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Submitted by
Aaron Brown
a Racer
from Fayt'nam
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | One not in Fayt'nam / North Country Trail out of Petoskey, MI | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Ease of maintenance | | Weaknesses: | not everyone has one | | Similar Products Used: | If you call shimano 'similar'?... | | Bike Setup: | Which one? | | Bottom Line: |
I snapped an 89 hollow pin once, but it had a lot of miles on it and it snapped at the start of a time trial. The next time trial I had a wipperman stainless and pushed the fastest time of my life at over 28 mph.
My cross and mtn bikes have sram chains -I care for them often because of the ease of maintenance -no stupid 9spd pin. Sram cassettes also last longer then Shi -mano. Bless me.
Somebody wrote about his team riding F2000's and everybody snapping the stock sram chains. Did he say who the mechanic was?
It was him...
Oh, I guess it could have been the Crack'n'Fail bikes that they were on if not his impecable mechanics.
Buy it if your tired of the Shimano Components monopoly.
Don't buy it if you don't ride -you'll never notice the difference. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
#5 is alive
a Weekend Warrior
from dorion,qc
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything chalenging(rigaud style) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Le Suroit | | Strengths: | stonger than shimano | | Weaknesses: | not as smooth like shimano | | Bike Setup: | who cares,just ride and be free | | Bottom Line: | I've seen lots and lots of J.R.A.s in my time and it ain't over yet.Chains usualy break for a reason,and often
it's not the chain's fault.A new chain that skip's tells me that the old chain was on left too long and the cogs are worn .It takes a minute to get it checked and guess what(to all so called experts) IT's FREE.Get it done once a month and save money.Anybody can snap a chain and YA don't have be moving to do it.So if your last chain lasted 2 or 3 years (I'm assuming the bike was new back then)the problem would be betwen the seat and the handle bars. I rest my case,live long and prosoer | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Holland
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cannonsburg Game Area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | JensonUSA | | Strengths: | Reliability, Reliability, Reliability..oh and the power link is a great addition. INCLUDES EXTRA LINKS | | Weaknesses: | Umm NONE!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano HG 72/73
| | Bottom Line: | I have broken 3 Shimano chains and have two scars on my legs to show for it. I am a rookie so you can imagine how I shift. The shimano chain SUCKS for a rookie and I only recommend it for well noone. This chain survived bent chain rings, bad shifts under power and all kinds of crap. I bought a new bike put a new chain on getting better and shifting is still great. I replace chains regurly. MY legs dont need any more marks. This Chain ROCKS!!! Smooth shifting (Now that I know how). The shimano XTR chain may be good but f*** why buy it when this one is great and reliable only to find another mark on my leg. NO THANKS!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nikolas
a Weekend Warrior
from Nikosia-Cyprus
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$22.00 | | Strengths: | everything are Exxxxxxxelent | | Weaknesses: | N-O-N-E | | Similar Products Used: | nope | | Bike Setup: | lx shifters,xt rear deraileur,stx front,deore cassete,stxrc crank,gt pantera frame,mavic 220 rims.....etc | | Bottom Line: | Buy this chain.You just cant find anything this good at this price.It is a totaly kickass chain.Does exxxxelent-gear change,doesent squeaks,never brakes-nickel plated by the way.I would give it 100 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisiana
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hooper & Ruston | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | jenson usa | | Strengths: | Powerlink rules, Strong, strong, and Oh yeah, Strong | | Weaknesses: | Zip, nada, nothing | | Similar Products Used: | Shi(t)mano IG & HG | | Bike Setup: | INTENSE TRACER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Bottom Line: | This chain rules! I have the PC-99, and have not regretted the purchase. I am 6'1" and 245lbs., and this thing still works unbelievably well. Shifts well, and is incredibly easy to clean thanks to the powerlink. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael G
a Racer
from Chicago, IL USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Yankee Springs, MI | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | POWERLINK - quiet, light, & smooth. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Various Shimano both 8 and 9 speed | | Bike Setup: | Giant XTC NRS Air w/Rockshox SID XC | | Bottom Line: | Double what Rickard Norberg said here. I have the PC-99 and this chain ROCKS! Worth the few bucks extra - one less thing to worry about breaking. My Shimano 9-speed BROKE after 1 month! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville, AR
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | power link | | Weaknesses: | noise, slowed shifting, breakage | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano HG92/7700 | | Bottom Line: | First tried a PC-89R as I had run a HG92 for six months and wanted to preserve my drive train as much as possible. My local shop pushed the SRAM chains, so I went with one. Worked okay, but the PC-89 had much slower shifting than the HG92, noisy as hell, seemed to rub my front der where the Shimano chain had not. Did bust it, but the noise got to me, switched it with a Dura Ace (7700). Immediately the noise was gone, shifting improved. Ran the 7700 until a stick took out my rear der, popped the chain wrapping it around the hub shearing all the drive side spokes in the process. Those dinky plastic guards really do have a purpose.
Replaced same day with a SRAM PC-59. Have since been riding for roughly three months, cleaning the chain at least once a week, sometimes more, via a finish line chain cleaner with a citric degreaser. Busted a link two days ago, busted another today. Upon closer inspection found five more cracked links! I'm 170 pounds, cross country rider, nothing I do remotely should fracture that many links. Have put slicks on a spare wheelset and been riding a lot of road in 44-24, but never any more crossed than that.
So, be wary of SRAM, they aren't the ultimate chain. Other's mileage may vary.
One flaming grenade for a chain being basically defective. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$16.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | -> Nice lookin'
-> So far heldup well (PC48)
->Powerlink
| | Weaknesses: | ->hasn't held up well (PC 58/59/99) | | Similar Products Used: | IG 70 | | Bike Setup: | Klein Mantra, Xvert..
Titus Loco Moto | | Bottom Line: | The higher end chains did not hold up at all. Not your normal links bowing out, but total pin shears. I admit, I weight 225 and rank pretty well, but I do not expect the chains to do this. The two 58's I had were very soft, only took one bad shift to totally throw them out of line permanently. I do take good care of my bike, but to go through 4 chains in 4 months? A little unreasonable considering I ride mainly flatland. I went down to a PC48 which I feel is stronger length and width wise and it has held up for 6 months no without me evn knowing it's there.
I give 1 pice of crap for the higher end chains I had, 5 for the lower PC48 which has stood up very very well | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rickard Norberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Cykelcity | | Strengths: | I have the SRAM PowerChain PC-99,SRAM's mots exepensive chain. It is very silent running and very smooth when you shift gears. It has not wear out my cassett yet (only tried it for a couple of weeks),Shimanos chains sucks! My IG70 made marks on my cassett after only a couple of miles! PC99 and Srams more expensive modells,like PC91,PC99,PC89R,PC79,PC69,PC68,PC58,PC59 are very good and nice looking chains. I also heard that the Sram chains doesn't stretch as much as the Shimano chains! | | Weaknesses: | A can not find anything yet,but I will maybe post a later review after one year or so,regarding how well the chain have been! | | Similar Products Used: | SRAMS PC59,PC68 Shimano IG30(total crap),IG70 (fien,but to noisy and kills your cassett/cogset,Shimnao UG-chains(total crap).Shimano chains is bad , do not buy them! | | Bike Setup: | Aluframe,Xt-gears,gripshiftlevers,IRC XC tires,24gears (27 gears is not better than 24!). | | Bottom Line: | I have tested Shimano chains for years,and all Shimano chains is noisy (makes high sound when you shift gear),the Srams chains is not noisy,and shifts better and more smoth!
