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Submitted by
Peter
a
from Washington D.C.
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | secret | | Strengths: | IG chains are better than any SRAM garbage that you can ever dish out.HG chains are relatively the same. The only advatage of IG's over the SRAM's and HG's is that they are ramped for quarter shifting, and SRAM'sd are not ramped.If you have a HG cassette, then it really doesn't matter what you put on there,as long as it maches the specs/ 7/8 or 9sp /.I have been biking with shimano chains for a long time now, and I have broken some chains...It is allways because of inproper instalation or abuse. Cros ringing, shifting under load,or cleaning a chain with mileage in an inproper way/I never had the "lack o' lube" problem. I think that the stuff is great, but if you want it to be reliable, you have got to learn the do's and don'ts of chain handling first. rust? what rust? I never had a rusted chain, even after riding in the snow for hours...it all about care and lube...and even if it rusts on the sideplates, that means nothing, chain is still fine...if you have stiff links from rust and oxydation, that is youor fault for not lubing it... | | Weaknesses: | they do stretch sideways somewhat quickly if you do alot of hardcore ,under 1000 lbs torque pedaling, and the package preservation "grease" is too sticky and initially the chain attracts alot of sand and dust, but that can be taken care of otherwise nothing else... | | Similar Products Used: | pg90, pg 65, HG's, IG's, KMC's and others... | | Bike Setup: | 19'5 trek 4500 with dj3 fork,my own built wheels/dt fr 6.1/dt comp skokes/xt 756 36h/ | | Bottom Line: | good stuff, just got to know how to handle it and it's compatability features... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose Rodras
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sope Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | Shimano brand.... nothing else | | Weaknesses: | RUST! RUST! RUUUUUSSSSTTTTT!!!!!
Shimano has more than 20 years in the Bicycle business and still isn't capable to produce an anti-rust chain! | | Similar Products Used: | Original bike setup (SRAM, I guess) | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F400 with Shimano XT components | | Bottom Line: | How it is possible that Shimano still produces a chain that rust so easily? Somebody said that the chain breakes by its weaker link... well, in this case, all the chain is weak! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Poulsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere I can ride | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$22.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Made to match my XT's IG cogset for proper ramping. Smooth shifts. Availability. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | shimano hg chains-no problems | | Bike Setup: | Lots of high-end parts; but thats not what matters. | | Bottom Line: | I am a 220 lbs. rider who loves to hammer on the trails. I have used this chain over the past few years(not the same chain of course). I have not encounter any problems with the chain. I maintain my own bike and do my own work on it. This chain will last you as long as 1)- It is installed properly(i.e.-correct # of links for your set-up); 2)- That the pin(removable) is installed properly; 3)- Cleaned and lubed regularly; and lastly 4)- Change it regularly before it streches too much(which will make your cogs and rings wear too). I think that parts do fail(all by themselves) from time to time. However, by taking care in your shifts(mostly by timing), and keeping the chain clean & lubed will take you on many adventurous rides. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | It's Shimano, so it mates to an XT/XTR drivetrain without any fuss | | Weaknesses: | none really, it does what a chain does pretty well | | Similar Products Used: | Other Shimano HG chains | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Tazmon, previously Klein Pulse | | Bottom Line: | Well, I finally broke this chain. And it's probably my fault because I was cross chaining when it happened (small ring up front, smallish ring in the bike. Add to that the fact that I had just put new shifter cables on the bike, and the bike was phantom shifting from the cable stretch. While climbing a hill, the bike tried to shift up, and POP. I took a link out and repaired it on the trail without problem.
