The ultimate 9-speed chain. Smooth shifting and compatible with SRAM, Campagnolo® or Shimano® systems. Road or off-road, 2x9 or 3x9, this chain is ready for competition at the highest level.
Submitted by
Thu Beav
a Weekend Warrior
from Decatur, GA, USA, Duh. Date Reviewed: November 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pinhoti North
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$49.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
It works. It's lighter I think. It has fancy hollow pins.
Weaknesses:
Some folks have posted bad reviews. I don't see any problems.
Similar Products Used:
All of 'em.
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar Pro '03. Raceface Team CR. XTR cassette and ders ( who can spell derailleur anyway?).
Bottom Line:
I like this chain because it's lighter and spins and shifts better than the $12 ones. I am not the smoothest rider but I try. I do weigh 210. My mechanic buddies would say I am a thrasher but that's not entirely true. Still my chain doesn't snap right and left. But if it did I totally have the tools to move on. Once I was out front and making time when I got weeds in my rear der which created a chain pretzel. After my repair I was DFL and single speed. Lovely. Then the guy who helped me rig my gears snapped his chain too. Duh Oh. After that I started buying these chains. No problems. It's totally worth money not to have your ride interrupted especially if you're out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philip Olson
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham, WA --USA Date Reviewed: October 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Galbraith Mt.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
Joes
Strengths:
Fairly smooth shifting, POWERLINK
Weaknesses:
This chain broke on me. I've never had that happen before, and it was only used for 3 months. No signs of irregular wear or rust or anything on the chain OR cassette-- just plan snapped. Big inconvenience to push my bike the rest of the way.
Bike Setup:
Trek 4900
Bottom Line:
Maybe this is an isolated incident, but it's pretty ridiculous to have a chain break when it's only 3 months old.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt lepito
a Cross Country Rider
from baltimore Date Reviewed: June 7, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
easy to remove for spring cleaning, strong chain
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
k2 team
Bottom Line:
The best chain for the money. I have two bikes, a full suspension and a hardtail. I have pc99's on both. I have never replaced the chain. The hardtail is 7 years old, and the pc99 has never broke, never missed a shift, and has not stretched. No chain stretch over 7 years! I ride hard, and don't use the granny gear. I have picked up a stick and destroyed a rear derailleur, but the chain didn't break. I got a new xtr, but the pc99 remained.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Fowlerville, MI Date Reviewed: May 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Pontiac Lake
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Super strong chain and Power Link !
Weaknesses:
None Period.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Surly Pugsley single speed setup
Bottom Line:
I rode the solid pin chain for a full season and never once had an issue with it. It never broke, came loose, failed to shift....nada. How everyone else is having trouble with this chain in beyond me. I'm 6'2" and weigh 180 lbs and mash big gears like there's no tomorrow. (What's a granny gear ?) Then after a full season I lost a KMC heavy duty chain riding my Pugsley through the winter here in Michigan and swapped my old 99 on in a pinch. After three months of slushy muddy torture you know what? the chain still works great....a little stretched though. Power to the Pug baby !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Cairo Egypt Date Reviewed: March 31, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Lightweight smooth shifting
Weaknesses:
Power Link is a good idea but isn't as easy to disassemble as touted, at least initially. Chain isn't durable.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Marin with SRAM drive train.
Bottom Line:
If your a big guy (I weigh 220 plus) or ride hard and with some torque this isn't the chain for you. I don't know if it is the hollow pin or the power link. I have had the chain break three times in three different spots. I'm out of links and shopping for a different brand. Too bad, because I like the rest of the drivetrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: March 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anything fun
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Strong, fairly light, durable
Weaknesses:
Not the BEST shifting you can get
Similar Products Used:
Other Shimano, Sram
Bike Setup:
TST Ti hardtail, Marzocci MX Comp ETA, FSA Orbit XLII, Thompson hardware, Shimano drive, Crankbrother Candys, Chris King Hubs, Mavic 717 rims, etc
Bottom Line:
This review is for the solid pin version. For price, durability, and ease of use (powerlink) I don't think you can get a better chain. I'm 210lb and have rarely broken these chains. I do however spin fast and don't grind so if your heavy and pushing 40rpm up a hill you may have problems. I use these chains with my commuter as well and have got thousands of kms on them. Great strong chains. Best to use with a SRAM cassette.