PC99 is very light,with Srams chainlock "gold" ,it only weighs apro. 279 gram (cut),my cut "old" Shimano IG70 chain weighted 305 grams, that is much moore. Dispite the Srams PC99 is very light,it is stronger and transfer noteble more power from your pedals to the wheels,witch makes you save energy and keeps you going much longer at a higher speed! PC99 is a very beatiful chain,both in and outside plates (except pins)are shiny and protected from corrosion. The shimano chains have the same type of corriosionprotection,but it is not as good.My IG70 and other Shimano chain became rusty and "ugly"after only a couple of rides.The cheap Shimanos have no protection at alla against corriosioN!!Althougt this is a very expensive chain,in same priceclass as the most expensive Shimano-chain,the "duraace"ore CnIG-7700 ,it is much moore worth the price you pay.It doesnt harm your cassette instantly as most other chains,is transfer moore power,it is nicer on the outside than SHimanos and most other chains, it has better corriosionprotection,it can take moore abuse.And best of all,the PC99 fits both(!!!) 8 and 9-casettes/cogsets.And becorse of the low damage to your cassette and front cogs,iyou will not have to change cassette ore front cogs as fast as with a Shimano chain,and that will save you money!!! Srasm chains is also compitable ,fits,both Shimano cogs and cassettes and Srams cogs and cassetts!! Shimanos 9speed chains only fit 9-speed cassettes and ONLY Shimanos cassettes !! And you can refit pins from Srams chain,that is not possible with a Shimano chain,then you have to buy expensive replacment-pins! And Srams PC99 comes with a very good chainlook tahtt makes it supereasy to dismantle your chain.It only takes 4-5 second to dismantle and put it back again! And it holds better than without any chainlock.Shimno doesnt even has a chainlock!Its incredible! Chainlock is better.You dont need any chaintools to carry with you,and the PC99 doesnt crack as easy as the Shimanos ore other chains that doesnt have chainlocks ! If you dont have piles of many that you will waste on new cassettes every mont ore so,and on special-pins when your Shimnao chains brake for the fift time,then spend the little money you have on a priceworthy chain,a Powerchain,.If you ride insane and is heavy,I recommend PC99 and not PC89R,it is a race-chain and it will crack if you use it as a downhill/insanerider-chain!The other chains are allright within Sram/sachs,but PC99 is the best of them all,maybe the best chain for MTB use ever.I have talked with many mtb -shops and other people and verybody that has tried Srams chain doesnt go back to Shimnao ore other chains!Why ? It's becorse Srams ore so much better that you will NEVER,NEVER,EVER whant to change to a other brand,you dont need to..
Go SRAM,GOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rickard Norberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Cykelcity | | Strengths: | I have the SRAM PowerChain PC-99,SRAM's mots exepensive chain. It is very silent running and very smooth when you shift gears. It has not wear out my cassett yet (only tried it for a couple of weeks),Shimanos chains sucks! My IG70 made marks on my cassett after only a couple of miles! PC99 and Srams more expensive modells,like PC91,PC99,PC89R,PC79,PC69,PC68,PC58,PC59 are very good and nice looking chains. I also heard that the Sram chains doesn't stretch as much as the Shimano chains! | | Weaknesses: | A can not find anything yet,but I will maybe post a later review after one year or so,regarding how well the chain have been! | | Similar Products Used: | SRAMS PC59,PC68 Shimano IG30(total crap),IG70 (fien,but to noisy and kills your cassett/cogset,Shimnao UG-chains(total crap).Shimano chains is bad , do not buy them! | | Bike Setup: | Aluframe,Xt-gears,gripshiftlevers,IRC XC tires,24gears (27 gears is not better than 24!). | | Bottom Line: | I have tested Shimano chains for years,and all Shimano chains is noisy (makes high sound when you shift gear),the Srams chains is not noisy,and shifts better and more smoth!
PC99 is very light,with Srams chainlock "gold" ,it only weighs apro. 279 gram (cut),my cut "old" Shimano IG70 chain weighted 305 grams, that is much moore. Dispite the Srams PC99 is very light,it is stronger and transfer noteble more power from your pedals to the wheels,witch makes you save energy and keeps you going much longer at a higher speed! PC99 is a very beatiful chain,both in and outside plates (except pins)are shiny and protected from corrosion. The shimano chains have the same type of corriosionprotection,but it is not as good.My IG70 and other Shimano chain became rusty and "ugly"after only a couple of rides.The cheap Shimanos have no protection at alla against corriosioN!!Althougt this is a very expensive chain,in same priceclass as the most expensive Shimano-chain,the "duraace"ore CnIG-7700 ,it is much moore worth the price you pay.It doesnt harm your cassette instantly as most other chains,is transfer moore power,it is nicer on the outside than SHimanos and most other chains, it has better corriosionprotection,it can take moore abuse.And best of all,the PC99 fits both(!!!) 8 and 9-casettes/cogsets.And becorse of the low damage to your cassette and front cogs,iyou will not have to change cassette ore front cogs as fast as with a Shimano chain,and that will save you money!!! Srasm chains is also compitable ,fits,both Shimano cogs and cassettes and Srams cogs and cassetts!! Shimanos 9speed chains only fit 9-speed cassettes and ONLY Shimanos cassettes !! And you can refit pins from Srams chain,that is not possible with a Shimano chain,then you have to buy expensive replacment-pins! And Srams PC99 comes with a very good chainlook tahtt makes it supereasy to dismantle your chain.It only takes 4-5 second to dismantle and put it back again! And it holds better than without any chainlock.Shimno doesnt even has a chainlock!Its incredible! Chainlock is better.You dont need any chaintools to carry with you,and the PC99 doesnt crack as easy as the Shimanos ore other chains that doesnt have chainlocks ! If you dont have piles of many that you will waste on new cassettes every mont ore so,and on special-pins when your Shimnao chains brake for the fift time,then spend the little money you have on a priceworthy chain,a Powerchain,.If you ride insane and is heavy,I recommend PC99 and not PC89R,it is a race-chain and it will crack if you use it as a downhill/insanerider-chain!The other chains are allright within Sram/sachs,but PC99 is the best of them all,maybe the best chain for MTB use ever.I have talked with many mtb -shops and other people and verybody that has tried Srams chain doesnt go back to Shimnao ore other chains!Why ? It's becorse Srams ore so much better that you will NEVER,NEVER,EVER whant to change to a other brand,you dont need to..
Go SRAM,GOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rickard Norberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Cykelcity | | Strengths: | I have the SRAM PowerChain PC-99,SRAM's mots exepensive chain. It is very silent running and very smooth when you shift gears. It has not wear out my cassett yet (only tried it for a couple of weeks),Shimanos chains sucks! My IG70 made marks on my cassett after only a couple of miles! PC99 and Srams more expensive modells,like PC91,PC99,PC89R,PC79,PC69,PC68,PC58,PC59 are very good and nice looking chains. I also heard that the Sram chains doesn't stretch as much as the Shimano chains! | | Weaknesses: | A can not find anything yet,but I will maybe post a later review after one year or so,regarding how well the chain have been! | | Similar Products Used: | SRAMS PC59,PC68 Shimano IG30(total crap),IG70 (fien,but to noisy and kills your cassett/cogset,Shimnao UG-chains(total crap).Shimano chains is bad , do not buy them! | | Bike Setup: | Aluframe,Xt-gears,gripshiftlevers,IRC XC tires,24gears (27 gears is not better than 24!). | | Bottom Line: | I have tested Shimano chains for years,and all Shimano chains is noisy (makes high sound when you shift gear),the Srams chains is not noisy,and shifts better and more smoth!
PC99 is very light,with Srams chainlock "gold" ,it only weighs apro. 279 gram (cut),my cut "old" Shimano IG70 chain weighted 305 grams, that is much moore. Dispite the Srams PC99 is very light,it is stronger and transfer noteble more power from your pedals to the wheels,witch makes you save energy and keeps you going much longer at a higher speed! PC99 is a very beatiful chain,both in and outside plates (except pins)are shiny and protected from corrosion. The shimano chains have the same type of corriosionprotection,but it is not as good.My IG70 and other Shimano chain became rusty and "ugly"after only a couple of rides.The cheap Shimanos have no protection at alla against corriosioN!!Althougt this is a very expensive chain,in same priceclass as the most expensive Shimano-chain,the "duraace"ore CnIG-7700 ,it is much moore worth the price you pay.It doesnt harm your cassette instantly as most other chains,is transfer moore power,it is nicer on the outside than SHimanos and most other chains, it has better corriosionprotection,it can take moore abuse.And best of all,the PC99 fits both(!!!) 8 and 9-casettes/cogsets.And becorse of the low damage to your cassette and front cogs,iyou will not have to change cassette ore front cogs as fast as with a Shimano chain,and that will save you money!!! Srasm chains is also compitable ,fits,both Shimano cogs and cassettes and Srams cogs and cassetts!! Shimanos 9speed chains only fit 9-speed cassettes and ONLY Shimanos cassettes !! And you can refit pins from Srams chain,that is not possible with a Shimano chain,then you have to buy expensive replacment-pins! And Srams PC99 comes with a very good chainlook tahtt makes it supereasy to dismantle your chain.It only takes 4-5 second to dismantle and put it back again! And it holds better than without any chainlock.Shimno doesnt even has a chainlock!Its incredible! Chainlock is better.You dont need any chaintools to carry with you,and the PC99 doesnt crack as easy as the Shimanos ore other chains that doesnt have chainlocks ! If you dont have piles of many that you will waste on new cassettes every mont ore so,and on special-pins when your Shimnao chains brake for the fift time,then spend the little money you have on a priceworthy chain,a Powerchain,.If you ride insane and is heavy,I recommend PC99 and not PC89R,it is a race-chain and it will crack if you use it as a downhill/insanerider-chain!The other chains are allright within Sram/sachs,but PC99 is the best of them all,maybe the best chain for MTB use ever.I have talked with many mtb -shops and other people and verybody that has tried Srams chain doesnt go back to Shimnao ore other chains!Why ? It's becorse Srams ore so much better that you will NEVER,NEVER,EVER whant to change to a other brand,you dont need to..
