The PC-951 is our most economical PowerChain while still maintaining our high standards of quality. Like all Power Chain II chains, the PC-951 uses Chrome Hardened rivet pins for increased durability.
Submitted by
Scott O
a Weekend Warrior
from Mars Date Reviewed: November 19, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came stock
Strengths:
shifted relatively well
Weaknesses:
completely corroded in my basement. I've got 7 other bikes down there and all of those other chains are fine. This thing completely froze in place.
Bottom Line:
replace it if it comes stock
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Enob
a Weekend Warrior
from Dothan, Al Date Reviewed: September 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Any thing that looks like a trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
Unreal Cycles
Strengths:
NONE
Weaknesses:
IT IS ITS OWN WEAKNESS. SNAP,SNAP,SNAP,CRACK,BEND,BREAK then flip your @$$ over the handle bars, gash/smash ankle,shin, and knee and damn near get hit by a car. FUN FUN FUN
Similar Products Used:
NONE AND NEVER WILL
Bike Setup:
Unreal Senoir DJ/4X
Bottom Line:
This is the first and only chain i have ever had break in my life and damn neared killed me both times it broke. The first time it happened and i had to call my VERY amused wife to pick my standed and bleeding @$$ up. I thought it was a fluke and its not unheard of for a chain to break (crap happens). The second time i had to walk about few miles but lucky me i was close to one of the local bike shops.The owner showed mercy and fixed free of charge and sent me on my way.Did not acualy break the third time but i found an ugly deformed link that was about too.I came home found the following reviews and proptly purchaced a new and different chain from the super nice guy at Dothan Cycle and Fitness(John the Simpathetic)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BudgetBiker
a Racer
from IL Date Reviewed: September 15, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike frome
Strengths:
cheep
Weaknesses:
strength
Bike Setup:
road and cyclocross
Bottom Line:
I bet this chain would hold up for anyone who is comuting or doing light riding, however for someone who races or intends to apply any amount of significant force,dont use this chain.
It came with a lightly used cyclocross style bike (previous owner claimed it had been ridden 25 miles. once i started riding it hard the problems began. Every time i cranked it hard the bike tried to shift. for the longest time i thought i had some monster frame flex due to a broken frame or something. figured out that the pin in a link was malfunctioning and not allowing the chain to bend along a curve. everytime it reached the rear cassette while i was applying significant force it attempted to change gears (most likely grinding down my grers)
The problem grew worse the more I applied force on the chain. I eventually figured it out and took out the bad link. (to be honest i was kinda relieved it was just the chain, would have been pissed if it was my dura-ace rear detailer) If it happens again I'll probably switch it out, which sucks b/c im a poor collage kid trying to support an expensive passion.... Biking..
I put low on the value b/c it ain't cheep if u have to replace it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
l1egs
a Weekend Warrior
from ireland Date Reviewed: August 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
cooleys
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
stock
Strengths:
this chain sucks broken 3 in just a few weeks.i only weigh 75 kgs so not a heavy rider. doesn't like going up hills.
Weaknesses:
doesn't have any strengths
Bike Setup:
felt redemption . stock
Bottom Line:
buy anything else
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ericmopar
a Weekend Warrior
from Henderson Nv Date Reviewed: May 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Any Where I Can Ride.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Power link is easy to install
Weaknesses:
Doesn't wear as well as similar Shimano product. (HG 73)
Similar Products Used:
Sram/Sachs PC-59/69.
Shimano HG 73/93, Dura Ace.
Bike Setup:
Mountain Cycle San Andreas Classic, set up for all mountain.
Bottom Line:
I never got more than 4 months out of one of these. I couldn't believe it at first, so I started keeping records.
I finally bit the bullit and started buying the Shimano XT chains again.
I not only got twice the wear (6 - 8 months) but my entire drivetrain shifted better and started wearing much better.