I have also used the hollow-pin version and found it to be much weaker breaking it several times. Also, the pins just get filled with dirt so if your looking at saving some grams, don't bother as you'll just be carrying mother nature around with you instead.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nate
a Racer
from reno, nv Date Reviewed: March 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
fernhill loop, NZ
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
-lasts a while -I really like the powerlink while cleaning. -weight
Weaknesses:
-not quite as smooth as Shimano
Similar Products Used:
PC-79 and many Shimano HG
Bike Setup:
whatever they give me
Bottom Line:
This is the longest lasting chain I've had...period. Every Shimano chain that I've owned BROKE. Shimano chains give you no warning before they fail. Three races were lost last year due to Shimano schitty chains. I did have a chain tool during the last two races, but the chains kept breaking (one instance was in three different spots). All three chains were brand spankin' new.
Third times a charming. I've gone SRAM and I haven't looked back since, havn't broken a chain since either. Knock, knock, knock. When the SRAM chain starts to stretch...replace it. Before it streches...clean and lube it. I will give Shimano this: their chains are a LITTLE crisper while shifting. BFD
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Petr
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia, USA Date Reviewed: March 9, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$28.00
Strengths:
Powerlink for Cleaning
Weaknesses:
Soft chain/ bad material. on Third ride I have bent/twisted couple links, this has not happened with shimano chain in last 5-7 years
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Duraace
Bike Setup:
Trek fuel carbon and other
Bottom Line:
Go shimano, powerlink is nice but if you do not want to risk unexpected failures stay away. Links twisted and also some bacame damaged to the point where the chain would not bend/go smooth through the derraileur. Powerlink had no damage. But the rest was wasted.. I have replaced after 1 month - back to shimano duraace....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: December 14, 2005
This chain doesn't shift as smoothly as the Shimano CN-7701 and costs almost twice as much. I put the chain on my bike three months ago and replaced it with a new CN-7701 after several experiencing shifting problems that couldn't be resolved by adjusting my derailer. In my opinion, SRAMs chains are not as good as Shimano's...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Antioch Date Reviewed: November 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Sigh - t' Granma's house
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
As below, nice!
Fast, slick, quiet.
Weaknesses:
Not as forgiving as bulged chain.
Similar Products Used:
Shi' Ma, NO
Bike Setup:
VT3, mostly stock
Bottom Line:
I still really like this chain.
As suspected (below), one must be a little more careful, especially if used to bulged sideplate style chain; this time, I know exactly what I did.
Leaving a cattle gate, I downshifted and cut into a link a lil' bit; I wasn't really paying attention, was pretty tired ('n a pretty gal just glided by), and hadn't enough momentum to shift, so just powered it.
Soon after, a little tweaking, peening, etc., at the toolbench straightened the sideplates and ensured the pin wouldn't work loose this time. Remounting the chain with effected area facing out, whala, all good again!
Since, have been careful, no problems. This chain is a sweet one, but once spoiled by one of them bulged chains, this one might take some getting used to - there's a point when the chain is climbing up to the next cog where you hafta lay off the power a little more than with a bulgy. There's very little difference going to a smaller cog.
It's a tradeoff - well worth it in my mind, but not at list price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Antioch Date Reviewed: November 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$32.00
Strengths:
Sick Sweet
Slick plated finish stays cleaner. Tight tolerances means less dirt gets INSIDE, smoother, quieter, more powerful!
I think straight sideplates are better. Although one must be a little bit more careful, it's tighter, smoother.
Weaknesses:
Tighter tolerances means more frequent lubes.
Similar Products Used:
Shima NO
Bike Setup:
Giant VT3, mostly stock
Bottom Line:
At near 1% "stretch," time for a new chain - blown away by how much quieter, smoother, faster the 99 is!
Early on I must've put a munch on a link while carelessly downshifting. A week later I figured out what was us up with skipping on smallest cogs when it suddenly got worse, then failed. Since that loooong walk, all good!
This chain is tight, slick, fast, but not as forgiving when it comes to sloppy shifts and jamming power in the middle of that sloppy shift, 'k?
The hollow pins look cool and make the chain a lil' lighter. I doubt very very much that the hollow pins will be any kind of problem, as they are both tough and strong, believe me, I checked 'em out (and I oughta know, what with machinist background and metallurgy knowledge).
SRAM on!
4 Value 'cause list price is >$50
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Price
a Cross Country Rider
from Mammoth Lakes Date Reviewed: October 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
John's Trail Park City Utah
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
SRAM pc 99 Hollowppin Definately Power Link, ease of cleaning, shifting is great It seems that alot of people have broken this chain, I have been using this on my road bike, xc bike and my free ride bike. No problems, no breaks. I have been very happy with this chain. Very light and if you use www.qbike.com you can find them pretty cheap. I do alot of racing NORBA, Xterra, 24 hour races and have had no problems.