Go SRAM,GOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rickard Norberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Cykelcity | | Strengths: | I have the SRAM PowerChain PC-99,SRAM's mots exepensive chain. It is very silent running and very smooth when you shift gears. It has not wear out my cassett yet (only tried it for a couple of weeks),Shimanos chains sucks! My IG70 made marks on my cassett after only a couple of miles! PC99 and Srams more expensive modells,like PC91,PC99,PC89R,PC79,PC69,PC68,PC58,PC59 are very good and nice looking chains. I also heard that the Sram chains doesn't stretch as much as the Shimano chains! | | Weaknesses: | A can not find anything yet,but I will maybe post a later review after one year or so,regarding how well the chain have been! | | Similar Products Used: | SRAMS PC59,PC68 Shimano IG30(total crap),IG70 (fien,but to noisy and kills your cassett/cogset,Shimnao UG-chains(total crap).Shimano chains is bad , do not buy them! | | Bike Setup: | Aluframe,Xt-gears,gripshiftlevers,IRC XC tires,24gears (27 gears is not better than 24!). | | Bottom Line: | I have tested Shimano chains for years,and all Shimano chains is noisy (makes high sound when you shift gear),the Srams chains is not noisy,and shifts better and more smoth!
PC99 is very light,with Srams chainlock "gold" ,it only weighs apro. 279 gram (cut),my cut "old" Shimano IG70 chain weighted 305 grams, that is much moore. Dispite the Srams PC99 is very light,it is stronger and transfer noteble more power from your pedals to the wheels,witch makes you save energy and keeps you going much longer at a higher speed! PC99 is a very beatiful chain,both in and outside plates (except pins)are shiny and protected from corrosion. The shimano chains have the same type of corriosionprotection,but it is not as good.My IG70 and other Shimano chain became rusty and "ugly"after only a couple of rides.The cheap Shimanos have no protection at alla against corriosioN!!Althougt this is a very expensive chain,in same priceclass as the most expensive Shimano-chain,the "duraace"ore CnIG-7700 ,it is much moore worth the price you pay.It doesnt harm your cassette instantly as most other chains,is transfer moore power,it is nicer on the outside than SHimanos and most other chains, it has better corriosionprotection,it can take moore abuse.And best of all,the PC99 fits both(!!!) 8 and 9-casettes/cogsets.And becorse of the low damage to your cassette and front cogs,iyou will not have to change cassette ore front cogs as fast as with a Shimano chain,and that will save you money!!! Srasm chains is also compitable ,fits,both Shimano cogs and cassettes and Srams cogs and cassetts!! Shimanos 9speed chains only fit 9-speed cassettes and ONLY Shimanos cassettes !! And you can refit pins from Srams chain,that is not possible with a Shimano chain,then you have to buy expensive replacment-pins! And Srams PC99 comes with a very good chainlook tahtt makes it supereasy to dismantle your chain.It only takes 4-5 second to dismantle and put it back again! And it holds better than without any chainlock.Shimno doesnt even has a chainlock!Its incredible! Chainlock is better.You dont need any chaintools to carry with you,and the PC99 doesnt crack as easy as the Shimanos ore other chains that doesnt have chainlocks ! If you dont have piles of many that you will waste on new cassettes every mont ore so,and on special-pins when your Shimnao chains brake for the fift time,then spend the little money you have on a priceworthy chain,a Powerchain,.If you ride insane and is heavy,I recommend PC99 and not PC89R,it is a race-chain and it will crack if you use it as a downhill/insanerider-chain!The other chains are allright within Sram/sachs,but PC99 is the best of them all,maybe the best chain for MTB use ever.I have talked with many mtb -shops and other people and verybody that has tried Srams chain doesnt go back to Shimnao ore other chains!Why ? It's becorse Srams ore so much better that you will NEVER,NEVER,EVER whant to change to a other brand,you dont need to..
Go SRAM,GOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rickard Norberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Cykelcity | | Strengths: | I have the SRAM PowerChain PC-99,SRAM's mots exepensive chain. It is very silent running and very smooth when you shift gears. It has not wear out my cassett yet (only tried it for a couple of weeks),Shimanos chains sucks! My IG70 made marks on my cassett after only a couple of miles! PC99 and Srams more expensive modells,like PC91,PC99,PC89R,PC79,PC69,PC68,PC58,PC59 are very good and nice looking chains. I also heard that the Sram chains doesn't stretch as much as the Shimano chains! | | Weaknesses: | A can not find anything yet,but I will maybe post a later review after one year or so,regarding how well the chain have been! | | Similar Products Used: | SRAMS PC59,PC68 Shimano IG30(total crap),IG70 (fien,but to noisy and kills your cassett/cogset,Shimnao UG-chains(total crap).Shimano chains is bad , do not buy them! | | Bike Setup: | Aluframe,Xt-gears,gripshiftlevers,IRC XC tires,24gears (27 gears is not better than 24!). | | Bottom Line: | I have tested Shimano chains for years,and all Shimano chains is noisy (makes high sound when you shift gear),the Srams chains is not noisy,and shifts better and more smoth!
PC99 is very light,with Srams chainlock "gold" ,it only weighs apro. 279 gram (cut),my cut "old" Shimano IG70 chain weighted 305 grams, that is much moore. Dispite the Srams PC99 is very light,it is stronger and transfer noteble more power from your pedals to the wheels,witch makes you save energy and keeps you going much longer at a higher speed! PC99 is a very beatiful chain,both in and outside plates (except pins)are shiny and protected from corrosion. The shimano chains have the same type of corriosionprotection,but it is not as good.My IG70 and other Shimano chain became rusty and "ugly"after only a couple of rides.The cheap Shimanos have no protection at alla against corriosioN!!Althougt this is a very expensive chain,in same priceclass as the most expensive Shimano-chain,the "duraace"ore CnIG-7700 ,it is much moore worth the price you pay.It doesnt harm your cassette instantly as most other chains,is transfer moore power,it is nicer on the outside than SHimanos and most other chains, it has better corriosionprotection,it can take moore abuse.And best of all,the PC99 fits both(!!!) 8 and 9-casettes/cogsets.And becorse of the low damage to your cassette and front cogs,iyou will not have to change cassette ore front cogs as fast as with a Shimano chain,and that will save you money!!! Srasm chains is also compitable ,fits,both Shimano cogs and cassettes and Srams cogs and cassetts!! Shimanos 9speed chains only fit 9-speed cassettes and ONLY Shimanos cassettes !! And you can refit pins from Srams chain,that is not possible with a Shimano chain,then you have to buy expensive replacment-pins! And Srams PC99 comes with a very good chainlook tahtt makes it supereasy to dismantle your chain.It only takes 4-5 second to dismantle and put it back again! And it holds better than without any chainlock.Shimno doesnt even has a chainlock!Its incredible! Chainlock is better.You dont need any chaintools to carry with you,and the PC99 doesnt crack as easy as the Shimanos ore other chains that doesnt have chainlocks ! If you dont have piles of many that you will waste on new cassettes every mont ore so,and on special-pins when your Shimnao chains brake for the fift time,then spend the little money you have on a priceworthy chain,a Powerchain,.If you ride insane and is heavy,I recommend PC99 and not PC89R,it is a race-chain and it will crack if you use it as a downhill/insanerider-chain!The other chains are allright within Sram/sachs,but PC99 is the best of them all,maybe the best chain for MTB use ever.I have talked with many mtb -shops and other people and verybody that has tried Srams chain doesnt go back to Shimnao ore other chains!Why ? It's becorse Srams ore so much better that you will NEVER,NEVER,EVER whant to change to a other brand,you dont need to..
Go SRAM,GOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rickard Norberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Cykelcity | | Strengths: | I have the SRAM PowerChain PC-99,SRAM's mots exepensive chain. It is very silent running and very smooth when you shift gears. It has not wear out my cassett yet (only tried it for a couple of weeks),Shimanos chains sucks! My IG70 made marks on my cassett after only a couple of miles! PC99 and Srams more expensive modells,like PC91,PC99,PC89R,PC79,PC69,PC68,PC58,PC59 are very good and nice looking chains. I also heard that the Sram chains doesn't stretch as much as the Shimano chains! | | Weaknesses: | A can not find anything yet,but I will maybe post a later review after one year or so,regarding how well the chain have been! | | Similar Products Used: | SRAMS PC59,PC68 Shimano IG30(total crap),IG70 (fien,but to noisy and kills your cassett/cogset,Shimnao UG-chains(total crap).Shimano chains is bad , do not buy them! | | Bike Setup: | Aluframe,Xt-gears,gripshiftlevers,IRC XC tires,24gears (27 gears is not better than 24!). | | Bottom Line: | I have tested Shimano chains for years,and all Shimano chains is noisy (makes high sound when you shift gear),the Srams chains is not noisy,and shifts better and more smoth!
