Review Options:
Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating |
|
Reviews 1 - 15 (17 Reviews Total)
|
| Next 15 |
User Reviews
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mcshaner2k
a Weekend Warrior
from easton paDate Reviewed: July 29, 2011
Strengths: Looks shiny and high end... It came on a bike I bought and I thought wow thats a nice chain!Weaknesses: It sucks, Broke twice and busted my A** both times.Bottom Line: I've been using $11.00 walmart Bell 3/32 bike chains for the last few years on 4 of my bikes. Not one has broken and I ride aggresive!
I can't believe this chain broke twice on me.
I read the reviews on this chain with my droid while I was waiting for my wife to pick me up broke down on the side of the trail.. NO JOKE!
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Purchased At: came with bike
Bike Setup: Single speed cannondale 1fg
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
The Dread Pirate Roberts
a Weekend Warrior
from ILDate Reviewed: July 1, 2011
Strengths: Nothing comes to mind.Weaknesses: Snapped under exceedingly normal riding conditions (groomed trail) in the middle ring... not sprinting... gradual, predictable climb.Bottom Line: I've ridden long enough to make an effort to shift appropriately and I'm very good about maintaining my gear. Our only good trails are dry-use only, which I respect, so this chain has never seen mud. I've never broken a chain so quickly in eleven years of riding. Regrettably, I switched from an older SRAM chain to this model to see if there were any shifting benefits in conjunction with my XT rings. Nothing magical, and obviously not as durable as similar SRAM products. I have no complaints about XT components per se, and have used them with no issues for years. That said, I will not be purchasing another Shimano chain.
Favorite Trail: Muir
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At: Performance
Similar Products Used: SRAM , XT (CN-HG93)
Bike Setup: 08' Trance, XT (M760) Drivetrain, Reba Team (Maxle), Thomson Post & Stem, WTB Saddle & Tires.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, CA USADate Reviewed: August 5, 2010
Strengths: -Smooth shifts
-Quick link compatible
-AffordableWeaknesses: Short lifespan, compared to SRAM PC-991 Hollowpin.Bottom Line: This chain ran the first 1900 miles on my road bike. It worked reliably and completed a few road centuries, before bringing it to my MTB. 400 miles later - I am getting bad chainsuck...and I am a smooth shifter, who cleans my parts after each ride. I previously put well over 4000 miles on my SRAM PC991 Hollowpin over two full seasons and it NEVER chainsucked ONCE!
The Shimano CN7701 on the road is fine. The design of this chain HATES dirt of any kind. The SRAM and KMC chains are far superior and lighter too. It's time Shimano re-design this decades-old design, for us remaining 9-speeders who refuse to, or cannot afford 10-speed drivetrains!
Favorite Trail: Hurkey Creek Park (24 Hours of Adrenalin course)
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At: Pasadena Cyclery
Similar Products Used: SRAM PC-991
KMC X9SL
Bike Setup: 19-pound Cannondale race hardtail
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
mattyfresh
a Racer
from Huntington Beach, CADate Reviewed: March 28, 2010
Strengths: Light, shifts wellWeaknesses: WeakBottom Line: I just built up a new all mountain bike which can also race light downhill or even 4x. This chain worked great for any trail conditions. Shifted quickly/quietly/accurately. Took it to Fontana for some downhill racing - SNAPPED the chain getting out of the start gate. End result, great for trail riding / too weak for gate racing.
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$34.00
Purchased At: PricePoint
Similar Products Used: Sram
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Davidlovesmountainbiken
a Weekend Warrior
from springfield, OR USADate Reviewed: September 26, 2009
Strengths: It's XTR so good for the ego, lighter then some I guessWeaknesses: Breaks easy. Mine broke twice before I scrapped it for a Scram. Today riding up Mt. Spokane a dude was on the side of the trail with his new XTR chain that had just broke. Never had a problem before with chain linkage. Thinking that the lightweight/durability ratio is way off on this one.Bottom Line: Probably good for racing though for technical climbing and demanding situations requiring a ton of shifting and tork it's not the chain to use. Worth a little extra weight for the durability of an XT or LX or Scram. This is the only XTR product I've ever had a hard time with.
