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Submitted by
tridge
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco CA USADate Reviewed: August 11, 2011
Strengths: Relatively light weight and inexpensive.Weaknesses: Flimsy. I broke it within 3 mos and I wasn't really getting on it. And I ain't big enough to snap a chain. So I fixed it and went out again. Broke it again the next day. Different link. It's ridiculous.Bottom Line: Stay away from this chain. I have used other SRAM chains for years w/o problems. This is my first (and last) hollow pin chain.
Favorite Trail: Tahoe Rim Trail
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At: Jenson
Similar Products Used: Shimano XTR, SRAM 99x solid pin.
Bike Setup: Ti frame w/Sram and Avid components. XC.
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Submitted by
dimitrin
a Weekend Warrior
from ATXDate Reviewed: August 6, 2011
Strengths: It is useless because it will break as soon as you put everything you got to the pedal.Weaknesses: Outer link pulled away from the pin and bam, there you are up a creek without a paddle. Better bring your chain toolBottom Line: It is useless because it will break as soon as you put this everything you got to the pedal.
Outer link pulled away from the pin and bam, there you are up a creek without a paddle. Better bring your chain tool.
I weigh 170 lbs and have NEVER broke a XT chain. On the sram hollow pin chains second ride, which had some climbing, it broke just after 3 miles. It is unreliable when you need it most. I may try the non hollow pin version, or might be best going with what I know works...XT.
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Similar Products Used: Shimano xt
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Submitted by
romr
a Downhiller
from San DiegoDate Reviewed: February 27, 2010
Strengths: Quicklink.Weaknesses: EVERY FREAKING THING ELSE!Bottom Line: What a piece of crap guys. I built my Santa Cruz with this piece of crap because it was on sale at PP. I bought 2 of these. Basically I get on a ride and when you need it the most when you're cranking up the hill the stupid thing fails and breaks, at first I thought it was the quick link, however, after further inspection I saw that it was a pin that had just popped out. What a freaking bummer trying to fix this piece of crap while on the trail. So I did, came home checked everything and double checked it. Fast forward 10 rides and sure enough while pumping air into my tire I glance at the chain and half of a pin is out with one of the links hanging loose. I proceed to spend the next half an hour in the parking lot trying to fix this stupid thing, luckily I had a whole new link and just replaced it after removing the bent as hell part. So everything is great now right? WRONG! As I'm going up the hill, the exact same freaking place it broke the first time, the freaking thing breaks again!!! ARG! Unbelievable! I gave up, just coasted and "skateboarded" my bike down from the trail; consider this your fair warning what a piece of crap! I'm giving it a chili only because I can't give it -20!
Favorite Trail: Mission Trails
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At: Pricepoint
Similar Products Used: Shimano.
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Heckler AM, XO everything. XTR Front Derr. Fox 36 VAN RC2, DHX5.0
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Submitted by
rumblefish915
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Texas, USADate Reviewed: February 22, 2010
Strengths: Lighter than a non hollow pin chain.Weaknesses: IT BREAKS!!
SRAM is not willing to replace chains that break under normal conditions within two weeks of the chains purchase date.Bottom Line: I have not run a hollow pin chain in many years because I had problems with frozen links with the past hollow pin chains I used. I figured I would try one with the new bike I just purchased and sure enough it broke on the 6th ride. Not even 80 miles on the chain. The outer link pulled off the pin. SRAM says to just put a power link in the chain and it will be fine. I don't agree that I should have to use a quick fix on a 2 week old chain. I have never had a problem with a non hollow pin chain.
Bottom line, do not run a hollow pin chain. They will break every time!
Favorite Trail: Walnut creek
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$58.00
Purchased At: Bicycle Sport Shop
Similar Products Used: Sram 991 and sram 971
Bike Setup: Gary fisher Rumblerfish, Sram X0 and shimano XT cranks
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Submitted by
PaulM
a Cross Country Rider
from New ZealandDate Reviewed: November 17, 2009
Strengths: Lightish, looks nice in the boxWeaknesses: Two frozen links after the first ride. Seems to be due to a very soft metal.Bottom Line: This chain is no good, I have tried rohloff, SRAM, KMC, Shimano chains over the last 10 years, the best of the bunch turns out to be a mid range SRAM chain, like the 970. Seems to last longer and the powerlink is a real plus - means you can run two chains and swap them every month or so to save the life of the rest of it.