PC99 is very light,with Srams chainlock "gold" ,it only weighs apro. 279 gram (cut),my cut "old" Shimano IG70 chain weighted 305 grams, that is much moore. Dispite the Srams PC99 is very light,it is stronger and transfer noteble more power from your pedals to the wheels,witch makes you save energy and keeps you going much longer at a higher speed! PC99 is a very beatiful chain,both in and outside plates (except pins)are shiny and protected from corrosion. The shimano chains have the same type of corriosionprotection,but it is not as good.My IG70 and other Shimano chain became rusty and "ugly"after only a couple of rides.The cheap Shimanos have no protection at alla against corriosioN!!Althougt this is a very expensive chain,in same priceclass as the most expensive Shimano-chain,the "duraace"ore CnIG-7700 ,it is much moore worth the price you pay.It doesnt harm your cassette instantly as most other chains,is transfer moore power,it is nicer on the outside than SHimanos and most other chains, it has better corriosionprotection,it can take moore abuse.And best of all,the PC99 fits both(!!!) 8 and 9-casettes/cogsets.And becorse of the low damage to your cassette and front cogs,iyou will not have to change cassette ore front cogs as fast as with a Shimano chain,and that will save you money!!! Srasm chains is also compitable ,fits,both Shimano cogs and cassettes and Srams cogs and cassetts!! Shimanos 9speed chains only fit 9-speed cassettes and ONLY Shimanos cassettes !! And you can refit pins from Srams chain,that is not possible with a Shimano chain,then you have to buy expensive replacment-pins! And Srams PC99 comes with a very good chainlook tahtt makes it supereasy to dismantle your chain.It only takes 4-5 second to dismantle and put it back again! And it holds better than without any chainlock.Shimno doesnt even has a chainlock!Its incredible! Chainlock is better.You dont need any chaintools to carry with you,and the PC99 doesnt crack as easy as the Shimanos ore other chains that doesnt have chainlocks ! If you dont have piles of many that you will waste on new cassettes every mont ore so,and on special-pins when your Shimnao chains brake for the fift time,then spend the little money you have on a priceworthy chain,a Powerchain,.If you ride insane and is heavy,I recommend PC99 and not PC89R,it is a race-chain and it will crack if you use it as a downhill/insanerider-chain!The other chains are allright within Sram/sachs,but PC99 is the best of them all,maybe the best chain for MTB use ever.I have talked with many mtb -shops and other people and verybody that has tried Srams chain doesnt go back to Shimnao ore other chains!Why ? It's becorse Srams ore so much better that you will NEVER,NEVER,EVER whant to change to a other brand,you dont need to..
Go SRAM,GOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a
from San Francisco, California
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Bottom Line: | I bought the PC-59 9 speed chain even though I have only 7 cogs on my freehub. 9 speed chains are about 1 milimeter narrower than 7/8 speed chains. I notice a much quieter drivetrain. That one mm seems to make a difference, less chain noise from rubbing against the derailluer cage. I highly recommend 9 speed chains and Sachs make a good one. You don't need a chain rivetor which is a pain the buttocks to use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gavin
a Cross Country Rider
from canada/australia
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | I got the 89 nine speed, Smooth as butter shifting, power link | | Weaknesses: | You still have to lube them | | Similar Products Used: | shimano | | Bike Setup: | raven 2000sl | | Bottom Line: | I replaced my pc59 with a 89 and it's even better than the old one, which lasted over a year and a half (I loved the 59) it makes the crappy xtr running gear actually feel like the old xt 8 speed (bonus). Simply the best chain I've ever used | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Belleville, Ont Canada
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$33.00 | | Strengths: | Strong chain, Durable
Powerlink connector is a great feature. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano CN HG72 | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Rockhopper | | Bottom Line: | I am a 210 IB guy who probably put a lot of torque on a chain. My original Shimano chain lasted only 3 months before twisting and taking out my rear derailleur with it. I replaced it with the SACHS PC59 on my dealers recommendation. This chain has stood up well and is showing very little wear for a years use.
Great Product! Its good to see a little competition for Shimano! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duane
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Various LBS | | Strengths: | NONE! | | Weaknesses: | Everything! They break and they don't work for sh!t for index shifting and they ripped off the power link from another chain company! | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano
KMC
SRAM | | Bike Setup: | GF Paragon | | Bottom Line: | I've only used these chains for a month because they don't last any longer than that! I've smacked my knee against my stem so many times with those chains from bad shifts or breakage. If there was the LBS salesman who sold it to me within a chain's length, I would wrap the piece of crap aound his neck! SRAM is my new chain of choice and they work great! Don't worry SACHs (SUCKS?) shimano suck too but for different reasons. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
XJT
a Weekend Warrior
from Utah
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Strengths: | None that I found | | Weaknesses: | Lack of strength | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano HG90 | | Bike Setup: | Stumpy '99 M2
XT 9 speed everything
SID XC | | Bottom Line: | I broke 3 of these chains in one year. I clean my chains properly after every 4 or 5 rides. I don't know if I got mine out of a bad batch or what. It seems that everyone on this site loves them.
Not me.
I weigh 180 and crank pretty hard, but I don't do any freeriding of any kind and I could not believe how many chain failures I experienced.
I finally broke down a slapped a Shimano XT chain on my bike. 6 months of riding 5-10 mile trails 3 times a week. Not a single problem. I only replaced it 'cause I try to make a point to swap my chains every 4-6 months of riding.
The thing that really irritated me about the Sachs chain was the first one broke after about 20 rides and 4 cleans. The second one broke on the first ride....the third one broke after about 5 months.
2 stars.
'nuff said. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul M
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | The Powerlink makes it very easy to remove for cleaning, etc. It works well on a different drivetrains. | | Weaknesses: | None seen so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano HG72 | | Bike Setup: | '99 Santa Cruz Heckler, RF cranks, '01 Z3 fork, SRAM 9.0SL shifters/Derailleur Avid brakes/levers | | Bottom Line: | I run the PC69 chain on two bikes, one with a Raceface/SRAM
drivetrain and the other with Shimano LX/XT. The chains shift well, are simple to remove, and have never broken.
I highly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy Zoom
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Niguel, CA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Gold powerlink looks purty. | | Weaknesses: | Everything else. Poor shifting performance, noisy. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano. | | Bottom Line: | I bought the PC69 (I think) model chain when I was building up my bike, largely because of the reviews here. I am using almost all XT (shifters, cranks, cassette, front der., BB), with XTR rear and ride-on cables. My shifting was never quite right. It would clatter and click, then sometimes skip a gear. After taking it back to the shop, the owner tried some other adjustments, then on a hunch slapped on the new Shimano chain. Problems solved. It now shifts smooth as butter. This was very frustrating and I think this chain is a waste of money for anyone using similar components to me. Maybe it works okay with SRAM stuff, who knows. I won't buy another though, and I'm out $20. C r a p. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Fredricksburg, Va
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hollywood Farm | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | BikesUSA | | Strengths: | power link, decent shifting on RF chainrings, less chainsuck than shimano. Lasted over one year on my singlespeed mtb. | | Weaknesses: | Shifts poorly if you used indexed shift systems (I do not); breakage of link plates. | | Similar Products Used: | shimano chains (shift better, but I hate push-pins) old regina-oro chains. | | Bike Setup: | PCR-80R on my road bike, mtb, ss mtb, and until last night, my cross bike. | | Bottom Line: | A six month old PCR-80R broke last night on my cross bike. chainline was fine, I was out of the saddle in 42-15 and the chain failed. If you still run friction thumbies and dt levers, the shifting is good enough on shimano cassettes, and I find that sachs chains actually work better on my RF chainrings (less chainsuck than S chains.) Over two years I have not been unhappy with these chains, but after the breakage on my cross bike, I might just buy a shimano chain to take advantage of better shifting. besides, I do not want to drive two hours to a race for a dnf due to equipment issues. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J B
a Cross Country Rider
from Alamogordo, NM
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many to say | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Powerlink connector | | Weaknesses: | Not bulletproof | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano | | Bike Setup: | FSR Stumpjumper XC and Stumpjumper hardtail, withmany upgrades | | Bottom Line: | I my bikes to Sachs (now SRAM) chains after reading about how they are easier to clean and last longer than Shimano. After you figure out how to loosen and remove the PowerLink, its easy to take off the chain and thoroughly cleanit. This is a lot easier than having to break the chain to remove it from the bike or trying to clean your chain on the bike. I believe the chains last longer when you can take it off and give it a thorough cleaning and lubing. Removing a Shimano chain means breaking it and splicing it back, then hope you haven't created a weak spot.