Submitted by
Dave Mennenoh
a Racer
from Waukesha, WI Date Reviewed: October 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
John Muir
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Good shifting, powerlink
Weaknesses:
Breaks too easily
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Marin frame, SRAM X-9
Bottom Line:
I've had two of these chains this summer and both of them broke. The second one broke at the powerlink connector - I guess it came apart and fell off. I like the powerlink feature but I think I am going back to Shimano and getting a Craig superlink for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX, USA Date Reviewed: October 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light
Weaknesses:
Strength
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
XC racing hardtail, Complete Sram X0 drivetrain with twist grips
Bottom Line:
I have had this chain break trice in the last three rides. Both times it was not at the power link. One time I was seated and spinning uphill and the other time I was standing up going uphill. I weigh 170lbs and my bike is less than 20lbs. I do not trust this chain. Every component on the bike was brand new when the chain was installed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City Date Reviewed: September 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Powerlink is easy to use and facilitates chain cleaning and drivetrain maintenance , Shifts well, quiet, lasts
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
05 Racer X 100, X9 triggers, XO rear der, XTR front der, XTR crank, XT cassette, XTR discs w/XT levers, Fox F100X fork, RP3 shock, Crossmax SL disc wheels,Ritchey Excavader tires, FSA XC190 bars, Ritchey WCS stem, Thomson seatpost, SLR saddle, Time ATAC carbon pedals.
Bottom Line:
I've been using PC-99 chains for the last 5 or more years and I have never experienced a single failure. I don't understand people's difficulty operating the powerlink. The powerlink is very easy to use; just squeeze the sideplates toward each other, then push the ends of the chain toward each other. This removes the opposing tension which holds the link in place and the link pops right out with the flick of a finger. With regular cleaning and lube, I've gotten a year of use from one chain.
I generally like the upper-end Shimano chains as well,but have experienced one failure (out of many chains). The powerlink works great with the Shimano chains too.
I have not tried the new Sram chains or the hollow pin version of the PC-99.
BTW I weigh about 165 and ride XC pretty much exclusively.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City Date Reviewed: September 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
single track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
power link
Weaknesses:
it breaks too easily
Similar Products Used:
shimmano, kmc
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F800, pretty much stock
Bottom Line:
I'm totally disapopointed in Sram chains. I purchased one for my single speed and my son broke it after about a month of riding. I purchased the PC990 for the C-dale and on the first ride out my son broke that one too. I thought that maybe it was his riding style or something but on the same ride he broke the PC990 I broke the sram chain on the single speed I was riding. Its like I'm nervous about going out with these things. I've never broken chains in the past, maybe I need to go back to KMC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Hidden Valley Date Reviewed: September 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Powerlink is awesome. Lightweight.
Weaknesses:
WEAK.
Similar Products Used:
Rohloff xlt
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Moment.
Bottom Line:
Probably not a good idea to use this chain on an all mountain bike, and I dont think that is what it is intended for. I broke this chain 3 times w/in a month and that was enough for me. I had never broken a chain in my life. It is a good thing this comes with the powerlink as that made fixing a breeze. I must admit it does shift really well-no skipping. I got a Rohloff and no more broken chains.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from adelaide Date Reviewed: August 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
light, powerlink is easy to use
Weaknesses:
weak
Similar Products Used:
shimano xtr, sram pc69, pc99 hollow pin
Bike Setup:
ellsworth, xtr, king, x0 etc
Bottom Line:
lightweight, good looking chain (this is more for the hollowpin review, even though I have used both the pc99 and the pc99 hollow.. However, I have snapped 2 of them fairly easily and will try something else next time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: August 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$34.00
Strengths:
I cannot think of any
Weaknesses:
The powerlink is difficult to use, and more trouble than anything else.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano DuraAce/XTR chain.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail Lightspeed
Bottom Line:
I have used Shimano chains for years and recently put a Sram PC-99 chain on my bike because it was on sale. The powerlink is suppose to be easy to use. I found it to be extremely difficult to open once it's on your bike. (I was putting a new derailleur on and could not get the powerlink open). The bottomline is the Sram chain was hard to work with, not as smooth and more expensive. After a month on my bike I took it off, put it in the trash, and put a Shimano back on. The powerlink is more trouble than using a chain tool. I cannot recommend this product to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Palek
a Cross Country Rider
from Rolla, Mo, USA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Council Bluffs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Abel Bicycle Shop, Rolla
Strengths:
Shiney Light Just Bling
Weaknesses:
It breaks alot. I broke it on the first ride while climbing then I broke it just riding around the yard.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX / 105 level
