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Submitted by
jpeters
a Cross Country Rider
from germanyDate Reviewed: November 19, 2010
Strengths: NoneWeaknesses: Stretches fast very springyBottom Line: This chain is not worth the money I had 2 and I got less than 1500 km out of both of them together. So I bought a kmc and this chain for the same price is much stronger. I dont know why you would want to spend the money on this chain when you can get a better one for the same price. I dont think you should buy this one
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At: Mayers
Similar Products Used: None
Bike Setup: Focus Black Forest Fox32f100 Slx Group Fulcrum redmetal 5 wheels
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bret
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UTDate Reviewed: July 15, 2010
Strengths: Can't think of one.Weaknesses: The chain came stock on my brand new Giant Anthem. Damn thing broke on my third serious ride. This chain has no business on any mt bike, let alone the Anthem.Bottom Line: Use this chain for coasting downhill only, and you'll be fine.
Favorite Trail: Wasatch Crest
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At: Stock on GIANT Anthe
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
joeandkaty
a Cross Country Rider
from Wa, USDate Reviewed: June 5, 2010
Strengths: Less expensive than some other chains.Weaknesses: It breaks.Bottom Line: Chain came stock on this bike. The first chain broke within a year; decided it was time to replace it anyway and bought another one. Has broken twice again this year during street/path riding. The first time I had a chain tool, the second time I didn't. I'm going to try the SRAM PC-991 Crossstep this time and see if it can handle the punishment my 5'2" 115 lb wife dishes out.
Favorite Trail: Its crowded enough already
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At: ebay
Bike Setup: Trek Fuel 90 WSD - all stock.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Marquism1
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CADate Reviewed: May 17, 2010
Strengths: Inexpensive, reliable, narrower than SRAMWeaknesses: None seriousBottom Line: Like a review way down below, I am amused by how these and other chains get unequivocally declared "crap", or "weak" or weaker than other Shimano chains or SRAM or whatever. I've been running these chains for as long as they've been available and have never had a problem. I've ridden at least 10,000 miles in the dirt and on the road every year for the past 25. I've broken exactly one chain (a SRAM)and that was under some fairly extreme conditions, so I didn't automatically conclude that all SRAM chains were crap. I've been a bike mechanic for over 25 years and can say with great certainty that if someone has repeated chain failure, it's never the chain's fault. I can say with same certainty that sometimes chains do break. Some are just defective, but most break due to improper installation or care.
Put one of these down next to a Dura-Ace/XTR chain and compare. The plating on the links is better on the DA/XTR, but they are dimensionally and mechanically identical. The plates are the same thickness, the pins are the same, etc.
I use Shimano 9-spd chains because they're a tiny bit narrower than SRAM, making for a slightly quieter drivetrain. I always use a SRAM or KMC link so I can take the the chain off when I need to. If kept well lubed and cleaned once in a while, the HG-73 is a great chain for a fair price. That means they can be replaced when needed, which is the other key to drivetrain happiness.
Favorite Trail: If I told you, you'd ride there and I can't have that...
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$16.00
Purchased At: Various
Similar Products Used: Every other chain brand
Bike Setup: Multiple bikes
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
daverh
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, AustraliaDate Reviewed: January 11, 2010
Strengths: I like Shimano gear and have would turn to it if I was not sure about the alternatives.Weaknesses: After only about 100km the chain twisted badly. This was during a pretty smooth gear change on an even part of the track, the chain simply twisted between gears and next thing you know it was stuffed. 100kns is pretty pathetic but even so, I would not think much of it except for the other reviews that it has received that make it sound like a pretty weak chain. I would agree.Bottom Line: This came standard with the bike so no real complaints but I would have preferred to pay a little extra and get something a little stronger. It is more the hassle of having to go back to the LBS (which is closed by the time I get home from work) and argue my case or even just being out of action until I can get a replacement from anywhere else. Bad Shimano, bad.