I don't see why people have trouble with this chain breaking, I got at least 3 years of solid XC riding before mine snapped. I'm way overdue for a new chain anyway. But if you have a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain, I'd recommend it, unless you're a 200+ rider. The IG90 is not a huge, burly chain. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Gao
a Weekend Warrior
from Shanghai, China
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Strengths: | durable, crisp shift, the nickel colour | | Weaknesses: | skip a bit during the initial break-in period | | Similar Products Used: | sachs, another Shimano chain,i forgot its model | | Bike Setup: | an old bridgestone frame, 8speed xt-xtr,psylo xc | | Bottom Line: | until now i still use this chain with my old 8-speed xt cassette and crank. they cooperate flawlessly and make me comfy anywhere. however, the chainring and cassette cogs are worn out. i guess they can still last for at least 6 months without a problem. maybe this chain is not the best on the market,but it's one of the high-quality stuff. unfortunately it's not available any longer... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay
a Cross Country Rider
from yuma-az
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$14.00 | | Purchased At: | nashbar | | Strengths: | Shifts allright,usually pretty quite.Low cost.Appearance(When new) | | Weaknesses: | They wear-out.(as all things do) | | Similar Products Used: | KMC, "And an expensive chain I got from nashbar that I can't remember the name.and diffrent IGs | | Bike Setup: | Bikes:Cannondale Cad1.and a Gary-Fisher Paragon.and a road bike.(Building a "Litespeed""Tocca" also) | | Bottom Line: | They're quite with Xt chainrings-XTR cassette.(real quite)when new.Noisey with raceface chainring,(maybe it'll quiten down after some wear and I change the chain out)I try to change the chain every couple months or so.usually about 2000-3000 miles.That's about .75mm on the park chain checker.Much more than that it eats the cassette too.Slip-slip.I had one break on me,after about 5000 miles and a load of power.My dirt road bike I change them more often.But they're cheap.All my stuff is 8speed.Lasts a lot longer.(Lighter too) Bottom line buy em' use em' throw them away when they get tired.(I got hurt when that one broke)They work as good as anything else I've tried.In the past 5 years I've gone through alot of them 49872miles The last one I put on is a little noisey I'm blaming the chainring(Raceface)for now.XT chainring is usually very quite. I'm surprised they didn't get a better rating from everyone else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mesut Oytun OKTAY
a Weekend Warrior
from iStanbul,
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Streets | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | good for hard trains | | Weaknesses: | fails in rough trains when power needed | | Similar Products Used: | searching for one | | Bike Setup: | Shimano Alivio Rear Derailuer, ALivio front derailuer, Lagon front shocks. Quad front disc brake | | Bottom Line: | hell is hell. while i was accelerating in front of a car, think about chain failing.... what a *uck? *uck all Shimano chains, especially IG chains | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from Mesa, Arizona, USA
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Makes you stop and rest.
Gives you pratice with your chain tool.
Teaches you never to buy another Shimano chain. | | Weaknesses: | None, except that it doesn't work. | | Similar Products Used: | Sram powerglide | | Bike Setup: | SL | | Bottom Line: | This chain sucks a hot one. I'm not kidding I was one the trail for less than half an hour brand new chain and the stupid thing broke right off! What a pain in the a$$. I take care of my bike, chain included. About 7 riders passed me by, asked if I had everything I needed, then told me to buy sram chains unless I liked sitting in the dirt getting my hands all greased up. They were right. Fixed it with my chaintool (luv my alien multitool!) by removing two links. Rode my bike home in granny gear. Waste of a good day. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Matty
a Weekend Warrior
from Thailand
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Strengths: | smooth shifts
quiet | | Weaknesses: | outer plates split constantly under even minor power | | Similar Products Used: | IG 50 | | Bike Setup: | Cross country rig. Titanium frame, american classic wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | The outer plates start to split open after about 3 months use every time. And I've used this chain for 3 years now. The reason I keep going back to it is that I simply don't have any other choices here in Asia.
So never go on a ride without a chain tool and an extra pin. And once it starts to break the number of breaks just starts to go up so that the plates open up and the chain falls off your chainrings everytime you start to power up even a minor grade.
I've never worn one out, always replaced them when it got to be too much of a bother patching them all the time. And if you look at the cost of chain pins, heck it can cost you more in these pretty soon then getting a new chain.