Bike Setup:
2003 Specialized Enduro Frame, 2003 Marz Z1 FR Bomber, X-0 Rear dearileur, X-0 front Shifter, X-9 rear Shifter, hone front deraileur, Saint Double crankset, King Disco tech hubs, Mavic x317 disc rims, Juicy 5 brakes, Raceface headseat, Thompson seatpost/stem, Crankbros mallet pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike might work fine for light weight XC hardtail racing types. But the first time the chair broke I was simply riding XC up a hill and it caught and snapped. The second time I was doing some small drops in my front yard and the chain just broke, no advance warning this time. . . . in any case I've come to expect better from SRAM and wish they would either re classify this chain or create a better chain for full suspension bikes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne
a Cross Country Rider
from Monument, CO Date Reviewed: July 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
Price,
Weaknesses:
strength, broke 2x in less than 2 months at different places
Similar Products Used:
Sram 970, shimano hg
Bike Setup:
Jekyll 2000, sram x-7 rear and sram 990 cassette
Bottom Line:
I really really wanted to like this chain. I got the chain and casette on a great sale and decided to switch over from my old XT stuff. The first thing I noticed was the Sram cassette was a little heaver than the XT but no big deal my old chain was pretty worn so it was a good time to switch. I couldn't get it to stop ghost shift, at first I thought I had bent my derailer hanger, but on closer inspection the Sram chain had a link that was pulling apart and was riding up on the next larger cog occationaly. I got it fixed but another one pulled apart on the same ride. Then the next day it pulled apart in another spot. With a full camelbak I'm easily pushing 240lbs, I don't think Sram had clyds in mind when they made this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garrett
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA, USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Somewhat cheap for a supposed "elite" quality chain.
Weaknesses:
Powerlink. Easy to use, but easy to break!
Bottom Line:
This is the second SRAM chain I have broken in about 700 miles. Both have broken at the gold powerlink. Granted, the powerlink is very easy to put together and you don't have to use a chain tool, however, in my experience, the powerlink has broken multiple times.
I suppose I have extra beef with SRAM because it took me out of my favorite race, but the powerlink is certainly more trouble than it is worth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntington Beach, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Moro Canyon, OC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com, but shipped from Performance
Strengths:
Powerlink - great invention
Weaknesses:
The chain was missing half a plate an the inner link, brand-spanking new! If I hadn't inspected the chain right out of the box, I would have never caught it.
Similar Products Used:
SRAM PC-59. I've gone through two over the last four years. I was pretty happy with the 59s. They lasted about two years apiece through rough riding and an average of 20 miles per week.
Bike Setup:
Custom-built Access from Supergo. Full XT drivetrain, hubs, and shifters, Judy SL forks, Bontrager Mustang rims, SD7 brakes.
Bottom Line:
What ever happened to quality control?! How can you put a chain with half a link on the shelf? Did someone in Portugal (where these are assembled) take a siesta when they were supposed to be trabajando?
I am a 167lbs rider who averages about 20 miles per week depending on work. I pedal pretty hard even though I should spin more. One ride with these and they would have snapped! Perhaps that's what happened with those of you guys who's PC-99s snapped after a few rides.
It's a crying shame that one of SRAM's best chains is being shipped with being inspected. Perhaps they should move the factory out of Europe to China where they are draconian to their workers, instead of letting them get drunk and taking four hour naps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
llhank
a Weekend Warrior
from Winchester, MA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Massachusetts coastline & cities
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
Bluesky
Strengths:
Works well with FSA crank 50/34 and SRAM derailleur and cassette 11-32. No shifting problems, noise, etc. Hollow pin version is a bit lighter and SRAM rep claims it's stronger.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Dean Torreys Ti cyclocross frame, Alpha Q CX fork, Velomax Orion II wheelset, SRAM/Avid components, FSA crank/bb
Bottom Line:
This chain has held up for me so far without needing repair. The lighter weight makes me feel good about the rotating mass thing. Anything more expensive would yeild diminishing returns.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justin
a Downhiller
from ca Date Reviewed: April 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
my backyard
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
i have broke it one too many times i think like 4 times in the last month
Similar Products Used:
sachs and shim
Bike Setup:
turner rfx, dj1, hayes 8, hadlys, xo, e13 drs
Bottom Line:
cant think of one unless you want to learn how to repair your chain on the trail. and like to hit your knees on your bars when you are peddling uphill. not impressed
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a
from Tracy, CA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Scaggs, Glory Hole, Forest Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
None Somewhat light
Weaknesses:
I weight 178lbs I snapped this chain in the first month Spiced it and it snapped again 4 months later It has been only 8 months now and I snapped it again this weekend. This chain is weak! Getting dirty on the side of the trail waisting 12mins is not the best use of my time.