The premature wear and stretching, was causing my entire drivetrain to wear prematurely.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
skottt160
a Cross Country Rider
from burlington vt Date Reviewed: October 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Strengths:
price, never broke for me, no need for replacement links
Weaknesses:
only lasted 3-4 months without stretching, but i bought the bottom of the line product with this in mind.
Bike Setup:
its got wheels, a drivetrain a fork and handlebars. along with a seat.
Bottom Line:
first of all, i weigh about 160, so im not a clydesdale or anyhting, and second, im careful about shifting under stress, so with that said, ive run this chain since june without any problems. its getting stretched now though so i have to replace it. if it gets wet without being lubed again it will rust, but thats user error. also, go through, make sure there are no stiff links! if your chain is not too tight anywhere it will last fine. good, cheap chain. no reason not too buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt
a Cross Country Rider
from Chula Vista Ca Date Reviewed: October 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mt Miguel area
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
Master link
Weaknesses:
Breaks, multiple times, rusts
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
XC PRO
Bottom Line:
A terrible waste of my money and more importantly, my time,,,,
Been on 4 rides that have turned into chain repair 101..and a call to my wife to pick me up as i got frustrated when it broke for the 3ard time and i ran out of light.....hope nobody has to go thru what i have with this product.
Gotta go cuz the guy at performance is standing by to swap out and give me credit on a shimano so i can go hit the trail....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jgur88
a Racer
from Philadelphia PA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
singletrack stuff
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
I work at a shop
Strengths:
Very cheap. Never had a problem on my road bike, and I've been beating it to the ground since 2006.
Weaknesses:
Breaks like it is supposed to. Rusts easily as well
Bike Setup:
Felt Nine Comp, XTR and Deore mix and an Old Trek 4900 26", all Deore
Bottom Line:
I just got into mountain biking from road racing. The chain literally broke on my first ride. I thought maybe the Trek I took from my brother had old components on it. I replaced it with the same chain and did it on the next ride. I thought I was cross chaining, but I definitely wasn't. At this time, the bike was falling apart every where else, so I ordered a Felt 29er. As it was in the mail, I literally broke and replaced this chain over and over. I went through 5 PC901's in one month. I thought maybe my cassette was shot so I replaced it. I also thought maybe my chainrings were getting too worn so i replaced them. Eventually the Felt came in, and I was glad to never break another chain again. I took the bike out for its first ride today and it snapped. I was furious. Here is a snapshot of it:
Breaks: multiple times on one ride.
Where: power climbs only. Once on a complete flat.
How: never cross-chained, that's for sure.
rider: I weigh 170 lbs and I am a typical cat 4 crit rider.
This chain: sucks balls
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
woohhaa
a Weekend Warrior
from Memphis, TN Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Stanky Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Plus
Strengths:
Power link, durability, clean quiet shifts.
Weaknesses:
Rusts quickly after washing between drying and lube.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 9 speed chains
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Piranha XT rear cassette.
Bottom Line:
This chain has been trouble free since the minute I put it on. No problems with quick stretch or snapping. Always shifts clean and quiet. I did notice that rust would accumulate on the plates quickly after I washed it off and before I lubed it. The power link was very helpful on several occasions. This chain has hit end of life and I am replacing it with the 971 but I would be glad to recommend the 951.
Value is a 5 because of the price point. Overall I could have lived with out the rust so it gets a 4.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rdoogan
a Cross Country Rider
from Wokingham, Berkshire, UK Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Cheaper than other SRAM chains
Powerlink is very easy to fit, no special tools required
Weaknesses:
Obvious rust the very first time it got wet
5 months and it's completely stretched
Similar Products Used:
Shimano HG
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC Composite One
Bottom Line:
This chain was fitted by my LBS when the previous Shimano HG finally wore out. The Shimano lasted 12 months, which is about normal for me (I use the bike every day).
So 5 months after being fitted, the PC951 is completely stretched and won't engage at all. Not very good.
It might be cheaper than the other models, but it's false economy when it doesn't last very long.