IG 30, IG 50 do last longer. But they're not as quiet or smooth shifting. Sure wish I had some alternatives to try out. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from tx
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$14.00 | | Strengths: | looks like a chain | | Weaknesses: | doesn't work like a chain | | Bottom Line: | I break this cahin every 4 or 5 rides. I pedal like a sissy and still break it. The pins just pull out. I must quit using it due to the fact that it is only long enough to make a key chain. The problem is, if you grab the chain first to get your keys out of your pocket it will most likely break. -20 flamers | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, BC
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the dump | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | smooth shifting
quiet running | | Weaknesses: | special pin reqd
others last longer, none perform better | | Similar Products Used: | SACHS/SRAM | | Bike Setup: | RF chainrings, Shimano cassette and have used both SRAM 9.0 and XT derailleurs. | | Bottom Line: | It works better than the rest. If a car's timing belt lasted longer than an IG90, would you use that on your bike? Performance is the bottom line. Who cares if the thing wears out a little quicker than the rest. SRAM chains don't last THAT much longer than a Shimano and the IG90 is cheaper than the competition. Any chain is supposed to wear and the rider is supposed to replace it when it is worn to protect the chainrings and cogset from wearing out prematurely. While you are using the chain you want it to work (shift and transmit power to the wheel) as good as it possibly can. The IG90 does this better than any other 8-speed chain. People complain about the Shimano pin. Get a chain cleaner contraption and leave the chain on your bike, then the pin issue is moot. Shimano produces the pin to ensure no loss of strength when you do break the chain. The other guys say their chain is fine without a new pin. It seems to me that you break and make that POWERLINK enough times it is going to fail. I guess it really will depend on how often you break apart your chain. Long live 8-speed and the IG90. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$14.00 | | Bottom Line: | I started out with Sedis chains and have tried everything on the market. But I have to say that the IG-90 in concert with an all-Shimano drivetrain - 8-speed XT/XTR cassette, LX or better crankset - has proven to be the best shifting setup for me by far. I live in the dry southwest, have never had any reliability problems whatsoever. I really like this chain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zerg
a
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | quite strong, not expensive | | Similar Products Used: | IG-70 | | Bike Setup: | Megamo shock trials | | Bottom Line: | i use IG-90 to do trials, i never break it. But i replace a new one in every year..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe cool
a Cross Country Rider
from Parker, AZ
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$16.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Shifts great, quiet. | | Weaknesses: | Short lifespan, too expensive for something that needs frequent replacement. (don't even get me started or brake pads) Remember the old SedisSport road chain back in '85. $5.00 at the LBS and it shifted great. | | Similar Products Used: | SRAM PC58 and 68 (both last longer) | | Bike Setup: | Old Fisher HT steel | | Bottom Line: | Chains fear me.
I am big and strong and like to ride hard and fast. I have been using Shimano chains for over 10 years. In that time, the IG90 has been the best shifting chain that Shimano has ever made. It is also the weakest (though I haven't used the 9 speed yet). These chains just can't hold up to my 200 pound weight and my strong legs. I only get about 1000 to 1200 miles out of them (only 8 to 10 WEEKS!) before they become too stretched out and start wearing out the cassette and rings. I recently gave up on them and switched to SRAM PC 58 and 68 chains.
I have a serious problem here since the 8 speed gear is on the way out and I want to keep riding. Since my name isn't Tinker or Ned, I know that nobody is going to build me a special chain to keep me riding.