Favorite Trail: Favorite position?
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At: Life Cycles in Eugen
Similar Products Used: XT, LX and Sram
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Blur LT with all the best stuff.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
lebikerboy
a Weekend Warrior
from North VanDate Reviewed: September 24, 2009
Strengths: Shifts well, seems stronger than other brands I've used.Weaknesses: No quick link.Bottom Line: I've used Dura Ace chains on my road bike (10 speed) so
I thought I'd give the 9 speed version a try on my mountain bike. Glad I did!
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Similar Products Used: Sram/Wipperman/Rohloff/Shimano
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Tazmon,XTR,Raceface,Chris King, etc.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
sutty86
a Cross Country Rider
from tasmania australiaDate Reviewed: May 13, 2009
Strengths: seems to be strong and durableWeaknesses: doesnt have a quick connector link standardBottom Line: I have been through 3 sram chains and this is my 2nd xtr, I seam to get alot more life out of the xtr that the sram.
I always use the sram powerlink to join the xtr chain and it works fine!
Favorite Trail: stubbs road
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At: crc
Similar Products Used: sram
Bike Setup: raceface cranks, xt cassette, sram xo rear mech
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Montytian
a Cross Country Rider
from EnglandDate Reviewed: April 13, 2009
Strengths: strongWeaknesses: top quality chain no weaknesses at all.Bottom Line: strong and never break off(used to break off 3 KMC chains in a month when I was in high school.)
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Similar Products Used: KMC, Shimano CN73, CN93
Bike Setup: Orange evo2
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
augustiner
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte NCDate Reviewed: October 30, 2008
Strengths: Its a chainWeaknesses: Cant reuse a pinBottom Line: I replaced the SRAM that came on my bike with this thinking it was great. Sized it one link too short, and so had to add another link back in. Silly me, I used the link that was already used once...climbing uphill the chain snaps. Ok, maybe my fault...heres what I really dont like. Get back from a ride a week ago and notice that one of the links is popping off...hasnt snapped yet, but not rideable, and this link i never messed with...not cool...I havent usually snapped chains so this is strike two.
Favorite Trail: Reddish Knob
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At: Performance
Similar Products Used: SRAM various chains
Bike Setup: Superlight, full XT, Juicy Carbons, etc
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
MJ
a Weekend Warrior
from TXDate Reviewed: May 1, 2008
Strengths: Has lasted 9+ mo with no stretch.Weaknesses: needs the pin, and needs it installed correctlyBottom Line: I used to be an 8-spd retro-grouch. Bought a used bike with 9-speed. Had to repair the original HG93 (?) chain. Said bah humbug to using the special pin. Big mistake. Got home, replaced chain with XTR chain, and used the special pin. 1 yr later (2-3 rides a week, and I am not a chain-friendly rider), chain checker still shows chain OK. I never had this kinda luck with SRAM (Sachs) 8-spd, even the 68 chain.
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At: Colorado Cyclist
Similar Products Used: SRAM 8-spd, Shim HG93
Bike Setup: XTR cassette, XT rings
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Pertti M
a Weekend Warrior
from FinlandDate Reviewed: April 5, 2008
Strengths: Stretches less than cheaper Shimano chains
Shifts well
Easy to cleanWeaknesses: Haven't found anyBottom Line: I have bought a few of these, as the LBS had a good price on a batch. They do what a chain is supposed to do and they do it much better than the "lower level" Shimano chains that I have had on my bikes.
I am no lightweight and like to climb out of the saddle: this chain has never broken on me. Others have, but it has always been a badly done joint (by me or the shop). No particular issues with using a chain tool on these either.
If you find these at a non-outrageous price, go and buy a few.
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Purchased At: LBS
Similar Products Used: cheaper Shimano chains
Bike Setup: hardtail
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NCDate Reviewed: November 2, 2007
Strengths: Does what it's supposed to do.