These chains aren't perfect. I broke a two month old PC-69 15 miles into an 18 mile race. I got it back on and finished the race, but have no idea why a relatively new chain would bust when you least need it to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntington, WV
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the longest one | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | Powerlink connecter is a dream come true. Holds up well. Always smooth as silk. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | poo-poo shimano | | Bike Setup: | Bianchi w/xt stuff | | Bottom Line: | This is absolutely the best chain I have ever seen. I can't understand why anyone would buy anything else. The ease of use with the power connector is amazing. And no matter how many times you take it off and put it back on this chain is always so smooth. As long as they keep makin em, I'll keep buyin em! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steen Navrbjerg
a Cross Country Rider
from Copenhagen, Denmark
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Regina | | Bike Setup: | Reynolds 531 with different stuff | | Bottom Line: | What are you guys doing to your bikes???? Don't you like them?? Everybody complains about broken chains. I've been biking more than 4000 miles a year for 20+ years - and I have never broken a chain!!! I weigh some 86 kilos (189 lbs), and I tell you: Denmark isn't nice to a bikes drivetrain with the winter, lost of salt, rain etc.
I think too many of you guys 1) ride too heavy gears 2) doesn't maintain your chain. I mean: What the .... do you need a 53/11 combination for?? Even Mario Cippolini only use that combination for some 5 minutes a year. Ride low gears and take care of your bikes!!!!
As for the Sachs/Sedissport, it is known for great tolerance, even if you put it on worn out sprockets. I can confirm that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Lukaszewicz
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hawley woods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | SACHS PC51, Ease of use, quick-link is just great, no problems there.
Good shifting under load. | | Weaknesses: | Initially none. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano | | Bike Setup: | Cross country | | Bottom Line: | Keep my chain clean and lubricated. Clean on the bike with chain cleaning device. Have used it for a year (about 500 miles)
Decided to give it a good clean, removed the chain and cleaned it in an ultrasonic bath, then I discovered the problem, about 20 cracked links.
I certainly will not be using SACHS again, back to Shimano. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wheelman
a Cross Country Rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | twisty | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Cheap and strong, no stupid special pins | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Suntour, generic BMX chain | | Bike Setup: | one of each | | Bottom Line: | The best value in chains, and with the power link it is even better. It IS possible to break one if you abuse it but that happens less than with any other chain I've tried (and I've never broken one on my road bike, only my MTB). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chase
a Downhiller
from Friday Harbor,wa
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | much stronger than shimano hyperglide chains no expensive pins to buy on weak links inexpensive | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | shimano hyperglide and kmc chains | | Bike Setup: | I work at a bike shop and we are assilating all of our fifty or so rental bikes with them. And I run one on my mountain bike. | | Bottom Line: | brilient design, no weak links, cheap, olny better chain is anoter sachs chain. buy one of these chains | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Eastwood
a Weekend Warrior
from Prince Rupert
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
the best chain out there. | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
forgot? | | Bike Setup: |
Norco sasquatch indy c stx | | Bottom Line: | This chain pc41 is great i love the power link it makes cleaning the chain so easy. Works good after year of hard riding, the best there is . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ann
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Power link works great. | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 6000 with many upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | The PC-41 isn't fancy, but it works great, especially for the price. The powerlink is very handy, especially since I've been doing a lot of work on the bike and have had the chain off half a dozen times. Five chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Gholson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Madison WI
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
very durable | | Weaknesses: |
Hard to push the pins out | | Bike Setup: |
Haro Extreme
Raised chain stays | | Bottom Line: | Someone told me that my Sedisport is the same as the current line of Sachs chains.I've been running my sedisport for more than 10 years now with 15+ miles daily of hardcore commuting.
Same cogs(Suntour Winner) and single steel chainring... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wade
a Cross-Country Rider
from the 'Boro, TN
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tsali | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
looks good, feels good, IS good | | Weaknesses: |
I'm not sold on the powerlink, yet. | | Similar Products Used: |
shimano oem stuff | | Bike Setup: |
clean and fresh cogs!!! | | Bottom Line: | My old racing buddy used to snap shimano chains all the time. We learned to hate those silly replacement pins shimano insists on. We switched to Sachs and have been happy since then. He (the chainbreaker) had a worn drive line, like most people who have chain problems. CLEAN IT, INSPECT IT. Replace your chain often. It is much cheaper and faster than chainrings and cassettes. I just took my oem shimano chain to the bike shop and had them measure it for wear. They showed me on the doohicky, that it had some wear, but did NOT need to be replaced. I put it back on the bike and happened to notice a very slight pulsation as I cranked it by hand. After checking every thing out, I figured that it was the chaing mating to the chain ring. Bought a new Sachs and found out I was right. MORAL of the story, replace chains often. Dirt and lack of lube makes them wear faster. When they wear they wear down your rings. Then a new chain won't work on your worn drive train. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a cross-country rider
from Tx
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These are the best chains out there. I've tried Shimano XT chains twice, and each time they quite working well after about 2 months. I get at least a year of use (about 2500 miles) out of these chains, and I'm pretty hard on them. Don't waste your money on anything else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trigger
a
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I started out using Shimano chains, and after multiple failures, I decided to try Sachs chains. I've used the PC61 and PC91 and have not had any problems at all. Currently I use a PC91, and it shifts well on a Shimano XTR/XT drivetrain. It also has been 100% reliable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Hughes
a weekend warrior
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I put in a review of a Sachs PC51 chain April 20/98 when I installed one new and had some shifting problems. Some kind folks correctly pointed out that my problem was with cassette wear, and not the chain. I replaced my cassette, and put about 1500 km on the chain without any headaches. On the second-last ride of the season, the chain broke at the master link. I usually ride with my Brother-in-law, who used the same chain, bought at the same time, and his broke one outing before mine. All in all, I would say that I am very happy about the chain's performance, as other folks have told me I should be replacing my chain more frequently. My new rating is very high. Live and learn... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from England
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Depends what chain you're after. I had a PC51 for 6 months and then the links started snapping in half, resulting in me in a pile on the floor. Saying this, the PC91 is perhaps the best chain out there in terms of value and performance. It shifts beautifully both up and down and hasn't snapped yet (14 months of daily use!). About Shimano chains, they're the biggest pile of crap this side of the universe, period.If you need a new chain, get the 61 or 91. Don't buy anything less. If you do, you'll regret it in the long run. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a racer
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: January 25, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
SACHS CHAINS ARE THE BEST, PERIOD. I tortured one for nearly two years just because with hardly any care. The best. Replaced all gears and put on a TAYA (PIECE OF #$%)( LBS said they were good). Will never use any other chain then SACHS again. SACHS chains mean no problems with your chain. Unlike some reviewers who think a chain is a chain is a chain, us hard-core rider/racer types know that is not true. Big-S chains eat dog poo, Taya chains are even worse. SACHS ARE THE KIND! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Nielsen
a racer
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I was surprised when I put a PC-91 onto my 8 speed XTR drivetrain and the shifting got better! The powerlink connector is also a great idea in that you can now remove your chain easier to clean and soak after those muddy, gritty, or dusty races. I've ridden Shimano and TaYa chains in the past, and Sachs are the best out there. A well maintained chain/drivetrain in my estimation will last at least three times longer than a mistreated one. I also recommend using White Lightning lube instead of a syn or petroleum based product. The dry formula keeps dirt off and lube in. Make sure to reapply after wet rides and remove excess with a cloth (or that shirt that your ex-girlfriend left at your house). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris H
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Having been a religious 10 year user of Sachs chains, I decided to try the
new designed PC-51 with the masterlink connector. I'm posting this after
my second ride with the chain. Well, the masterlink came apart after 35
miles. I had questions about this link before I installed the chain. It
is flimsy and looked like it could come apart easily which it did. My
advice would be to not even use this link. Other than the link the chain
appears to have the quality I expect from Sachs. Three stars for promoting
a device(the link) that works but can't stand up to everyday conditions. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a racer
from Newtown, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
the Shimano chain that came on my bike, probably an Ig 30 or 50 or something like that was constantly breaking. My friends did the same, he got an Ig-90, a waste of money, it's worse then an Ig30 it broke within like a month, and no it wasnt the cogs it wasnt the chain rings and we both know how to use our rapidfires correctly(rapidfires kick ass by the way, plus theyre the best thing shimano has goin for them) anyways no matter what the situation SHIMANO CHAINS WILL break. We both have Sachs PC-91's now and theyr great, theyr obviously the product of some serious thought and engineering just like everything else made by Germans. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Akellum
a racer
from MT
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am not sure why anyone who has a negative review is basically crying because they had bad luck with a product. My opinion on the matter is that the new PC91 chains are strong mothers. I weigh 215lbs and have yet to snap one. This is pretty amazing because chain breaking used to be a weekly, if not daily, occurance. I have had high-end S-brand chains as well as other Sachs chains and snapped them all without much effort. No such thing with PC91's. Good chains but I only rate it at 4 chilis because of the recall. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a cross-country rider
from East Brunswick, New Jersey
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My PC91 broke very easily at the special masterlink that is supposed to be so cool. The chain actually works pretty well without that stupid link. It is difficult to fix it on the trail, the pin is tough to replace. It has held up since the break. I guess it's okay, but not great. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben
a weekend warrior
from sydney
Date Reviewed: October 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have one of the new Sachs chains with the fancy joining link. After about 6 weeks of not very hard use it snapped at the joining link, causing me to crash and bend my rear derailleur hanger. The good thing I like about the old Sachs chains is their ability to be pulled apart at any link unlike the Shimano ones which I reckon are crap. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
UNgasha
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the PC-51 chain, and this thing is the bomb!!! I've had no trouble riding with it, and servicing this thing is a breeze!!! Taking links out is easy and painless, and I've only snapped one link on it in a year!!! All I had to do was take that link out, reattach the chain, and I was on my way. (I learned that my chain was a link too long because I re-adjusted my deraileur, and my shifting is flawless now.) Sach's rules!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a downhiller
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Sachs chain is just awesome. Especially with the Power Link.
