Championship winning performance priced for an enthusiast's budget. The PC-69 is SRAM's top of the line 9-speed chain. Finished off in a flashy silver finish, this chain is race-ready.
Use the PC-68 with 8-speed cassettes
Compatible with many manufacturer's 8/9 speed cassettes
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: November 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Never broke one. Can't say that about Shimano HG 92 abd 93. Master link
Weaknesses:
Other people seem to break them
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
knobbies, etc.
Bottom Line:
Not as bad as Shimano. How's that for a ringing endorsement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Rainier, OR Date Reviewed: April 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Stella
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire Farm
Strengths:
Durability, corrosion resistance, power link
Weaknesses:
warranty doesn't cover bad rider mistakes ;-)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano HG 93, KMC Z9900
Bike Setup:
2005 Jamis XLT
Bottom Line:
First off, I generally don't break chains...in fact, these PC-69's have suffered more bad luck than all the chains I've had previously combined (been riding over 12 years).
I'm on my third and last PC-69 (I purchased three in 2004) but the other two have not failed due to bad product. The first one failed due to a bad shift into my worn granny gear which caused major chain suck. This cracked a link...though it did not completely fail. I repaired it, no problems. This chain eventually was pieced together with the second chain. The second chain was on my Kona I used to own, and I essentually killed it by slipping my back wheel off a ladder and severely bending the chain by dragging it along the side of the ladder. The pieced together first and second chain actually lasted two years after that! The third chain is now on my Jamis and going strong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonas
a Cross Country Rider
from Vaasa, Finland Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Where pepper doesn't grow...
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Wasa Bikeservice
Strengths:
Worked well for almost 2 years, good shifting, no breaks.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy and somewhat expensive in Finland.
Similar Products Used:
Maybe some better shimanos are in the same class.
Bike Setup:
SantaCruz superlight, marzocchi marathon S, Hayes MAG+, Bontrager carbon cranks and bar, shimano XTR/XT, sunrace chain and cassette.
Bottom Line:
I was very happy with the chain for almost 2 years, maybe 5000km in varying terrain. No problems until I noticed that shifting had become worse. When replacing I noticed that the chain had become about 1,5% longer...I guess it was the right time to replace it then:)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BRIAN Schultz
a Weekend Warrior
from Inkster, MI U.S.A. Date Reviewed: April 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
maybury
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Greenfish sports
Strengths:
don't know yet ridden twice. shifts great
Weaknesses:
broke both times
Similar Products Used:
shimano kmc
Bike Setup:
04 komodo frame (jenson usa)sram x-9 components sun rhyno lite rims hays hfx9 breaks marz mxcomp eta fork nevengal tires rafe face atlas crank
Bottom Line:
I have gone out twice so far and both times I broke this chain at the same place on the trail first time i thought it was a fluke second time no way i have a way way(02) older chain on another jamis that is still going strong that rode thoes same trails last year not a prob. I called greenfifsh said i bought this chain it broke twice he said 15.00 bucks i'll send you a new one. thanks thats kind of crappy got the new one right away though 2 days. i'll try it this weekend hopefully the next review will be better srams a great name in parts it all reviews well this chain is supossed to be great but some of the other reviews do say that it does break dont know if thier is a size limit i way 245 5'10 no probs ridding at my size for me
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M Star Lambert
a Weekend Warrior
from East Coast Canada Date Reviewed: February 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Never fails, cleans easily, shifts good, power link gold
Weaknesses:
Could shift better on my FireX crank on 44 chainring
Similar Products Used:
Shimano HG-72
Bike Setup:
K2 Zed Team, Stylo Team, Marzocchi MX Comp ETA, custom Syncros wheelset, RaceFace carbon bar, etc. an XC blast
Bottom Line:
Very durable, have never broken one, did manage to bend 1 link once just enough to notice it making a funny noise. Would definitely buy again. Easy to do maintenance. My only gripe is with it shifting to the highest chainring. I build bikes and tune my syetem on a regular basis but this chain slips a bit more than I would like going up to the big ring. The downshifts are quick and easy. Trying the PC-971 or 991 next supposed to shift better with Truvative per ad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a
from boise Date Reviewed: August 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
where there is no one.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
long wear,power link,reliability.no chain tool.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
Ibex hard tail with sram x9 rear deraileur and sram x9 trigger shifters,race face x type crank.Fuel 90 with xt rear deraileur,rocket trigger shifters,xt cranks.both with sram pc-69 chain.