The SRAM chains do seem to last longer. They don't shift quite as well as the Shimano IG90 but the shifting is still very acceptable. The factory lube on the Shimano chains is much better than the SRAM. With a Shimano chain you don't have to lube it for the first 200 miles or so. An SRAM needs lube from day one. The SRAM powerlink connector is great. Now I can quickly and easily take my chain off and put it on, as many times as I want to clean it without weakening it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tjapi
a Cross Country Rider
from Jakarta,--,Indonesia
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | Local shop | | Strengths: | Strong, nice looking | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano HG series, on other chainrings | | Bike Setup: | GT frame, XT/XTR comp., Mavic 222, Rockshox Jett/Total Air modified. | | Bottom Line: | I have used this chain for about 650 kilometers on various terrains , shifting is accurate on the 8 speed. Never got any problems like noise or breaks. I set up my bike myself, everything and I believe when you do it right this chain won't cause you any problems. It is a good chain at a good price, recommended for anybody who needs an IG chain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim
a Cross Country Rider
from L.A. , CA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$17.00 | | Purchased At: | LBA | | Strengths: | Shifts well, quiet | | Weaknesses: | See below | | Similar Products Used: | Other Shimano chains | | Bike Setup: | Voodoo Bizango | | Bottom Line: | This was the first chain I put on the bike with all new parts (XT cassette, XTR derailleurs, XT rings, etc.) I lubed it with White Lightning about every 100 miles when it would begin to get noisy. At about the 1200 mile mark it began to get noisy in fewer miles so I lubed it more often, still with WL. At 1500 miles WL couldn't keep it quiet for more than 1 ride so I switched to Triflow. I replaced it at 1700 miles. I put on an SRAM PC68 which was really noisy in the large ring (the one I'm in most of the time) which had worn out. I'm a 200 pound, strong rider and I like to go fast and ride mainly on the road. For the cost of these parts, they should last much longer. In 8 years of riding on my old 7 speed, I used one set of LX rings, one LX cassette and about 4 chains. I'm not looking forward to the day that 8 speed parts are no longer available, maybe then I'll take up running.
For all you people experiencing chain breakage and cassette failures, especially with 9 speed equipment, keep good records of your service and send them back to Shimano and take advantage of their warranty. Maybe then they will realize that they need to design their parts for spronger riders. You can get their address off their website at www.shimano.com.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tjapi Vanderput
a Racer
from Jakarta, -- , Indonesia
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good and precise shifting | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | HG series | | Bike Setup: | GT Agressor frame, XT & XTR's, R/S Jett Total Air Modified | | Bottom Line: | This is a good and strong chain, shifts quick and precise and doesn't make noises. I wonder where the chain will break, I mean on which link, the one with the black pin? Anyway, after 500 km on various surfaces and tracks, no problem. It works just as it should. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tjapi Vanderput
a Cross Country Rider
from Jakarta
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good and precise shifting | | Weaknesses: | Noe so far | | Similar Products Used: | HG series | | Bike Setup: | GT Agressor, Shimano XT & XTR, R/S Jett Total Air Modified | | Bottom Line: | Good chain, tried it on various surfaces for 500 kilometers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AG
a Weekend Warrior
from Little Rock
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything horizontal (or vertical ) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Chain is shiny when clean. | | Weaknesses: | Weakness describes it all.... | | Bike Setup: | '97 Cannondale F-400 | | Bottom Line: | Chain snapped before I even made it to the street from my apartment (approx 1 1/2 minutes of use). Nothing hardcore, just pedaling on dry, flat pavement.
