Submitted by
Woodsman
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, OR
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2001
Strengths: Very strong, shifts perfectly (on stock CODA crank and rings W/LX casette), never a tight link, very long wearing, has never broken.
Weaknesses: Not a one...
Bottom Line:
Lubed it the first season w/Tri-Flow and that worked well, but of course was filthy dirty (but long-lasting and kept the chain quiet). At the start of the second season I removed the casette and der. pullies and crank rings and degreased everything thoroughly, along w/the chain, of course. Rebuilt the rear LX hub while I was at it, but it didn't need it at all (you don't find that out until you have it apart, though, but I cleaned it anyway and lubed it w/Phil's green grease). The second season I used White Lightning (Gen. 4) and it's been OK, but have to lube more often; MUCH cleaner, however.
Chain now measures just a hair over twelve inches pin to pin (on centers) so, seems good, still. This one doesn't have the Power Link, but no biggie; w/the White Lit. I never clean it, anyway, just scrape between the small cogs on the casette w/a Popsicle stick after each long ride and it's good to go.
Awesome chain; will probably replace it at the end of this season with the PC-58 (same chain, but revised designation).
Submitted by
Ryan Noks
a Weekend Warrior
from University Place, WA
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2000
Strengths: Very inexpensive, strong, smooth, worth every penny.
Weaknesses: I've found none
Bottom Line:
THis is a very good economical chain. I've had Sachs chains on my bikes for the past 4 years and have never broken a chain. Never. I trust these things. 61's are nice too, never had a problem with either.
This chain came on my bike. I raced 10 races as a beginner in 1999. Wanted to upgrade to XTR drivetrain, but original equipment was still working well. Finished 9 races in sport class before I started having chain slip. Over 2 years and approximately 3500 miles on the same chain and gears!! I weigh 150 and I clean and lube the chain religiously, but that has to be better than average for an off-road chain. Since I had no problem for over 2 years, I have to give it 5 chiles.
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000
Strengths: It works most of the time and it's reported to be cheap
Weaknesses: It's weak
Bottom Line:
This chain is too weak or just built poorly. Soon after I got it, it broke apart while riding up 5 stairs. Needless to say, I wasn't very happy with the product while dragging my bike a mile back home to fix it.
Since then, however, it's been ok so I'll give it a 3 and as for the value rating, you get what you pay for.
Bike Setup: 99 GT XCR-3000, LX/XT, Manitou X-vert R
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bad A** Single Speeder
a Cross Country Rider
from Roseville, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Strengths: Holds up- doesn't break Cheap- $14 Easy to take apart- PowerLink Doesn't squeak- Put WhiteLightning on it after every ride
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
These chains are great! Although I sometimes miss a shift I'm not sure it is the chain's fault. Although they aren't as rugged/light as PC-61 or 91, you still need to replace all chains after a year, so why spend the extra money?
Tip: to remove the PowerLink, clean the gunk out of the elongated holes then squeeze the middle with very SLIGHT pressure as you press the two ends of the link together.
Similar Products Used: PC-41 (probably was the recalled product- several links cracked after about 3 mos of use)
Bike Setup: Moab 1 w/XT drivetrain Bianchi single speed w/Spot ring and Suntour/ACS Claws freewheels
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
some mechanic guy
a Racer
from Fairfax, VA.
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1999
Strengths: Easy to install, don't need a stupid HG/IG pin every time...
Weaknesses: none, really...
Bottom Line:
Great chain if you install it right, keep it lubed, and don't force your shifts. Easy hamfist...don't get mad at me, I've had plenty of chains break, and it's usually because of a weak link caused from an old missed/ground shift from a while back. Dig the master link they throw in, put the chain on with a chain tool and keep the power link in your bag in case it does break on the trail. It will save you some time...
Submitted by
Alvin
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord, CA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1999
Strengths: Price
Weaknesses: Unsure, Compatibility with Race Face rings or XTR cassette
Bottom Line:
Well, what can I say. I am having drivetrain probs right now, but I'm not sure if the chain is at fault. Seems strong to me, but will probably replace with XTR level chain for next season.
Bike Setup: Dean Oscar Custom, XT/XTR mix, SDG Seat, Race Face cranks, Answer Hyperlite/Hyperends, Ame grips, Time ATAC Carbon pedals, Dean Stem/post, Mavic 217/GT CNC wheels, Bontrager Revolt SS tire pair, Sachs PC-51 chain
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Wash DC
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1999
Strengths: unknown
Weaknesses: look down
Bottom Line:
guys there was recall on Sash chains: SRAM has announced that certain Sachs PC-41, PC-51, PC-61, PC-80R, and PC-91 chains have been recalled due to a manufacturing defect. The affected chains have a date code F on the outer plates.
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999
Strengths: NONE
Weaknesses: ITS weekness
Bottom Line:
???? What's that sound, oh yes, it your chain breaking off for the third time this week. Oh wish i had a chain that stayed together, then maybe i could be biking right now instead of waiting for a new one to come in!!
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from hanover, ont
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999
Strengths: Humm... its probably cheap...? will introduce u to a new sport... pissed off chainless rolling!
Weaknesses: Lots... weak, not too smooth shifting
Bottom Line:
This chain was manufactured poorly. From the day i got it, i never thought i would be noticing it, after all, its just a chain. Well, i was wrong. It was working good until just about 2 weeks ago. I have since then snapped it 7 times, all in different links, throwing the pin of into some singletrack that i might have had fun on if I HAD A CHAIN! The seventh time it broke, it actually broke a link into 2 peices on the one side. Tossing the link away, i remove the rest of it, and fix it with much dificulty since the other link was horribly mangled. When i had finally done my best to straiten it, i put it all back together and the chain was broken again in just about 40 seconds. My new chain, will hopefully be in my hands soon as it arrives with my new xtr sun wheelset, and it had better work better than this piece that i have now. it doesnt deserve it... but here is one pepper since thats all u can give. I suppose it will be introducing u to that new sport... yeeesss...
Strengths: Lasts a long time , EXTREMELY hard to break one.
Weaknesses: NONE!
Bottom Line:
once you try a sachs chain you will never go back to shimano. used to go through about 3 shimano chains a year they always broke , now i use sachs chains and change it once a year.