Bottom Line:
It has been interesting comparing hard tail to full suspension mbt drive train reliability,hardtail shifts better with longer wear on gears,chain,some ghost shifting on fuel but improved substantially with aztec powerline shift cables are there really any full suspension bikes with out shifting problems?.I am trying a whipperman chain for increased wear,I do not have any complaints about sram chains,I ride at least 4000 mile/year with no chain failure.shifting under a load.....no chain will hold up for long, pick your chainring BEFORE YOU START UP A KNARLY CLIMB.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ted
a Cross Country Rider
from Westland, MI Date Reviewed: August 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tree Farm
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Cheap, reliable and the powerlink makes cleaning a breeze. Buddies who break their chains always thank me when I give them some of my extra power links to fix their chain on the trail. What a spare tire concept that is!
Weaknesses:
None. I'm surpised by the number of 'weak' postings. I snapped my first shimano chain on the 2nd ride. I've never broken a SRAM chain, but I do replace them once to twice a year. I crank hard on uphills and SRAM never lets me down.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
XC Specialized. . XT cranks, LX cassette as well as SRAM cassettes. XT/LX derailleurs.
Bottom Line:
After breaking the shimano chain that came with the bike on the 2nd ride I switched to SRAM (at the time Sachs) and have never broken another chain. I put a LOT of torque and the only weakness is the fact I find out about ring wear real quickly when I switch to a new chain every few months. The ability to quickly take the chain off after a ride and dump it in lacquer thinner to clean it is an incredible time saver. I stock up when I see them on sale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmot, WI, USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
I like the idea of a master link over a master pin. Shifted smoothly.
Weaknesses:
Cracked a link in half the first month of riding.
Similar Products Used:
Most on the market
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler set up for all mountain/free ride.
Bottom Line:
I like Sram's products and have had little not to like about the quality they put out but this chain has left Me scratching my head. I said that it cracked in half as a weakness because the link plate that failed litteraly fractured into little fragments in the middle of a ride! I think I might have just gotten a bad apple. All in all I would have to say that I would still buy/ride a sram chain but I'll be keeping a good o'l Shimano chain in my pack from now just in case!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bainbridge
a Weekend Warrior
from Durham Date Reviewed: June 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Glestress
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$17.00
Strengths:
Smoother than a shimano and very easy to remove and fit. Very little chain suck compared to the shimano
Weaknesses:
It broke after about 100 miles. A link snapped in half. it didnt look like it had been manufactured right under close inspection, the material was a little porus. the chain was then fixed but then the power link snapped, probably due to the first break.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
zaskar xtr, xo derailier, formula 9.5 brakes (pain in the a$$)
Bottom Line:
Chain was great virtually no suck and so easy to take off for maintenance etc. But it broke twice, then a sram x9 trigger shifter broke on the same ride. I'm starting to question the durability of the gear. very nice when it works mind.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bernie
a Cross Country Rider
from NH Date Reviewed: May 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Strengths:
Cheap, lasts very long. Does what a chain should. Include powerlink
Weaknesses:
Well if you count rust which i dont, then i guess its a weakness
Bottom Line:
This is a product which i will always buy. I think it could be a bit cheaper, most places average around 20 and shimano chains seem to be cheaper. But this also comes with the powerlink so its okay. The powerlink included is a blessing, i cant say enough about this thing. The chain has lasted well, ive put probably close to 1k miles on it. IT has survived the winter with NH road salt and a very muddy spring. I did find some rust on it, but its partially my fault since i lubed the chain with pedros ice wax on a wintery ride. Since i used oil i have detected no rust. It does what a chain should and does it flawlessly. 5 stars for overall because it has really lasted and i believe still has much life left 4 for value because it just seems a bit pricey
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
burt toast
a Cross Country Rider
from north shore Date Reviewed: March 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
hard ones
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Strengths:
cheap,strong,lasts 1500kms
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
shimano hg93
Bike Setup:
kona dog primo
Bottom Line:
i have used three of these chains ,i have not experienced any problems other than normal wear.i ride muddy,steep single trac all winter long ,no problem ever with this chain.change it every 6 months and you'll have nothing to worry about.dont be a cheap skate,it costs money to have fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clint R
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin County, CA Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
This is a durable chain. I recently climbed 8 thousand feet at Tahoe on a trip and the chain performed well. Even after knocking the chain off the cogs on technical decents the chain hung tough.
