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.
Favorite Trail: One not in Fayt'nam / North Country Trail out of Petoskey, MI
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Similar Products Used: If you call shimano 'similar'?...
Bike Setup: Which one?
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
#5 is alive
a Weekend Warrior
from dorion,qc
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2003
Strengths: stonger than shimano
Weaknesses: not as smooth like shimano
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
Submitted by
A Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Holland
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2002
Strengths: Reliability, Reliability, Reliability..oh and the power link is a great addition. INCLUDES EXTRA LINKS
Weaknesses: Umm NONE!!!!
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!!!!
Submitted by
Nikolas
a Weekend Warrior
from Nikosia-Cyprus
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002
Strengths: everything are Exxxxxxxelent
Weaknesses: N-O-N-E
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
Submitted by
jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisiana
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2001
Strengths: Powerlink rules, Strong, strong, and Oh yeah, Strong
Weaknesses: Zip, nada, nothing
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.
Bike Setup: INTENSE TRACER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Michael G
a Racer
from Chicago, IL USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001
Strengths: POWERLINK - quiet, light, & smooth.
Weaknesses: None.
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!
Similar Products Used: Various Shimano both 8 and 9 speed
Bike Setup: Giant XTC NRS Air w/Rockshox SID XC
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville, AR
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001
Strengths: power link
Weaknesses: noise, slowed shifting, breakage
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.
Submitted by
Geoff
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001
Strengths: -> Nice lookin' -> So far heldup well (PC48) ->Powerlink
Weaknesses: ->hasn't held up well (PC 58/59/99)
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
Submitted by
Rickard Norberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
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!
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..
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!).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rickard Norberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
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!
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..
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!).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rickard Norberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
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!
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..
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!).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rickard Norberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
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!
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..
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!).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rickard Norberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
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!
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..
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!).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rickard Norberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
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!
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..
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!).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
from San Francisco, California
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001
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.
