive line, can you?