Weaknesses:
Carry S-Ram power link gold spares. I bent the power link on the ride and installed a pin to get home. The chain is not designed for pins, this caused rough shifting.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano chains - have not been as durable for me - 190 lbs 6'+ feet tall.
Bike Setup:
K2 Razorback 3.0 (2003) - Sid airshock
Bottom Line:
I haven't tried all the chains out there, but this is a better result than the Shimano products I have tried. Doesn't bend as easily and doesn't break as easily.
Give it a try
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Howery
a Cross Country Rider
from Prescott, AZ Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
various
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
I've used these off and on for years. I broke a few over the years, but they were better than the shimano chains at the time.
Weaknesses:
Nothing special anymore, shimanos latest CN7701 holds up way better for me. I broke my last PC69 a few days ago, after less than a month of use. Broke it climbing in the granny gear. Not worth it compared to the next-generation of shimano chains
Similar Products Used:
KMC, Shimano Chains
Bike Setup:
Foes FXR
Bottom Line:
Not that special anymore..will work for a while, but doesn't hold up as well as dura ace/XTR.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gekko6
a Cross Country Rider
from Hungary Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$19.00
Strengths:
It's strong, durable and has powerlink
Weaknesses:
not too good at shifting
Similar Products Used:
sram pc-48, shimano hg-53
Bike Setup:
sc heckler, fox vanilla, xt crank and deraillers, sram 9.0 cassette
Bottom Line:
I've been using it for more than a year now, and my only problem is that the rear shifting is never perfect whatever I do. I'm 85 kilos (~180 lbs) and I've rode about 2500km with this chain. It never broke and it's still in great condition. I tried a shimano chain a month ago and it stuck to the cassette and tore off the rear derailleur. The chain, the derailleur and part of the frame was destroyed(luckily it's replaceable). Never again will I buy a shimano.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hugh
a Cross Country Rider
from T.O. Date Reviewed: May 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Long ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
cambria
Strengths:
Cheap, Powerlink
Weaknesses:
Nasty, not fit for purpose.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Sachs PC-91
Bike Setup:
Marin Mt Vision
Bottom Line:
Review is actually for the PC-68 8 speed version.
I replaced my old Sachs 8-spd PC-91 with one of these (because I couldn't find a new PC-91).
The cassette had very little wear, but under hard pedalling the new chain would ride up over the teeth and then drop back in with a bang. No adjustments made any difference. I subsequently tried with a new Shimano HG70 and a new Sachs PC-91 which both worked fine on the same cassette with no problems ever.
Chain had poor manufacturing tolerances?
I always like Sachs chains and I think their top end stuff (PC-91 and PC-99) is good but the PC-68 I had was cr@p and totally unfit for purpose. DON'T BUY!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: April 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
www.Wiggle.co.uk
Strengths:
Powerlink works for me, chain shifts well once bedded-in.
Weaknesses:
shorter life than I'd like.
Similar Products Used:
SRAM PC58, cheap, Trek-fitted Shimano.
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500 with a few nicer bits.
Bottom Line:
When I first fitted this chain I was suffering from chain suck, which dissappeared after around 50 miles. After that, it has always shifted nicely and seems pretty resilient to the frequent mud & sand baths it gets on the South Downs - just wipe it down, re-oil and wipe again after every ride. I've managed about 1000 miles of mixed riding on it, but the last 100 have seen it start to get way too long.