If you intend to do anything with your bike other than hang it on the wall, save your money, buy something else. You'll be glad you did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Mn
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | shifts pretty nice | | Weaknesses: | SNAP! That about sums it up | | Similar Products Used: | other shimano | | Bike Setup: | specialized m2, manitou sx-ti, xt-lx, son of strongarm | | Bottom Line: | I am sorry, but i have had it with this chain. It isn't really living up to the rest of the bike. I have had off and on problems with it but today i had it snap, jam in my rear derailleur, bend up my dropout & derailleur and then the derailleur clipped a spoke before i had time to stop. So i had to walk home because my chain was in shambles, my deraileur was in my cogs and my wheel had a bend spoke. All because of the IG90. Nope, i like products that work and that don't wreck my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dylan
a Racer
from aspen
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | government | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | readily available | | Weaknesses: | strength, expensive | | Similar Products Used: | sachs | | Bike Setup: | xt, xtr | | Bottom Line: | After breaking five chains last summer, fully replacing the chain twice, with drivetrain problems, I would say this chain is terrible. I had only broken a few chains in seven years of riding, and never had any problems with the sachs. Shifting is good when it is clean, ok when dirty. Buy something else until they figure out how to make these well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sean mcnair
a Cross-Country Rider
from toronto, ontario
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
it works well for the first 50km. | | Weaknesses: |
chain breaks about every 4th ride. i used the hyperglide pins until about my eigth broken chain link, the pins didn't help. now i am sick of buying the pins. unfortunately i still have 2 new ig90 chains left (or about 8 rides worth of chains) to use up before i try a sachs. | | Bike Setup: |
rocky mountain element, fox coil rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | chain sucks, it is the only part that has caused me as much trouble as nuke proof hubs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Igis
a Cross-Country Rider
from Slovakia
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Little Carpathians | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | This Chain can break two times a day, or last 5000 kilometres without damage. It is dependant upon front derailleur setup. I goes smooth, but derailleur too high can brake it. I think too that the supplied black nail is not necessary. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Racer
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Smooth and precise shifts | | Weaknesses: |
None that I've experienced | | Similar Products Used: |
Sachs (various models) | | Bike Setup: |
Klein with 8-speed Race Face rings, XTR cassette, XT derailler | | Bottom Line: | I know Shimano chains have a reputation for breaking, but I have consistently raced whole seasons on 2 chains and have never had one break (I'm also 6'4 and 185 lbs). I've also tried various Sachs chains but they never shift as smoothly as Shimano, and I've also had chainsuck problems which I don't have with Shimano. Also, it's been my experience that you do not need to use the special pins supplied by Shimano. Just shorten the chain and re-install the pin that was pushed out. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Downhiller
from Lyons,CO
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
cant find much | | Weaknesses: |
Alot | | Similar Products Used: |
Sachs | | Bottom Line: | Well the chain was ok at first... Then when I was riding on a trail with my friend the chain got all tweaked and bent outta shape. Also it stretches waaaay to easly. After a while it streched so much it bearly fit any more. Go with Sachs and dont wast your $$ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross-Country Rider
from Alberta
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Works, i guess | | Weaknesses: |
Breaks too easy | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
1998 muni mula | | Bottom Line: | Broke two times in one day one me... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kai Brinker
a Weekend Warrior
from Vestal, NY
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Vestal Highlands Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Hasn't broken yet | | Weaknesses: |
Jumps of easy,
Noisy,
Rough. | | Bike Setup: |
Diamondback Sorento SE,
Suntour Front Susp.
Post Moderne Seat Susp.
See Sorrento SE listing for more of my set-up. | | Bottom Line: | This chain is O.K. It jumped off on me several times, just as I was crossing the major parkway in my area usually. So after I lubed it like mad, it works pretty good, but makes some awful graving noise sometimes. This is the only component on my 1999 Sorento SE I don't like. But I'll live with it, because otherwise I'd need to replace the whole chainwheel/gear set-up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross-Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
smooth shifting, smooth riding | | Weaknesses: |
they broke on me twice in two weeks | | Similar Products Used: |
sachs PC-91 | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized M2, with XT/XTR and son of a strong arm crank | | Bottom Line: | I am not a hard rider and my chain broke on me twice in two weeks, I replaced the weak links and it busted again. If you are looking for a new chain go with Sachs, I have had no problems with them yet | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Cross-Country Rider
from West Virginia
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
good shifting | | Weaknesses: |
weak, S T R E T C H | | Similar Products Used: |
KMC | | Bottom Line: | I used this chain for just a few months. A short time after I bought the chain I had trouble with teh links separating. I limped around with this chain for two more months, hoping it would break completely because I was so sick of it! Finally I gave up and bought a KMC, which I haven't had any problems with as of yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Kimura