Going to replace it with a PC991 Cross-step, so I'll review that in a few months! Hopefully it will match up to the excellent reviews it's had here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
leone35130
a Weekend Warrior
from Lancaster,CA Date Reviewed: June 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Big Bear
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
It worked for the first 100 miles.
Weaknesses:
I went for a ride and started the grind up a good sized hill. I kept feeling a click in my pedal stroke. The chain was cleaned and lubed and worked fine just a few days prior. I started putting more of a load on it as the hill got steeper, then snap!
Luckily, I had a chain tool and was able to put it back together. I continued the ride and made it 7 more miles up. I started the descent, and two miles into it, the chain snapped , jammed in the cogset, and then my derailleur broke off at the hanger.
I was able to remove the derailleur, reattach the chain and turned my bike into a single speed rig, just to get back to my truck.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
07 Stumpy Expert
Bottom Line:
I think I'm going back to a Shimano drivetrain. I've been riding Shimano for over twenty years without a problem. I liked that the SRAM shifted pretty smoothly, but I don't want to have to repair a chain twice in one ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy with the magic wand
a Cross Country Rider
from massachusetts Date Reviewed: June 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
somewhere out west
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
inexpensive, throw it out and put on a new one and your parts will last longer. power link is easy. On one bike I have, the chain is pre-cut, no need to shorten
Weaknesses:
The price. riding on an inexpensive chain really hurts my ego. I don't want anyone to know I'm using a 13 dollors chain on a 2500-3000 dollar bike.
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
two If and a surly, all steel.
Bottom Line:
The longest ride I've been on was around 5500 miles. Everyone thousand or so, I throw out my chain and put on a new one. This chain don't hurt me in the pocket, and works fine. No need to care much, a little lube when needed, a lot of wiping off, and in the trash. If you have a problem with your chain, you probably bent it XXXXhead!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wisbike
a Weekend Warrior
from wisconsin Date Reviewed: June 8, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
shifts ok, hasnt broken
Weaknesses:
ghost shifting, rusts like crazy
Similar Products Used:
pc 971
Bike Setup:
trek ex8
Bottom Line:
this chain is crap. do not buy it. if someone pays you to use it, tell them no thanks. it did not break, however it rusts/corrodes in a second. i clean/lube it religiously and it rusted in a month. i used it for a month and it is extremely rusty right now. it ghost shifts, although not a huge issue since its not that frequent. bottom line is this thing is junk and rusts no matter how much you clean/lube it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: May 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
China Camp SP
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Shifts clean, usually shifts ok when covered in dirt, shifts better than my 10 speed road bike
The chain came with the bike. It handles 250 pounds of rider in all mountain and XC riding, through dirt, mud and occasional water. Had some ghost shifts, adjusted the derailleurs and no problems for the next three months. Haven't had any problems with it, but I do clean the chain with Rock N Roll Xtreme lube after each ride and sometimes before a long ride. Also I try not to shift while hammering on the crankarms. I've gone through a set of tires and the chain hasn't stretched yet, good enough!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: January 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Shultz Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
It connects your crank to your wheel--cheaply.
Weaknesses:
It broke far earlier than expected, shifts/operates roughly
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bottom Line:
People told me "a chain is a chain." However, this chain has been a big disapointment: it never shifted as smoothly as the Shimano it replaced, and broke when under very minimal stess conditions. The best part of this chain is the power link that comes with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred Redwood
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: January 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Internet retailer
Strengths:
Cheap, shifts well, powerlink
Weaknesses:
needs careful maintenance to keep it reliable.
Similar Products Used:
PC971, shimano
Bike Setup:
XC Hardtail - sram front and rear derailleurs Sram cassette
Bottom Line:
It's cheap and it works. The powerlink is by far and away the best feature of the SRAM chains. Makes maintenance a complete doddle - had to straighten out the gear hangar the other week, squeeze the plates and compress the link pins, and hey presto chain is off.
I brought the PC951 because the only difference between this chain is the fact that the 971 and 991 have nickel coated side plates for corrosion resistance, otherwise the chains are identical. If you clean and lube your chain properly they don't rust, and you don't need to fork out for expensive nickel coatings.
Haven't had a problem with chain's snapping. My old 971 snapped once, but then it was nearing the end of it's useful life. I always change chains when they hit the wear limit - and they seem to last around 6 months or so - less if I ride in a lot of mud - religiously cleaning/lubing and replacing them as soon as they hit the wear limit seems to work for me.
for those thinking of shimano - read the snappety snap reviews for them - I think personally that the thinner 9 speed chains are weaker and more prone to snapping than the older 8 speed stuff (never have had an 8 speed chain snap).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Minkis
a Weekend Warrior
from GTA, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 19, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with the bike
Strengths:
it's a chain. Aside from that, none.
Weaknesses:
like the above says it's a chain, a weakness because it fails miserably at that. <=8 rides and it snapped..
Of all places, it snaps at the easiest trail I could have possibly gone to. Zero hard riding and hits that day. It was a regular link that went out. i've never really had problems with chains before. They tend to last me at least a year. If this one can't survive a few weekends. Utter barbage in my book.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric W.
a Weekend Warrior
from Henderson NV. Date Reviewed: August 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything I can ride...
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Goes on easy with the power link. Shifts slghtly better than the old PC-59s, with the new Shimano style outer links.
Weaknesses:
Wears much faster than the PC-59/69s that I used to buy. Cost is to high especialy when you figure in fast wear.
Similar Products Used:
Old Sram nickle plated PC-59/69 Shimano HG chains. Both types worked well, when installed properly.
Bottom Line:
I have been using Sram chains for at least three years now, but after having two of the new 951 chains practicaly desolve while riding in just 90 days each, I'm going to go back and try Shimano again. The only reason I had switched brands in the first place, three years ago, was because I like the Power Link's ease of removal, when I service my bikes. Its getting a 2 rating only because the new outer link design does help the shifting some. That brings up another point. Remember when Sram used to claim their old PC-50 series chains out shifted Shimano? Then how come their new chain designs, copy Shimano's outer link designs?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas
a Weekend Warrior
from Bear, DE Date Reviewed: July 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Shaeffer Farms
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
smooth shifting... I think. Didn't last long enough to find out.
Weaknesses:
snapped after about 4 miles of light to moderate trail riding
Similar Products Used:
SRAM PC-68 on older bike
Bike Setup:
2007 Iron Horse Azure Comp Mountain Bike (stock components)
Bottom Line:
This chain came with a new bike. If I had read these reviews first, I would have changed the chain before ever riding the bike... Nobody, except maybe a VERY light rider should consider this chain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Georgia Date Reviewed: June 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Camp Thunder
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
nashbar, performance, LBS
Strengths:
Cheap, durable, reliable, quiet, quiet, quiet, SRAM (sedisport) has a good reputation. No need to replace pin everytime you take it apart like Shimano.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Campy
Bike Setup:
Road and Mtn
Bottom Line:
Most problems with chains result in improper installation. Either the installer doesn't seat the pin properly, or neglects to "de-stiffen" the link after installation. I suspect most of the problems mentioned above are related to that. I've never had a chain snap however, I have had links come apart twice in my 20 years of racing. Both times were right after I adjusted chain length.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryce Shaw
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: May 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
UCSC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
SV cycle sport
Strengths:
cheap...
Weaknesses:
ive snapped three of these chains in about 3 months. and they were all new chains. so basically one chain would last me a month
Similar Products Used:
other chains
Bottom Line:
dont buy this if you sprint a lot. you will snap them very fast
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from West Virginia Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Won't say to protect the innocent!
Strengths:
UH, it looks like a chain......does that count?
Weaknesses:
The chain! all links are weak and not worth a s**t!
Bike Setup:
The one with gears.