Favorite Trail: Manly Dam
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At: Bika Addiction
Similar Products Used: None
Bike Setup: Ginat Trance 2010 X2, stock except for the Crossmark tyres.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
cpsharp67
a Cross Country Rider
from AustraliaDate Reviewed: August 19, 2009
Strengths: Ha, it's crapWeaknesses: Chain snapped after 800kms of commuting to work. Shimano refused to replace it under warranty, so obviously they know their own products are rubbish tooBottom Line: A two month old bike and the chain lasted 800 kilometers, not good enough shimano! They obviously couldn't give a rats what consumers think. Maybe it's time I try Campag
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At: Woolys Wheels
Bike Setup: Specialized Tri-Cross Sport
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
mtnbiker72
a Weekend Warrior
from Republic of CascadiaDate Reviewed: June 24, 2009
Strengths: Solid shifting, center punch pins, long lasting, priceWeaknesses: Shimano needs to come up with a quick link...though SRAM and Connex ones work fineBottom Line: I am surprised at the list of negative reviews on this chain. I'm willing to bet being a former bicycle mechanic (and still doing work on the side) that the chains are not being installed properly with the Shimano replacement pins. The replacement pins are a PITA but a very simple remedy is a SRAM Powerlink or Connex Connector...both of which I have used with success on this chain (I've used two now). The chain has been reliable, smooth shifting, and long term durability has been on par with other at or above its price range. Having broke both PC69 (now the PG971) SRAM chains in less than a year...I would highly recommend it over that chain. I've run HG93 and CN 7701 chains in the past and I am pleasantly surprised at the quality of this chain.
Solid performance, solid value, good overall chain
Favorite Trail: Stella
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$18.00
Similar Products Used: Shimano HG93, CN 7701, SRAM PC69
Bike Setup: Access 29er
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
sirtwist
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UKDate Reviewed: June 7, 2009
Strengths: Umm... hard to find one reallyWeaknesses: Snapped three times in one week
No powerlinkBottom Line: Total rubbish. Bought in a shop as I needed a chain fast, and the guy even said, "It's all I've got 9sp, and they're a bit rubbish". Fitted it, and it snapped on the first ride twice, then again on the second ride. Bought Sram chain with a powerlink, fitted once and it's not snapped once in 10 rides so far! I love Shimano products in general, ususally the best of the budget level kit, but their chains are terrible.
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At: a shop
Similar Products Used: Sram chains
Bike Setup: Stumpjumper Race Bike
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
thedaego
a Weekend Warrior
from Owings Mills, MDDate Reviewed: August 20, 2008
Strengths: worked for about 2-3 monthsWeaknesses: 1.) It Breaks. Then again, I suppose no chain is 'break proof'.
2.) It rusts easily.Bottom Line: The chain broke while climbing a very small hill. Granted, I was shifting under load, but not much.
I didn't have a quick link or anything like it at the time, so I had to remove the busted link and connect it to another existing link. Real PiTA in the middle of the trail.
Also had rust problems with this chain. There are always some wet spots where I ride as there are small stream crossings everywhere. Even cleaning and lubing after each ride, the chain accumulated rust.
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Bike Setup: Gary Fisher HiFi Pro 29
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Daz
a Weekend Warrior
from LondonDate Reviewed: June 24, 2008
Strengths: None that I saw.Weaknesses: It snaps...Bottom Line: This chain lasted a total of 3 days and about 40km before it snapped on me in busy traffic. Very nearly ended up under a bus, so I'm lucky to be alive. Bike needs new rear Mech, frame is pitted. I weigh 150lbs and have chicken legs.... Absolute rubbish.
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Purchased At: Came with bike.
Bike Setup: Cannondale Badboy lefty
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Shaw Dunkel
a Cross Country Rider
from Pompano Beach, FL USADate Reviewed: May 18, 2008
Strengths: CheapWeaknesses: Stretched quickly, wears out all of the other drive chain components,Bottom Line: Replace it as soon as you get a bike with this chain on it. You will pay the price later for all of the wear it does on the rest of the components. Buy an XTR or better chain as soon as possible.
Favorite Trail: Markham
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Purchased At: came on bike
Similar Products Used: Shimano XTR 7701
Bike Setup: Trek Top Fuel 9.8
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Barry
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, AustraliaDate Reviewed: April 5, 2008
Strengths: Seems reasonably smooth, makes the bike go forward, hasn't skipped or broken, so I guess it's fairly reliable.Weaknesses: Stretches real fast, and wears out other drivetrain bitsBottom Line: Well it works ok but if you ride a lot or ride hard it won't last - it's probably worth taking the step up to HG93. I only weigh a bit under 60kg and only got about 800kms out of it in the 2 months that I've owned the bike and it's reached the 95% stretch mark on my chain guage.
However I do ride pretty hard and spend a lot of time out of the saddle, but I haven't actually raced on it yet or done much hill climbing.
I'll definitely be putting the HG93 on as I still have one on one of my other bikes that I'm pretty sure has been on there for more than 4 years and has done massive kilometres and is still less stretched.
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Purchased At: Came on bike
Similar Products Used: Shimano HG93 & HG53 and lots of other cheap stuff
Bike Setup: 08 Giant Anthem
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Rodriguez
a Racer
from MonterrreyDate Reviewed: November 1, 2007
Strengths: Very reliable. You always count on it. Cheap and strongWeaknesses: None so far.Bottom Line: Back in 2000 i bought a raleigh comp 600 hardtail and it came with this chains. I broke it twice and it was my pain, i sweared not to buy shimano chains again. Then i bought a 2004 trek 8000 that came also with that chain. Then i started to get into serious riding. I ride very much and do very many kms on my bike than ever, and after a lot of beating, extensive pedaling, any kind of conditions (dirt, sand, mud, water, you name it), finally it gave up. I am so proud of this product. You now the difference?. It is based on mainteinance. Before back with my raleigh i did not take care of the chain and blamed it on Shimano. When i got serious and responsable due to i became a racer i cleaned my chain not every week but twice a month and every thing changed dramatically. Honestly it was not chains fault it was mine. The same chain, same model show me i was wrong in the firts place.
Favorite Trail: Cola de Caballo
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Purchased At: Came with original bike
Similar Products Used: other similar shimano chains
Bike Setup: trek 9.8 04 carbon frame, cassete sram 970.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaDate Reviewed: September 1, 2007
Strengths: Shifts well
No chain slips and less random gear shifts (also caused by my derailleur needing adjustment)
Has lasted well
Weaknesses: Haven't found a weakness yet
Dosen't break after 40 km (25 miles) of use, I used to have an SRAM PC-971 but it broke within 40 km, less than 24 hours since the time i put the chain on the bike.Bottom Line: I ride a lot and this is a great chain that has lasted me, however it stretches pretty quickly and you can expect to need to replace it every season or else it will ruin your cassette/freewheel.
Its a good chain, better then any of that SRAM crap.
Definitely recommend it.
Favorite Trail: The Black Bridge
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At: Bikes and Beyond
Similar Products Used: Shimano HG XTR
Bike Setup: Highly upped Specialized Rockhopper
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
TrekJeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Mid, Michigan, USADate Reviewed: August 8, 2007
Strengths: It's perfect for less than 50 miles of paved MUT and flat HardpackWeaknesses: Everything you hope to have in a chain...this lacksBottom Line: POS. This chain blew apart on me with less than 100 miles, brand new, still had the factory goop on it.
The bottom line, chains have to be the weakest link...hahaha in the Shimano line. Goung back to SRAM
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Purchased At: Jenson
Similar Products Used: SRAM 991, HG 7 Speed
Bike Setup: SURLY Cross Check, stock build via Jenson
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