a Weekend Warrior
from Camarillo, CA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Kanan to Corral Canyon | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Nice shifting | | Weaknesses: |
Breaks and breaks and breaks. | | Similar Products Used: |
TAYA | | Bike Setup: |
GT LTS Thermoplastic 1996. XTR with Raceface rings | | Bottom Line: | The first chain broke after about a year of use. The next one lasted about two months. It broke so many times, then it broke and jammed the rear derailier and ruined my breakaway hanger. I went to a proven favorite of mine, the Taya. No problems since! The last Taya I had, I used for over two years. I will not put another IG90 on again. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Racer
from michigan
Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
price | | Weaknesses: |
stretch | | Similar Products Used: |
sachs | | Bottom Line: | i really haven't had a problem with this chain. i think that it shifts better than some of the sachs chains that i have used. i have NEVER used the special pin they tell you to use and i haven't had a problem with the links coming apart. i have NEVER had a chain break either. i have seen some friends bust them though. i think it is all in how much you load the chain while shifting. the easier you are on it the better. i think that the chain stretches a little quickly so, i give it a four. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Buddy Benavides
a Downhiller
from Makati,Philippines
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Caliraya | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Its okay for a few months, Its cheaper than a sachs chain. its light and easy to clean(all chains are easy to clean&lube)!!! | | Weaknesses: |
I broke it twice going downhill, first time it went in my wheels and i augered deep, second it scrapped my derailleur!! | | Similar Products Used: |
Shimano stuff, sachs(cool but $$$) | | Bike Setup: |
intense M-1, Marzocchi Mr.T , LX group | | Bottom Line: | cheap light but quite weakish | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Adame
a Weekend Warrior
from Tumon, Guam
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mennengon Hills | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Lightweight, smooth shifting even with Race Face Crankset. | | Weaknesses: |
Reliability, breaks more often even with regular cleaning and lubing. | | Similar Products Used: |
Sachs PC51 | | Bike Setup: |
Shimano XT 11-28 cassette, XTR rear derailleur, XT front derailleur, Sachs extreme shifters, Race Face crankset, Race Face 44-32-22 chainrings. | | Bottom Line: | Smooth shifting and lighter than most chains in its price range but the reliability is not trailworthy. If you love riding more than fixing broken chains, you shouldn't buy this chain period. Owned a Sachs and it lasted 2 years before stretching, wear and tear finally took its toll. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from novi, mi
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
novi tree farm | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
with the breakaway link it is easy to put together. | | Weaknesses: |
the link that comes to start with is not a breakaway and if it is not lined up right then it messes up your link and you have to use the spare breakaway. this sucks even worse if you have the lenght already set up on it. | | Similar Products Used: |
this is the only chain to use. | | Bottom Line: | first time I set up one of these i used the pin that was in the link and it fuk*d up my link, there was not enough chain to take the link out at this point so I bought a new chain and used the breakaway this time, it self guides and is wonderful to use. I don't know why they just don't use only the breakaways. shimano engeneers must be laughing at that one. it is a great chain though never had one break yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oklahoma City, OK
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Bottom Line: | Suck, Suck, Suck!!! I've broken more of these damn things in 2 Years then I've ever broken any of the cheap chains in 10 years. Suck, Suck, Suck!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cranky
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
I've been using IG chains for over 3 years and in that time, I've only broken one. I don't understand all the poor reviews, but I've been very happy with their crisp shifting, durability, and price. | | Weaknesses: |
The fact that a special pin must be used to put it back together is a minor hassle, but really not a big deal. | | Similar Products Used: |
When I used to run standard HG rings and cassette, I had the setup mated to the old Sachs SCM50. That chain worked admirably, was extremely cheap, and didn't have the special pin to deal with. I didn't have any complaints, but w/Shimano's IG d'train, the Sachs was quite a bit noisier so I switched to the IG w/better results. | | Bike Setup: |
I'm currently running X-ray's, '96 XT 5arm crank, 22/32/44 IG rings, and 11-28 XT 8sp cassette, XTR rder, and LX fder. It's been a reliable, crisp shifting setup, but the X-rays don't compare to SRAM's new offerings in terms of ease of rotation and positive action. Also, it can be finnicky w/just a little misadjustment. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is the IG has been a reliable, good shifting, inexpensive chain that I'd recommend to anyone using an IG d'train. I'm giving it 4 chiles only because a special pin is required to fix it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
squish
a weekend warrior
from redfield, southdakota
Date Reviewed: February 28, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
well first i'll start with the good....it shifts great.....now for bad....i just finished a ride with this pos....i had links seperate 3 times....and it totally blew the last time....i have had this problem since i bought this piece of @#$&....two months ago....i don't take it apart....i keep it clean....and well lubed....i even stuck one of those stupid special pins in everytime i took it apart....but it still breaks.....me thinks i'm going back to sachs which is what originally came on my bike....i rode that thing for over 5 months and never had a problem....this things stink........screw shimano chains...