Weaknesses: NoneBottom Line: I've got thousands on some of these chains and never had a problem. I keep it clean and lubed while being careful how I shift. I use it with a Sram powerlink too.
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Similar Products Used: Sram 99x
Bike Setup: Kona kula primo (2), Specialized Stumpy FSR, Giant XTC, TST Gman
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Biker
a Cross Country Rider
from IdahoDate Reviewed: August 27, 2007
Strengths: Light, shifts well, it's pretty?Weaknesses: breaks every other ride. Shockingly bad durability.
You need the special pins, which you might think are gonna be cheap... but guess what? Bike shops know this $&%& chain breaks all the time and they charge 3-4 dollars per pin. I spent 12 dollars on pins thinking every time, this is the last one... well now I'm OUT OF SPARE LINKS!! In the garbage after just ONE month.Bottom Line: I have never had problems with chains until this one. This is garbage. This chain was used with all new components. Shimano crankset and cassette. I used the connecting pin and put it in the middle where its supposed to be just like every other pin I have ever used (which all worked GREAT). There is no excuse for this chain to have broken 3 times in like 12 hours of riding. Every time, the method of breaking is the side plate blowing out and bending at the site of a connecting pin. Have a SRAM in its place now, its working just like a chain should... maybe its plates are a little less sculpted so it weighs 1% more and shifts minutely slower--but it is only middle-priced, not "top end" like xtr. What else can I say? BOTTOM LINE: ONE OF THE SHORTEST-LIVED PARTS I HAVE EVER USED. 150% WASTE OF MONEY DUE TO BUYING 12 BUCKS WORTH OF CONNECTING PINS. should get zero chilis.
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$22.00
Similar Products Used: Another "lesser model" shimano chain before they used the special connector pins--it worked fine, broke one time in like 2 years before wearing out. Also used three SRAM chains and a KMC on a SS which have also worked fine and have the master link going for them--which is an even bigger plus now apparently.
Bike Setup: This is a 2007 chain.
I have one SS, one geared HT and one road bike. All shimano rings/cogs on the geared bikes.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Gerald B
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, FLDate Reviewed: August 21, 2007
Strengths: Quality, reliable, strong, and weight.Weaknesses: None... You just have to clean it before installing.Bottom Line: This chain rocks!! Its lighter than the standard HG50 and way stronger. I use it with a SRAM powerlink and its awesome!! Easy to service after a ride or two...
Favorite Trail: Santo's
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At: JensonUSA
Similar Products Used: HG50
Bike Setup: 2004 Raleigh Ram 2.0; heavily modded.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Hank
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZDate Reviewed: January 18, 2007
Strengths: Tried and true. Compatable with SRAMWeaknesses: That *sticky* crap they put on in the factory for packagingBottom Line: I've used the 7701 chain for a long time (well over 5 years). I've *never* had one break on me. Very reliable and predictable. A couple of comments: 1) The pins aren't a problem for me at all... maybe it took a little practice, but I've done it so many times now, it goes without a hitch. You need a good tool though (don't use a friggin mini-tool unless you have to... I've only had to once, and not because of the chain - I snapped a der, and had to fabricate a ss). 2) You've got to get that sticky crap off that they use for packaging. Regardless of what lube you use, you'll never get full efficiency if you don't thoroughly clean the chain before you install. Why does Shimano use this crap? I'd rather see even just a thin coating of oil. 3) Replace your chain regularly - I use the 12" + 1/8" rule, finding that in most cases, I can get by replacing every 4-6 months... the best "routine maintanence" you can do. This is a great chain... no reason to be convinced to try another unless a *significant* weight savings can be had (I'm not a weight weenie) - and even then, I would wonder if you're sacraficing strength.
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At: Various
Similar Products Used: Yeah
Bike Setup: Titus Moto Lite, XTR Cranks/cogset, SRAM X.O derailleur
|
Reviews 1 - 15 (17 Reviews Total)
|
| Next 15 |
Review Options:
Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating |