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At: Online
Similar Products Used: Almost everything
Bike Setup: Lynskey Ti
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Submitted by
Jim Jackson
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa CADate Reviewed: August 2, 2009
Strengths: Easy install.Weaknesses: Breaks with no warning.Bottom Line: Good chain but it will break.
Favorite Trail: The one I am on !
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At: Nor Cal
Similar Products Used: Yes.
Bike Setup: Xross country all day rider setup.
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Submitted by
utahmountaineer
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UtahDate Reviewed: June 29, 2009
Strengths: Smooth even shifting. Quick link makes for easy removal and installationWeaknesses: You know when to replace this sucker. Instead of becoming stretched out, it breaks. When mine went it wrapped around the rear der. and sheared off the hangerBottom Line: Do not let this chain run dry. Clean and lube regularly. Mine broke twice after 6 months use. Although opinions vary about how often a chain should be replaced, I was used to riding a couple seasons on a chain before it was stretched to it's limit.
Bottom line, I did like this chain and will buy another. This time I will pay closer attention to it's condition and wear.
Favorite Trail: Steep and technical
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Similar Products Used: shimano, sram
Bike Setup: Vassago Bandersnatch with all the trimmings
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Submitted by
tcook
a Cross Country Rider
from HollisterDate Reviewed: April 26, 2009
Strengths: WeightWeaknesses: WorkmanshipBottom Line: I've purchased two of these chains. The first one broke within a month and the second one had two frozen links, brand new out of the box. Shimano xtr and xt have never shown this problem.
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Similar Products Used: Shimano, kmc
Bike Setup: Fisher Superfly
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Submitted by
amillmtb
a Racer
from Pittsburgh, PA, USADate Reviewed: February 8, 2009
Strengths: Quick Link is the best, very light mine is 264.7g, StrengthWeaknesses: Price???Bottom Line: Great chain, if you are thinking about buying it, do it. I have been riding this chain for about 5 months, and it is rides like it did the day I put it on my bike. It has great strength, is really light, and comes with a quick link. The quick link is an amazing invention by SRAM. This is a great, easy, tool free way to take the chain off. This chain may require a bit more maintenance than others, but for a chain this light, I don’t mind taking it off every couple days and cleaning it. This chain did 7 Springs 24 hour challenge and Big Bear with me, and was fabulous during both. I am by no means a Clydesdale masher; I am only 155lbs, and take care of my chains. Choosing the correct time to shift is crucial to keeping a chain. If you “power shift” this chain may not be for you.
Buy this chain if:
~You want a light chain
~You don’t mind maintenance
Don’t buy this chain if:
~You are a hardcore masher, who “Power Shifts”
~You constantly find your self crossing the chain in 1-9 or 3-1
Favorite Trail: Hartwood, Frick, 7 Springs
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At: LBS
Similar Products Used: PC-971, PC-951, Shimano XT, other cheap chains
Bike Setup: Cannondale Rush, Lefty, X-0, XTR Crank, Stan's ZTR Olympic wheelset
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Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, California USADate Reviewed: December 4, 2008
Strengths: PowerLink design; lightness; smooth shifts.Weaknesses: None yet....even after a YEAR of riding.Bottom Line: It's true- take care of your parts, and you'll be rewarded with long service life. Don't get me wrong, I PUSH my Hollowpin chain on those grueling hills, and with wide ring/cassette combinations- but I almost NEVER stress the chain, when shifting(ie; no STOMPING at mid-shift). It takes some practice.....and just a millisecond delay, to complete the shift and THEN HAMMER it.
I have almost 2000 road/trail miles on this chain, and at 264 grams running 108 total links- this chain has already exceeded my expectations, and returned my $40 investment. Plus, you can't beat the PowerLink concept.....no TOOLS required! Would I buy another one? Absolutely!