I think the chain suck problem was due to a slightly worn rear cassette (XTR). After a bit of riding the chain gets stretched and the problem goes away. If you're getting the same problem with any new chain, check your jockey wheels and cassette for wear - it probably isn't the fault of the chain.
When I get around to renewing the cassette, I'll go for a tougher chain like the Rohloff, but another one of these will do for now as it will probably bed-in more quickly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
antonio Oliver
a Racer
from morelia mexico Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
strong, great performance, light
Weaknesses:
a little bit expensive
Similar Products Used:
hg 72
Bike Setup:
klein, duke xc, crank bros. pedals, shimano xt, mavic xm 819, michelin xl s
Bottom Line:
this chain its great i've ride this chain in all kind of places its very helpful in races it will give outstanding performance buy it its the best choice for people that loves xc
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim XcRider
a Racer
from Chester Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
betws-y-coed at night
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
bike factory
Strengths:
powerlink
Weaknesses:
breaks, ghost shifting, does not work well with XTR cassette
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR
Bike Setup:
C'dale Scalpel 2000
Bottom Line:
I've been using PC69, PC99 and Xtr chains for a few years now and each time I go back to a SRAM chain i have the same problems, ghost shifting and broken chains. I'm going back to the XTR chain. I can get it cheaper too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Cross Country Rider
from Philly Date Reviewed: October 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
The fact that you can remove the chain without taking out the pins is awsome. Very strong.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shamino dura ace, and stock chains.
Bike Setup:
Haro full susp.
Bottom Line:
This is a great chain. Much stronger than shamino. I broke the dura ace twice, not because I was shifting under a lot of pressure on the chain. If you want to spend $18-$25 for a chain, you cant, go wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Cross Country Rider
from West Windsor, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2003
I too have experienced "Ghost Shifting" with my Shimano OEM chain. The stock chain fell apart after only 300 miles of riding. My dealer put on the new SRAM offering, and the "Ghost Shifting" has gone, while improving overall quality of shifting. A very nice upgrade for $25.00.
Sincerely Russ
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Timothy Halliday
a Racer
from Rindge, NH Date Reviewed: August 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Pedals N Packs
Strengths:
The SRAM powerlink
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano chains
Bike Setup:
2003 KHS Alite 4000, 2003 Rock Shox Sid Race, Mavix X-517 rim on LX hubs, Shimano LX/XT 9 Speed groups, FSA bars, Salsa stem, Thomson seatpost, Koski saddle
Bottom Line:
this is a great chain!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Allentown, PA Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$31.00
Purchased At:
Bike Line
Strengths:
Seems as sturdy as Ultegra chain, but slightly lighter. Powerlink is awesome. Eliminates the worry that you might have screwed up a pin or plate when shortening a chain, since the Powerlink attaches with 2 "female" ends.
Weaknesses:
I wish they wouldn't pre-grease chains. the pin rollers don't look as polished as Shimano chains. Could be cheaper
Similar Products Used:
Shimano HG
Bike Setup:
Klein Q-Race w/Ultegra
Bottom Line:
Since it seems identical to the stock Ultegra chain, I can't complain. THe Powerlink is an awesome feature.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
george
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY Date Reviewed: June 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Crack'd Helmet, TRYON
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Bike Nashbar
Strengths:
Well, I used this chain for slightly over one month, (100 miles or so) but that's not a choice on the pull-down menu...I like the links in this chain; the pins are easy to work with, unlike the new Shimano pins. Unlike some others reviewing this chain, I found it strong. I used it on my mountain bike doing muddy MUDDY crosscountry, and killer uphills. (Yes, I ride in the mud. Sorry if it offends certain bike manufacturers to remain nameless ;-) You know who you are...
Weaknesses:
Chain suck...although the conditions I was riding in were extreem (pouring rain, mud over lower rear derailer pulley, chain in the mud).