Bottom Line:
Like many others. It broke way before a chain should break! I was only 2 miles into my 3rd ride and "SNAP" it broke just like it did on everyone else. I had less than 30 miles on this POS! Bottom line ------DO NOT buy this chain!----- I give it a 1 flamin' Chili because I had to select something, it REALLY doesn't need that high of a rating!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Jenkins
a Weekend Warrior
from Basel, Switzerland Date Reviewed: December 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
A chain is only as strong as its weakest links. No Strengths.
Weaknesses:
This chain broke in my thrid ride. I was downshifting on a moderate hill when it blew. I rode my last chain for 10 years - without specific maintenance and never broke it.
Bike Setup:
CDALE RUSH with SRAM Cogs - and a cheap chain.
Bottom Line:
Don't buy it. If it came with your bike (like mine), hope that it breaks early (like mine)so you can replace it with something more reliable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Goodlett
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, Texas Date Reviewed: November 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anything that goes up and down
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came stock on bike
Strengths:
Smooth shifting, quiet operation
Weaknesses:
Chain broke on the first outing on a mild trail. Very disappointed. I bought a PC-971 to replace it same day. Well see how it plays out.
Bike Setup:
Haro V-4 Stock
Bottom Line:
Links seem to be very soft. I am 5'10" 210lbs. Wasnt working the chain very hard. Failed easy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Downhiller
from Clay, AL, USA Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anything with sweet jumps and drops
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
lasted a whoppin 4 weeks of weekend riding.
Weaknesses:
stiff links come easy, breaks apart like nobody's business
Bike Setup:
2004 bighit spec
Bottom Line:
This is supposed to be a decent chain for all-around mountian biking. I've used it for about 4 weeks and have never liked it. It tends to get stiff links easily. Broke it twice on back to back rides. I wasn't even shifting gears and it was just steadily goin up a hill. i only weight 185lbs.
okay chain for light riding, but any serious riding or if you have strong legs, for your safety don't ever use this chain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wells
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, Arizona, USA Date Reviewed: November 10, 2006
I'm glad it was stock, and I didn't buy it as a replacement. Well maintained and broken in and it broke on me twice in one ride. I replaced the initial broken link and checked the chain for any other stressed links. Within 3 minutes of riding the chain broke again. Upon looking i discivered it was a different link not near the new link. I know nearly all chains are supposed to be able to support all strengths and weights, but at 220 lbs. I have noticed a trend of other heavier riders breaking chains as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mario
a
from Finland Date Reviewed: October 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$18.00
Strengths:
Relatively cheap, shifts well.
Weaknesses:
Not at all durable: had to replace it due to stretch after only 2000 Km of 40% XC 60% road riding.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano HG-53, HG-73
Bike Setup:
Bruiser Alu frame, Deore LX front and Deore rear deraileur, Deore mechanical diskbrakes, Deore cassette.
Bottom Line:
It's an OK chain with good shifting performance, but in my experience, it won't last very long. I have been taking very good care of the drivetrain, with regular cleaning and even more regular lubing. In spite of this, I had to replace the chain after only 2000 Km (and in fact, a noticeable stretch was measured before that. If your time is worth some money, get a chain that'll last longer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark
a Cross Country Rider
from central Va Date Reviewed: September 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Rowlettes
Strengths:
cleaner shifts, easily removed for cleaning
Similar Products Used:
Shimano HG73,KMC stuff
Bike Setup:
Devinci Guzzler
Bottom Line:
I replaced the chain and mid chainring today because of skippimg when cranking down on climbs and decided to give the 951 a try. I was pleasantly surprised at how much faster my rear shifts, like when the bike was new crisp, and the front shifts better than when it was new. I am a clydesdale and I have a friend who was constanlty breaking chains on climbs so when mine started to either skip or break on power climbs I decided to go the route he took with the SRAM chain. Im already riding a 34# bike so a few grams of weight will not make a difference IMO. I think the price and reputation makes this chain worth giving a try and the performance I've had so far has made me glad I did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Mid wales Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Rode 6 times in the welsh hills and ti snapped on a very gentle gradient
Bike Setup:
XC HArdtail
Bottom Line:
Dont buy it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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