to bad they don't have zero stars....... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dodi
a cross-country rider
from Tempe,Az.
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have never had any problems with this chain.Installation is easy and works great. I'll always keep it on my bike. Get one from speedgoat and get free shipping, can't beat that. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Short Chained
a cross-country rider
from Hawaii
Date Reviewed: January 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the first time I was totally bummed out by a
This is the first time I was totally bummed out by a Shimano product and it was
due to a lame installation. The newer IG90 have a pin guide that is supposed to
aid in installation, but instead it prevented their special retaining pin to
break prior to passing through all the links. Besides that the chain comes with
only one pin so you're screwed if you want to ride early in the morning.
I'm going for a Sachs chain now since the reviews have faired at least a 4 chilles. That's hot enough for me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a racer
from Newtown, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
DONT BUY THIS CHAIN, CLICK YOUR BACK BUTTON AND GO READ ALL THE REVIEWS ON THE SACHS PC-91 AND THE OTHER SACHS CHAINS, SHIMANO CHAINS BREAK AND ARE A WASTE OF MONEY
-1 CHILIES! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew
a weekend warrior
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: December 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
my friend had an IG90 and every time we went riding after he got it, something went wrong. First it was a broken link, then a link just fell apart. Who knows what's going to happen next? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Endo Boy Villacorte
a weekend warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Shimano is the leader in quality and performance for the money when it comes to mtn. bike components, except for the dreaded IG90 chain. I read the reviews from fellow riders and they either have no problems or the chains falls appart during a ride. My experiences unfortunately are the later. I have broken four IG90 chains and have always replaced the broken chains w/ a Shimano chain, because I run all Shimano components and I was told to use Shimano chains for shifting reliability. I finally bought a Sachs PC-91 chain for 28 coins. Yes, I know thats the price of two IG-90 chains, but ever since the chain replacement, I have never encountered a broken chain. The Sachs chain is easier to separate, you do not have to use a chain tool. The chain also works well w/ the Shimano components, even though the chain did not wear w/ the cassette, rear derailer and rings. My Shimano chain alwys broke during a hard climb and I use the higher gears for climbing. No chain brakage in 5 months. Reliable, strong and works great with my components. Sorry IG-90 only two hot ones for your smooth shifting and quality. None for reliability! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Red racer
a cross-country rider
from LA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a Sachs chain on the bike forever, and figured it was time to replace it since it had so many miles on it. The guy at the shop insisted on the Shimano chain, even though I asked for a Sachs (he didn't have any Sachs). The Shimano chain broke on the first hard climbing ride I did (3rd time out, total). I put it back together, and it broke 3 times on the next ride. Sure, it shifted nice. So what. How come most of the 5 chili ratings make excuses about how to keep the chain from breaking? A new chain shouldn't break, no matter what. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry
a cross-country rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've broken two already. Thankfully my local bike shop is letting
me have a Sachs chain for my problems. Also if you want to break
the chain you NEED to buy the pins which cost a lot in the long
run. I'm very unhappy with Shimano, I've also broken a XT rear
derailluer. I'm going with Sachs, kill Shimano. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dominic
a racer
from NY
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The shimano chain is great for the money and the weight. the only thing better is a top end Sachs chain, but they cost twice as much, yet they dont last twice as long. So buy 2 Shimanos for the price of one sachs and ride longer. only thing, DO NOT TAKE THE CHAIN APART FREQUENTLY! Buy a chain cleaner machine. If you do have to remove the chain, make sure you buy one of the replacement link pins for it! They are the only thing that will hold the chain together. I tried not using one and what happend? POING! The chain broke. Excellent for the money. I had one for8 months befor it was totally worn out, riding through mud and crap. since that though, i have gone through about 3 per year, but that is jsut to keep one set of cogs per year. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a cross-country rider