I actually liked this chain, never broke even under extreem conditions/uphills, but I abused the hell out of it and now I'm getting some chainsuck in the smallest chainring under severe uphill. Started in the pouring rain (gee, ya think?). No problems on 2nd chainring and lowest gear, wheelie poping uphills... I weigh about 170lbs and found this chain to have fewer problems than my Shimano HG (links kept seperating on that one, what a pain; not to mention the two front derailers destroyed). I'm going to clean this chain, (scrub the chainrings, too) and give it one more chance. I'm also thinking of trying a Whipperman stainless with all the riding I do in the rain (ever been to Rochester? It always rains here. Beware manufacturers who say not to ride in mud here!) Maybe go back to the Shimano if they ever re-design the pins. Maybe if I used SRAM chainrings it would work even better. Oh, yeah, I didn't use the master link--just put the chain on with a chain tool old-school style and it didn't break. Bottom Line: For $15, it was a great deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, AZ Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Same lifespan as all the other 9 speed chains I've used
Weaknesses:
Same lifespan as all the other 9 speed chains I've used
Similar Products Used:
PC 59, shimano POS
Bike Setup:
'02 GT i-drive 5.0
Bottom Line:
If 1000 miles is an acceptable lifespan to you (500-600 is you want to save your cassette) then this is a good chain, I'm shopping for old 24 speed stuff. I did work well and shift well, it's just this mega 9 stuff is to thin to last long.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Keizer, OR Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles.com
Strengths:
Quick link
Weaknesses:
Snapped
Similar Products Used:
PC-99, HG-92
Bike Setup:
Moab 1 and Blur
Bottom Line:
I put this on my new Blur and it snapped after 30 miles whilie climbig a short hill. 1 of the links just came apart. Thanksfully, Mike at Universal.com (great shop) sent me a new one. If this happens again, I'm done with SRAM. If it had not been replaced by the LBS, I'd be done. I had a PC-99 that lasted pretty well, but I'm gun-shy now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TienShan
a
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
El Corte De Madera
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Comes with PowerLink.
Weaknesses:
It is weak and fragile - breaks unbelievably easily. It's not much stronger than spaghetti or dental floss. Not worthy the money.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR 8-speed and 9-speed chain
Bike Setup:
Dean TI frame, seatpost, bar and XT groupo.
Bottom Line:
I used to use 8-speed XTR chain and they are durable. XTR-chain last a long time. They may stretch after a long while but it had never broken on me. After I switched to 9-speed groupo, I gave PC-69 a try. I did all the similar ridings as before. After about 9 months, PC-69 fell apart in pieces like spaghetti. It's so weak. It's ridiculous. The only good thing comes out of this is I get a spare PowerLink. Also PowerLink is ridiculously expensive. Four dollars for two tiny pieces of metal and they are not even invented by Sram or Sach. They just copied the idea. Even gold-plated should not cost so much. (Maybe it's made of solid gold.) Now I am going back to Shimano XTR chain again. Though this is 9-speed, supposedly weaker than the 8-speed. It's been 6 months and so far so good. I won't try Sram or Sach again unless they come out some really durable goods with good reviews.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a
from Seattle, Wa USA Date Reviewed: November 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Easy to find.
Weaknesses:
Ghost shifting, jumps off cogs (had the same problem with the 8 speed version), cheap POS
Similar Products Used:
KMC, Shimano
Bike Setup:
a bunch of bike parts
Bottom Line:
Save your money. Buy a KMC. These chains suck. Every so often i buy one because they are so easy to find and I am always dissapointed with them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FireHawk
a Weekend Warrior
from Paradise, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any in NorCal
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Does not ghost shift on 2002 NRS-2 when pedaling steep hill under heavy power.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano HG
Bike Setup:
2002 Giant NRS-2. Heavy Manitou fork springs, Shimano 646 pedals, WTB Velo tires, Oury grips, Cateye Enduro II computer, pretensioned shift cables.