It shifts with Shimano HG cassets and chain rings are just great.
The Power Link is easy to use , very quick to connect and disconnect.
It is a great chain for MTB's . I stronly recommend this chain.
It shifts with ease. Geat chain. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Wassmann
a racer
from SF, CA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Gents,Power Link MUST be used when assembling either a PC-61 or PC-91 chain. Both use super hardened pin and outer-link plates that will deform-weaken dramatically in the event of re-use...hence the P-L. To use P-L, thumb and forefinger lightly compress center of both outer-link plates & slide in opposite directions...more force=more frustration. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harper
a cross-country rider
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought a Klein 4 years ago equipped with a Shimano IG chain. First ride up a hill - chain snapped and I busted my nuts. Angry man I was. Replaced the links. Next day same BS. Purchased another chain at the nearest bike shop. Showed my loyalty to Shimano and went with another IG. Denied! It broke within 2 weeks. Switched to Sachs and have never had a problem since. I ride on three continents each year through the worst conditions and have yet to break a Sachs. I still run an XTR groupo - but my choice for chains is Sachs.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FredV
a cross-country rider
from Lyon FRANCE
Date Reviewed: September 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This review is for the PC-91. I had some doubts about the power link, so I didn't use it. It works fine, pretty silently, especially when I'm on the middle ring/biggest Cog.
I agree with eboos about the 'insurance policy', but if you want your rings and cog to last long, change your chain often. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fast Freddy
a cross-country rider
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a Shimano IG-90 and after about 500 miles off-road it decided to die - hence leaving me to walk back to the Trail Head. I never abuse these things - they do get dirty buy with a little cleaning and lube they have always lasted before. I bought a PC-91 chain and so far its Great! It came with a Power Link so no need for a cahin tool to take it off and on.... By the way the IG-90 is still wrapped around the tree on the trail.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pave
a cross-country rider
from Finland
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Good trick for longlasting components: after replacing chainrings and rear cog set use two or three sets of chains circulating them every few hundred miles / kms. Worn chain eats other components quickly!!Assembling a new chain to worn chainrings and rear cog set causes nothing but chain slipping!! I'm using now PC-41 and PC-61, but PC-91 is going to be my next choice. Even PC-41, the basic chain, was much lighter than my late IG-70 (R.I.P, snack cracle and pop after 7000 km)!!!By the way, check out http://www.finnpeakcycle.fi for fun!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eboos
a racer
from Santiago, Chile
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
You may think that $30.00 is a lot of money to spend on a chain, but if you already broke your IG-90 more times than you have fingers to count, $30.00 does not seem unreasonible. The PC-91 is the best $30.00 insurance policy I have ever seen. It shifts great. The power link means no more loose links. The link pins need the force of god to push through. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K.F.T.
a weekend warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just recently upgraded the chain on my bike from some stock Shimano chain to the PC-91. The difference is incredible. The drivetrain is near silent now, and my shifting has noticeably improved (faster and more efficient shifts). I have yet to see about the chain's endurance, but I'm quite confident that it will last. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JIM p
a
from downhiller
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If you are buying a PC-91 or other sachs chains for youre downhill bike, watch out for the number of links they advertise. We have had several chains come through with 114 links, when they should be 116 links. This is not a big deal , but two links can be the difference between riding and having to order a second chain to make it work | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a cross-country rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It's hard to imagine that this other German fellow ( 3 reviews below ) has been so lucky with those chains. I have tried a scm-90 model and it snapped twice with the first 1000km. No good for me. It was also hard to put on with those stupid link systems they have.
After that I switched to Rohloff and I was very surprise when I noticed that this chain had last 3200 km.
Just keep on checking your sprockets from time and with a little bit of lube, a Rohloff will last a long time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alps
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: June 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a PC41 about a month ago(this was my first Sachs chain and I had heard that some of the expensive ones broke quite easily and had recalls, hence I was going with the inexpensive stuff). Well, when cleaning it last week-end, I noticed 2 cracked female links. The dealer replaced it for free, hence I can't complain, but I guess that unless this one is much better, this will be it for Sachs products for me. I am not sure if I really care for having a chain that does not wear out as quickly, but might snap easily. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. Bean
a cross-country rider
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a Sachs PC-91 chain 3 weeks ago. I didn't need to use my chain tool because the chain fit perfectly without any modifications, so I just snapped it on using the power link. One week later, a link snapped. When I looked at it, the female link had a huge crack in it. That sucked royally. I fixed it and figured it was a fluke. Another week later, I counted SEVEN cracked female links. Go figure...
Needless to bore you any more, I have a chain that shifted so smooth, climbed beautifully, and overall imroved my riding when it worked. But now, I have no chain. No chain=no ride=Mr. Bean angry... I would like to know if anybody has had the same problems as me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John A.J. Anderson
a cross-country rider
from Sembach, Germany
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Sachs Chains are the best! Shimano makes some GREAT stuff, but their chains just plain suck.I have broken several Shimano chains and also notice that they wear out faster. I switched to Sachs cahins about three years ago and I will never ride anything else.I have never broken a Sachs chain and they last forever. Even in the gnarly, muddy conditions here in Germany. The new SCM-90 is a super-tough chain that is well worth the money. Spend the extra money and you will not be disappointed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamie lamb
a racer
from nova scotia /canada
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
christ! these chains suck so hard. I got a new hard tail and 2 weeks later in a race the damn thing fell (slipped!) and I bent it like a peice of cooked spegitie. I took the bike back to the shop and got a shimano IG works great, stays on!
These chains suck! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Petros
a cross-country rider
from Bromont, Quebec
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A Sachs chain came stock on my new hardtail.
It works like a charm, and I've been hammering it up all the hills like never before!
I have not seen any stessing nor has there been a hint of impending faillure!
I am pleased with my Sachs chain. I will buy another one.
Oh, it develops rust slightly faster that I would like.
Other than that it's been a great peice of linkage. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roland
a cross-country rider
from CT
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ATTENTION EVERYONE!!!
ATTENTION EVERYONE!!!
ATTENTION EVERYONE!!!
After posting my review below and fishing around to see how to get my PC61 warranteed I found that there is a RECALL ON ALL PC41 THRU PC91 CHAINS BECAUSE THEY ARE BREAKING. Go to http://www.sram.com/prod_f1.html for instructions on how to get replacement. (sram apparently bought Sachs bicycle products division) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roland
a cross-country rider
from CT
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Real disappointed after happily running cheap and reliable SM55s for many years - had the PC61 chain 1 month on my newly replaced XTR drivetrain - BROKE it - the plate actually snapped at the pin. Luckly with much torque and leverage got the chain back together and didnt have to walk. After 1 MONTH of mostly dry riding with white lightning lubes every ride, the chain is junk - way stretched. I am going to send it back hopefully for a trade up for a PC91. I am happy that everyone seems to like the PC91 - I'll have to try that next. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hi
a weekend warrior
from Nelson
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this chain no noise no squeks and it is really light has comepared to the old chain i used to use on my bike. buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy this chain. very very very very very very very very very very very strong.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jukka-Pekka Toiva
a racer
from Finland
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Go and buy Rohloff. Very expensive but no problems.
Many people whine about breaking their chains but max life for chain is about 1000 miles, after that new chain, no compromises. I've made that mistake by thinking I ride these chains 'till the end and save money The result:
Replaced Cassette shimano xt 8 speed+front chainring when changin the chain. Not so cheap after all.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reed
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Despite meticulousm care of my entire bike, especially the drive train (always clean and well lubed, the sachs chain i had broke half a dozen times, and subsequently became to short to use. At least it held up during races, broke just after crossing the finish line at one race, luck was on my side | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rikard Christiansen
a weekend warrior
from Stockholm, Sweden
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've just changed my Shimano IG90 to a Sachs PC91 chain.When I've been out and cycle I want to clean the chain.