from Fort Collins, CO
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have never had any problems with this chain. I think that the people that have problems are ones that disassemble and reassemble their chains frequently. Shimano chains make this pretty hard so add in one of this quick disconnect links, they will make your life much easier. I go through two chains a year and the shimano and sachs chains both shift and run perfectly. I buy the shimano though because it is much less expensive than the sachs. A great buy for the money and no complaints. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eboos
a racer
from Santiago, Chile
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A while ago, I was going on a training road ride. My two month old IG90 started skipping, I stopped and looked and found I blew a link. That kind of sucked being that I was 10 miles from my house and I did not have my chain tool or any spare links with me. A lesson learned. I walked my bike to my house and fixed the chain.A week later, I was doing a steep clime on a local trail and PING, the damn chain broke sending me crotch first into the top tube (if you want to look really stupid and give your friends a good laugh, I highly recommend this). It's a good thing I had my tool and links this time. I replaced the chain shortly after.On a good note, it shifts well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vince
a weekend warrior
from Santa Monica
Date Reviewed: August 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have tried other Shimano chains as well as Sachs chains. Although Sachs chain seem to be a little stronger, it doesn't shift as well as the IG90. Both my bike with SRAM 9.0 derailleurs and my wife's XT derailleurs work fine with the IG90. Good product, especially when used with White Lightening lubricant. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Carr
a cross-country rider
from Anchorage, Ak
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Uh, Shimano builds a great product, but they can't make a chain to save their lives. I have used the big S chains many times, with dismal results. Maybe it's just me and several of my fellow riders, but we just don't like the Shimano chains. Besides in the harsh Alaska terrain, they're hard to service on the trail Stick with a chain that works, Sachs. All Shimano chains deserve one Flaming Turd! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a racer
from Arl. Hts., Il.
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great chain, what can I say. Clean shifting and no problems. I use XT deraillur, cogset, and shifters. I lube it after every two rides off road and wipe it down completely once a month. I also use White Lightning as my lube. Is this 50 words? Nope, only four more! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Snyder
a racer
from Sunnyvale CA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Two categories in which this product excells: 1) Long wearing. Has 4000 miles now, mostly road training miles with a few XC sport and expert races thrown in. Stretch is only .040 per foot yet, using White Lightning after each off-road use, and every 100 miles of road use. 2) Great shifting, even on my old- style chainrings using thumbshifters, it makes the shift up to the middle ring reliably. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CG
a weekend warrior
from Daly City, cA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Works well and has not had any problems on my bike. I have XT derailleurs and gripshift 8.0's
Shifts are clean and precise. I don't know what else to say about this chain other than
what I've said already. I'll give it 5 chilis since it's been trouble free since I put it on
about 8 months ago. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Wu
a cross-country rider
from Hsin chu
Date Reviewed: April 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This chain really sucks! I broke the chain four times. The shifting isn't any better than IG-70, and I never broke an IG-70 chain. The HG chains are also stronger and more durable. I heard the '99 27-speed Shimano chains are even narrower. Breaking a chain on the trail or during a race is very frustrating! | | Overall Rating: |
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