Bottom Line:
Ride a 2002 Giant NRS-2. Had countless problems with ghost shifting. Had many suggestions on fixes. Finally, a LBS in Lincoln, CA gave the correct fix. Change the OEM Shimano chain to a Sram chain. So, I had my LBS put a Sram PC-69 chain on the bike. The bike no longer ghost shifts. I firmly believe that a Sram chain is the solution to Giant ghost shifting when pulling a hill under power. Try it. You'll like the Sram. This is a great chain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nicholas
a Cross Country Rider
from Cali Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere, USA
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
Very smooth. Easy to install / clean with powerlink.
Weaknesses:
None.
Bike Setup:
Trek 6700. Hayes comp disc brakes. Rhyno lite / juju disc wheel set.
Bottom Line:
Very nice chain, much better then the horrible Shimano OEM chain I originaly had which broke on me. I am 190 and I climb hills pretty aggressively and haven't had any problems with this chain at all for over a year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Birmingham
a Cross Country Rider
from Belle Mead, New Jersey Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wawayanda State Park & Sourland Mtn Preserve
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
The SRAM QuickLink is a great idea; otherwise the chain's extreme weakness renders it nearly useless.
Weaknesses:
Weakest chain I have ever seen. Mine snapped last week, and upon examination I noticed there were at least 4 other links cracked that were ready to give out!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano HG90
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC NRS1, 9-speed
Bottom Line:
I was blasting Shimano, but maybe I was wrong about the Hyperglide chains....they ARE stronger than this piece of crap SRAM.... What a disappointment!!!!
THERE IS SO MUCH TRUST YOU MUST PUT IN YOUR CHAIN.... FOR THIS ONE TO FAIL ME SO MISERABLY SHAKES ME TO THE CORE!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Locust
a Cross Country Rider
from Rosamond, CA USA Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Salmon Falls Road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Not greasy when new, yet no corrosion and lubricated Lasts well Power Link is an outstanding idea
Weaknesses:
None found yet
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F500, Rotator recumbent
Bottom Line:
I ride several times each week, with at least one long steep hill on each ride. I weigh 200# and usually stand while climbing (with the F500) pushing the pedals hard. This chain has been perfect so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mojombo
a Weekend Warrior
from La Verne, CA Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Bottom Line:
The truly great thing about this chain is the PowerLink. Need to take your chain off? No problem, just yank, snap and presto! chain's off. No chain tool necessary. I rode this chain for a year (before my bike was stolen) and never once broke or experienced any problem whatsoever. Shifts nice, cleans easy, and does exactly what it should. Never again will I buy a normal chain! I used mine on a full Shimano based drivetrain, so no compatibility issues either. Remember, keep those chains free of gook and buildup, oil regularly! Five flaming poops for an excellent design that should have come sooner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from st louis Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
kokopelli loops in fruita
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
i forget what shop.
Strengths:
it shifts
Weaknesses:
weak! WEAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! super weak! and it breaks. because it is weak.
Similar Products Used:
shimanos, soon to use a KMC
Bike Setup:
99 trek 7000 with lots of stuff.
Bottom Line:
i am so sick of 9 speed drivetrains. i have started to develop a fear of grinding up super steep hills because this damn chain has busted countless times, and i have had to shorten it way too much. i have ordered 8 speed stuff, and i will not be getting the sram chain. i am gettig the fat KMC bustah. same goes for shimano, i have busted all of them. 9 speed sucks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Topherocity
a
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cedar Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Smoooootthhh shifting and PowerLink connector!
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano low end
Bike Setup:
Trek 4500--stock except-Bontrager Race Lite cranks, rings, BB; Gel lite saddle; XT f/r der.; SRAM PC-69 chain, 7.0 cassette; LX shifter/brake; Airborne FlyteLine teflon cables; Avid Mag brakes
Bottom Line:
Excellent upgrade from Shimano chain! This puppy shifts perfectly and is oh so easy to adjust with the PowerLink connector. Fortunately I haven't had to adjust it. :) SRAM chains are far, far, far superior to Shimano and the PC-69 is the perfect match for my ability/riding style which is aggressive singletrack with the frequent 1-2 ft drops. Price can't be beat either! Value is the tops, but I don't give a 5 for overall unless a product completely blows me away so a 4 is actually very, very good for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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