Nowadays this is done very easy thanks to Sachs PC91 chain thanks
To the powerlink. The required tools for breaking the chain every time
You shall clean it is no longer needed, lovely.
Whel what about the chain?The chain is 0.05 mm (0.0019685 inch) wider than the Shimano IG90
but it's more flexible. I´ve found out that it's working
fine with my Shimano XT system and is smooth on the cassette.
I´ve also heard that this chain is stronger than the Shimano IG90!Try it and likely You like it!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Punter
a weekend warrior
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If we're talking the new PC91, you won't find a better chain. Just be certain to get your hands on a significant chain tool - your common garden matchbox hockey chain tools won't move the pins on these.Service is easy, to remove and reinstall it has a clever link you can undo with your fingers, so proper chain cleaning is a breeze.I've converted to these chains on almost everthing I have.Top product, they run like clockwork on XTR and I personally believe they run much better that IG90 over Race Face rings. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Triple J
a cross-country rider
from Indianapolis, IN
Date Reviewed: May 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Forget what anyone says, Sachs chains are substantially better than
anything else on the market. If you buy a bike and it comes with a
Shimano chain, lose it and get a Sachs. Most of the bad reviews that I've
read here obviously came from poor riding techniques or mixing a new chain
with old, worn components (a huge no-no...if you don't know why ask the
mechanic at your local shop). I have worked in and managed bike shops for
five years now and have had nothing but luck with Sachs chains. I have
also used Sachs chains aggresively with great success. The source of some
people's problems with Sachs chains may also be a recent recall of some
chains that came as OEM equipment on some brands of bikes. These problems
are legit, however, any good bike shop CAN and WILL fix the problem. If
you're not sure if your bike is affected by the recall, call your local
shop and ask them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a cross-country rider
from Melbourne, FL
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A chain is a chain. This is a stupid subject, but my Sachs works fine. I have owned so many different chains that I can't even remember their names and none have ever failed because of defect. The only reason a chain has ever failed me is because of my poor riding skills early on. Just learn how to ride and everything will be fine. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tvernon
a cross-country rider
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've just put sachs on and yet to have any complaints. My main concern though is
in regard to Derek from Missi. Derek, you will always get chain slip if you mix a new chain with already warn drive train components, particularly the chainrings. You see the teeth gaps have worn to the point were the chain will no longer stay on the teeth. Ask any mechanic. I've just gone through the same predicament as you. I had to replace my mid and hi chainrings, very pricey, but the chain was trashed. There is no way out. In the future use two chains and switch between them every 3-4 months. All the components will wear together, extending their lives and avoiding costly replacements. Chains are alot cheaper then replacing the chainrings and rear cog set. Oh ya, the rating 4 hot ones, really smooth chain with the Crak Wax | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Hughes
a weekend warrior
from Mississauga, Ontario
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just replaced my Shimano IG chain with a Sachs PC 51, and found that it slips off my gears when I really pedal hard. I ride a '97 Rockhopper Comp FS with low miles. The bike works fine when I put the old chain back on...
I have adjusted everything to the max, and can't find an explanation for the problem. I wouldn't recommend this chain to others in case there is some compatability problems. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Morten Boldsen
a cross-country rider
from Denmark
Date Reviewed: April 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've bought the new PC 91 chain from Sachs, and i'm very happy with it. It runs perfectly with the Power Glide cassete, and shifts perfectly, even when it's extremely dirty. I can only say buy it. An other advantage is, that it has the Power Link, so you don't need any tools to remove from the bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a downhiller
from Mt. Angel OR
Date Reviewed: April 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride down hill tree dodging. We usually climb about 1,000 verticle feet an hour, and have fun comming down. (12%+++grade) We ride some trails in the cascade mountains that were reforested about 20+ years ago.
I usually have problems bending chains comming down the trails, and breaking them going up. I started out with a bottom line GT bike, borke what ever it's stock chain was several times, it kept riding up the gears. I replaced it with a sachs chain, and had some trouble with it, and soon wanted a better bike.
I bent the chain on my new bike,,,, at 40+ MPH with pine branches in the face, some times limbs, rocks etc get into the chain and sprockets, or the derailer and rings get bent from smacking a pine. I am 32 years young, and 225 pounds, and also broke the sachs going uphill.
I hear more good than bad about sachs, and am reading to find out wich of the following chains to try next.
pc41, pc61, M55 (my last chain), scm90 (possibly my next chain) pc51 or sc40.
Over all, I ride fairly hard, and can not blame sachs compleatly for my bad chains. They could have a little stronger side, or something to keep the side from pulling away from the pin. The m55 is more mushroomed than other brands, and this helps, but is not the total answer.
I will probably buy another m55 tomorrow and give them one more chance to prove they are the best. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a weekend warrior
from Nelson,B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: April 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recenly bought a Sachs M-55 and I love it. It is much more silent that my old piece of crap Shimano chain which I broke two of and it shifts alot nicer to. It also is lighter which is nice when you got to go uphill cause in Nelson there are alot of uphills to get to the good downhills. I think every one should have a Sachs chain. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from Northern New Mexico
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the Sachs M-90 chain and it is one tough cookie. I had an accident with it late last summer. The chain jumped of the largest rear cog (derailer out of alignment) and preceeded it eat my wheel, breaking two spokes and eating nearly through on four others, but the chain is none the worse for wear. I don't know if they used harder metal on this design or not but it holds up well to abuse and the occasional miss shift. Shifting is smooth with the shimano cassettes and cranks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Rick
a cross-country rider
from Chicago, Il.
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't know what all you chain breakers are doing wrong but, seven years, four bikes, thousands of year round miles and I never broke a Sachs M-90 chain once. I weigh 260 lbs. and ride in all kinds of conditions and honestly never had a problem. I have to add that I never tried any of the other Sachs models though, maybe the m-90 is the only good one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thibault
a
from France
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a m-55 on my mountain bike and i'm very satisfied with it. it shifts very well, is quite silent and very strong. It is certainly not the best chain on the market, but like I said on my review for XT cassette, I prefer buying that sort of product and changing it from time to time when it is worn that spending my money in the most expensive one and having no money to change it when it's worn out. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phil
a racer
from ringwood NJ
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great chain for the money. It works great with REAL chainrings and Shimano chainrings. I broke the chain twice but it was at the end of the season after having a fullseason of racing hard on it and after haveing over 2,300 miles on it. Have to expect such things after you put products through such abuse. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Srugis
a cross-country rider
from Clarkston, MI
Date Reviewed: February 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I buy a new Sachs 55 every year and I have never had a problem. If it is kept well lubed it works great. I have only broken a chain once out of 2500 miles. I will always buy a sachs chain. It is also pretty cheap, a great selling point for me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gino Sega
a
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just installed a new drivetrain with Shimano rings, Shimano XT cassete (using XT ders.), and a Sachs chain. Although the chain does look and feel more sturdy than the Shimano, I'm finding that it just doesn't work as well with Shimano products as a Shimano chain. Believe me, my rear derailleur is correctly adjusted, my cable is fine, and I don't cross up my ring/cog combos, but the damn thing just makes noise in some gears. I've come to believe that you should stick with one manufacturer for all of your drivetrain components. I give this chain four stars because it really is a quality product - it's just not right for my component group. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BFR
a cross-country rider
from Extreme Singletrack
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well i just bought a M-55, and my bike is in peices, so i can't say anything yet
What i like is the price (29.99cdn) compared to the equivalent Shimano
which was 19.99 but the shimmie was lower grade, and not as cool.Sachs are known for cranking out good products, I have used both shimmies and KMC's. You can't beat KMC for longevity (had it for 4years and 8 cleanings) My sachs is all nicely pre-lubed and when the bike is re-built it will have a beautiful coat of Pedros Ice-wax on it and I'll kick all your asses at the Singletrack. A chain is only as good as it's weekest link!
Chain is only as good as it's lube! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a cross-country rider
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: January 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have always had great luck with Sachs chains. They are much easier to break down and maintenancer than the Shimano. When mountain bike guiding in New Mexico we used Sachs on all 40 camper bikes. Yes, three or four broke over the summer, but none of us guides with high end bikes using the same chains had any problems. Use this chain. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie Terpstra
a weekend warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Four-day old bike (my first mountain bike), first time on the trail, and I snapped what turned out to be a Sachs chain, going up a very slight hill. Been riding road bikes for years, thousands and thousands of miles, never broke a chain.What gives? Should I make the LBS give me a Shimano?