Favorite Trail: Hurkey Creek Park(24Hrs/Adrenalin Course)
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At: Pasadena Cyclery
Similar Products Used: SRAM PC-951; KMC 9SL; Shimano Deore LX
Bike Setup: 19-pound Cannondale XC race hardtail.
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Submitted by
radicaltrek
a Cross Country Rider
from LaSalle, CanadaDate Reviewed: September 21, 2008
Strengths: NoneWeaknesses: Breaks EasilyBottom Line: If you are thinking about buying this chain purchase a chain break at the same time because you will spend more time repairing then riding. Sram really dropped the ball on this item!
Favorite Trail: Maybury
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At: LBS
Similar Products Used: Shimano CN-7701
Bike Setup: Trek 6000, Rockshox Recon 351 Coil U-Turn, Sram X.9 Front and Rear Derailleurs, Sram X.9 Trigger Shifters, Crankbrothers Candy SL Pedals,Bontrager Race X Lite Saddle, Panaracer Smoke and Dart Tires.
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Submitted by
TCRunner
a Cross Country Rider
from Traverse City, MI. USADate Reviewed: August 29, 2008
Strengths: light-weightWeaknesses: BreaksBottom Line: Only buy this product if you never need, plan or want to mash down on your pedals. This chain broke after 4 months (400 miles) of riding. I was crossing a paved road, stomped down on the pedal (no steriods), chain broke and I was hugging the asphalt. I've read reviews or this product that blame the rider for not maintaining their equipment. Hogwash! This chain was maintained, installed correctly and I was not changing gears. I simply gave it the gusto and it broke. That has never happened to me with any Shimano chain with 4x the miles.
Favorite Trail: Big Vasa
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At: Jenson
Similar Products Used: Shimano DA, XT
Bike Setup: Salsa Mamasita 3x9, WB rigid carbon fork, RXL wheelset
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Submitted by
Joel Mabry
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TXDate Reviewed: March 25, 2008
Strengths: Came in a cool caseWeaknesses: It breaksBottom Line: I snapped a 3 month old PC99 chain last month and although I said I was going back to Shimano I realized I had an extra chain in my bike parts. It was a new PC991 Hollow Pin. It lasted less than 100 miles before it broke. I'm only 160 lbs and don't put a whole lot of force to the ground. I'm off to try a different brand of chain now.
Favorite Trail: jmabry90@yahoo.com
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At: Online
Similar Products Used: SRAM PC99
Bike Setup: Yeti ASR
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Submitted by
Kyle Ireton
a Cross Country Rider
from Poway, CADate Reviewed: October 27, 2007
Strengths: Shifts well, Light wieghtWeaknesses: Broke it within a mile.
My dad use it and it snaped in a couple of weeksBottom Line: I am looking for a more heavy duty one. If you crank it you will break it
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$44.00
Purchased At: BeyondBikes
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Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MADate Reviewed: August 30, 2007
Strengths: Very leightweight. Shifts well.Weaknesses: Durability.Bottom Line: I had a Sram-pc-99 chain for about 3 years and had no problem ever with it. I haven't broken a chain for about 10 years. In preparing for the 24 hours of great glen race I figured I would get my drivetrain in order which meant a new Sram cassette, XTR middle chainring, and a new chain. I settled on the 991 hollowpin figuring that it would be fine for me. I'm 160 pounds, do xc riding only, and keep my drivetrain very clean, probably much cleaner than the typical rider. The chain made it through the 24 hour race fine, so that was about 8 hours of riding. I did one ride after, riding up and down a mtn in Vt, then I was racing this past weekend in NH and on the 2nd lap of the race at the top of a climb while I was in 2nd place, the chain snaps. The sram powerlink was totally busted as well, as it somehow got tigthened up when the chain snapped. So, in the end, don't waste your money on this. Get a pc-99 or shimano chain, don't do the hollowpin thing, it simply isnt worth it. I just can't justify anything higher than a 1 on this because it didnt even last me 1 month.
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Similar Products Used: Sram PC-99.
Bike Setup: Turner Flux. Avid Juicy Carbons, Rockshox Reba, XTR and XO mix. Crossmax SL wheels.
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