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
blartin
a weekend warrior
from amherst mass
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
yea I have a sach chain. I have no idea which one but it cost 17 retail so that should give a clue. well I've had it for over a year, put 700 miles on it (40% off road) and have no problems. yes its not the same as day one but it does the job. my shifting is fine and have had to remove only two links within its life. not bad, not bad at all. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Leung
a weekend warrior
from British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am put-put rider but also a mechanic at a high volume shop here in Vancouver. This is what I have noticed. In this year 1997 I have encountered a significant amount of customers with broken Sach chains. These all include new bikes, old bikes, upgrades/replacements. It seems to occur with all models of their chain. The problem seems to be plates pulling off from the pins or pins breaking in half. Something seems to have changed in the past year with their quality... Also on some bikes that have components that are a bit worn the Sach don't shift as well as Shimano chains. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a racer
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
After flawless performance from the m55, I upgraded my Homegrown to a m90 in 1996 in order to shave a few grams and supposedly improve shifting performance. Never broke a chain in my life, yet broke it twice in one season! I admit to having gotten considerably stronger, but this is unacceptable. Went back to the m55 for the 1997 season and had zero problems. My wife snapped her m90 last year also. Her m55 has been flawless. Five chiles for the m55, one for the m90. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a racer
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
2 yrs ago I bought an m-55 because I heard about how everyone should replace their shimano chains with sedis when it wears out. I followed the directions and only used the black pin to install it. During my first race on it, I was going up a steep hill and it broke (1st and only time I have ever broken a chain). It broke at the black pin, which seems like especially soft metal. I have since gone back to Shimano and have never had problems with their chains. Sure, you have to use a special pin each time you install it, but their pin is a real one , made of hard metal that works (instead of working it's way out!). True, the pins cost a ridiculous $1 each, but the only time I take off my chain is to replace it, and they include one. 5 chiles for Shimano, 1 for sedis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl C.
a weekend warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought an M90 this summer & love it. However, after about 500 miles, I broke the chain (first time it's happened to me). Easy to get back on the trails, but at 155 lbs., it came at quite a shock. I put over a thousand on my old Shimano, however in most respects, I like the Sachs more and am willing to give it another chance. If she breaks again, who knows? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan vanMeter
a racer
from Huntington, WV
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a Sachs-M90 chain, and love it! First off, the chain is heat treated which seems to greatly reduce the amount of stretch. This is really apparent when you do not have to take a couple of links out of the chain after a few weeks of riding i.e. good greatly reduces wear on chain rings and casettes. In 1400+ miles of really, really nasty North East I have only broken my chain ONCE.I have noticed that Sachs chains have gotten a bunch of flack on the news groups recently. Problems such as Ben below, where they break their chain numberous times. This is most likely caused by improper rebuilding of the chain. Each pin is slightly mushroomed at the tip. When one uses any type of chain tool, this extra bit of metal on the tips of the pins are scraped off. Only the master link, designated by a black link on the M90, is designed to be broken by a chain tool. All of the others SHOULD NOT be touched with any chain tool. Surely anyone who is reading this is wonder what to use if their chain breaks. Chain breaks need to be fixed with a replacement link such as the Missing Link. These links replace the broken link and perminatly become part of your chain. A single Missing Link costs about $1, and prevents the ruining of a $35-40 chain. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a cross-country rider
from Stowe, VT
Date Reviewed: December 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Okay, this is funky. I've been reading all the posts about this chain in this review and, overall, most people rave about them and have shown no indication of any problems with Sachs chains. Funny, cause I bought an SC-90 just under 3 months ago and it has busted on me six or seven times in that period. I clean the thing every 3-4 rides thouroughly and lube it with White Lightning every damn day. I keep my derailleurs adjusted perfectly so there is no chain drag on the cages or teeth on the cogs/rings and I never shift when the chain is under load or anything obviously stressful like that. But still this pile of shit busts apart at the seams whenever the f_ck it damn well pleases, always at different spots on the chain. Maybe I just got a lemon. I just can't believe I am the only one who has had this problem. I'm sure Sachs makes decent chains, but from my own experience, I'm giving this piece one flamer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Jones
a weekend warrior
from Chapel Hill, NC
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a 245 lb. powerlifter. I broke the Shimano XTRa-pricey chain three times in one week! Never buy that chain again. Sachs/sedis m-90 is the strongest chain I've found. You 145 lb. wafers should never even come close to breaking a sachs. If you do - you're not riding correctly (spinning smoothly) remember proper chain maintainence is ultra important. screw the price. also compact chainrings kill chains. They suck (your power). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pika
a cross-country rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've used these chains since the early 80s (back when they were Sedis chains) and have had not one bit of trouble from them.The old black Sedisports worked better, were lighter, and cost less than the Regina chains that were standard on road racing bikes at the time.The recent Sachs MB chains work better, are lighter, and cost less than the Shimano counterparts that are standard on MB bikes...hey, does this sound familiar? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Boris B
a racer
from MA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Broke my shimano peace of crap 3 times, once in a huge race. Bought a sachs. Haven't touched my chain since, works great and a lot easier to service than shimano chains. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a cross-country rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a Sachs 90 and I thought it was great product unitl it broke after 400 miles. Things like this can happen, but after it snapped the second time
another 400 miles later, I switched to Rohloff! This chain is great. I have been riding it now for just about 1000 miles. No problems at all! Go and buy Rohloff. There is no better chain out there.
By the way: Shimano chains are no good!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
[poonman
a cross-country rider
from roch,ny
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I hae a friend that's a Bmxer and he was grinding and miss the pole and land on his cain (that was sachs)and the chain didn't brake. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miles Ericson
a racer
from Fredericksburg, VA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Is there any alternative? Sachs blows everything else out of the water.
The SC-M90 is unbeatable, and it is about $10 less than DuraAce/XTR also.
I had the M-55 for awhile also, and it worked almost as well, but I broke
it eventually(although it took a lot longer than my Shimano HG-90). I have
never broken a SC-M90. It shifts great, is rust resistant, tough, and also
happens to be the lightest chain out there. To David below: it seems like
an ace mechanic would know this, but the F2000 comes with an SC-45, which
isn't that great of a chain. Try the SC-M90. You won't be sorry.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DAVID
a racer
from HUNTSVILLE, AL
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I AM A MECHANIC, RACER, AND AVID CROSS COUNTRY RIDER THAT HAS BEEN WORKING ON DRIVETRAINS FOR FIFTEEN YEARS. I RECENTLY GOT NEW CANNONDALE F2000'S FOR MY RACE TEAM. WE WENT TO A RACE IN GEORGIA THAT WEEKEND. ALL OF THE SACHS CHAINS THAT WERE FACTORY EQUIPMENT BROKE IN THAT RACE. THAT WAS THREE BRAND NEW CHAINS BROKEN IN ONE RACE. I HAD REPLACED MY CHAIN BEFORE THE RACE WITH A SHIMANO IG90 CHAIN AND IT WAS THE ONLY BIKE THAT FINISHED THE RACE. CONSEQUENTLY I WEIGH 225 LBS. AND HAVE NEVER BROKEN A SHIMANO CHAIN, BUT MY SPORT WOMEN RIDER ONLY WEIGHS 95 LBS. AND CAN BREAK A SACHS CHAIN IN LESS THAN AN HOUR OF PUNISHMENT! I THINK ALL MANUFACTURERS SHOULD TAKE THIS AS AN OMEN. SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T MATTER THAT A GOOD CHAIN COSTS A FEW PENNIES MORE. IT MATTERS THAT THE BIKE SHOULD WORK AND THAT THE CUSTOMER IS HAPPY WITH THE OVERALL QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT. ANY QUESTIONS ON THIS SUBJECT PLEASE CALL (205) 650-6282. bY THE WAY I SHOULD SAY THAT THE CANNONDALE F2000'S ARE AWESOME PERFORMERS! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gav
a cross-country rider
from Yorkshire, England
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Works every bit as well as Shimano, cheaper, and you dont need those ridiculously expensive oversize pins. Oh, and the silver finish looks nice.
Good stuff, I'm a convert. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BER-NARD!
a weekend warrior
from PLANET EARTH!
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
F**K THE REST! SACHS M90 POWERGLIDES RULE! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcelo Iannini
a racer
from Brasilia, DF, B R A Z I L
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I had many Sachs chains on my bicycles along the years. I had the SL, silver, black, 55, 40, 80 and each of them deserves a 5-plus!
I never had problems expect that on the 55 the connection link broken because of poor assembly (my fault).
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon
a racer
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just snapped my M-55 the other day, but I don't do a whole lot of hard riding on this bike. And what do I think about that chain? It was probably one of the best chains I've ever had. After about two and a half years of problem-free shifting I should have replaced it much sooner, but it was working so well. Five chillies for the chain, one chilli for my stupid self. | | Overall Rating: |
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