Bike Setup:
Y03 NRS
Bottom Line:
Chain is not reliable at all. Do not race with it or you will be sorry. It always breaks when climbing. Splicing a dirty chain on side of a trail is a pain! 3 breaks in 7 months - I am checking out the IRD Blacklightning or the Wipperman but leaning towards the Blacklightning. The stock cheap chain lasted longer than this chain!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Speelunker
a Cross Country Rider
from Waco, TX USA Date Reviewed: April 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Nice light chain that shifts well.
Weaknesses:
It's weak. It breaks!
Similar Products Used:
SRAM lower level chains
Bike Setup:
Total SRAM drivetrain with X0 shifters and X9 derailer.
Bottom Line:
This chain has broken twice in the last month and not at the "gold" link. In my opinion...this is a race only chain when you really need to shave weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wayne sherman
a Cross Country Rider
from all overthe world Date Reviewed: March 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything pisgah
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light, strong, lasts long. Perfect shifting with the right components.
Weaknesses:
As with any other chain, it will break, but not at the powerlink. Easy to lose powerlink parts. Hard to clean grime from inside the hollow pins. Hollow pins are very difficult to remove with "pointed" chain breakers.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Loaded DS XC/FR
Bottom Line:
THIS review is for the powerlink equipped hollow-pin model. It has been going strong for nearly two years. The powerlink is a good design, although hard to take apart when dirty. You still need to carry a chainbreaker if you use this chain. Mine broke three times (remember, all chains break), and not at the powerlink, which means I needed tools for a field fix. A high pressure hose is required to clean the insides of the hollow pins. A pointed chainbreaker will not be long enough to push a pin out...here is a diagram (PIN: ]---[ and <--- :chainbreaker). The "point" will enter the pin, and lessen the "pushing length" of the chainbreaker. I hope you understand. Bottom line: great chain, takes some engenuitive getting used to. Try it...love it or leave it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony l
a Weekend Warrior
from montreal quebec canada Date Reviewed: February 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
NOTHING
Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING. i snpaed it in 3 days and dont say its becaue i dont know how to take links out cause i work in a bike shop and my bike is a huge double and i needed all of the links.
Similar Products Used:
connex which i had for 1 year and still never broke its rusty and still hasnt snaped this one is 3 days old and i tore the chain appart
Bike Setup:
devinci ollie
Bottom Line:
THIS CHAIN BLOWS DONT BUY IT
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan W.
a Racer
from Ocala, FL Date Reviewed: February 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Santos,Razorback
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Santos Bike Shop
Strengths:
the Power Link is amazing strongest chain i have ever used smoothest shifts known to man
Weaknesses:
like all other chains-it does require lube eventually it will wear out, i think
Similar Products Used:
wipperman- broke it shimano-broke it
Bike Setup:
specialized hardtail-as racy as they get
Bottom Line:
I am a 140ibs. racer and have broken all my other chains. I even broke a wipperman (they claim to be the strongest) in a race (at the cost of a win). Ever since I have been a Sram user. Not a problem since. Wouldn't trust my carear to any other chain. PERIOD.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manny
a Downhiller
from Perth, Australia Date Reviewed: December 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$26.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
-Powerlink makes it easy to clean and maintain the drivetrain. -Hollowpin Tech. gives its huge strength (in tension) -If maintained seems to wear very slowly. -Can use a standard chain tool
Weaknesses:
Used the chain for about 500kms then changed Front derailuers and bent a plate on one of the links within 25kms.
I think may of had too much chain gap between the FD and the large chainring when i was spinning and then shifted, bent link.
Popped in some spare links i had when i broke the chain and its all working fine again.
Pedro's Chain wax doesn't seem to work well with this chain. I can never seem to get enough wax on the chain so it will last 1 full ride. The chain starts to skip and hop. My chain may have lots of tight links though. Finish line extreme condition lube seems to work well though
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR chain
Bike Setup:
Da Bomb CR8 frame Full SRAM X.O setup
Bottom Line:
Good Product and still going strong
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gaines
a Cross Country Rider
from Mystic, CT, USA Date Reviewed: December 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any in Pisgah
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Super light
Weaknesses:
Super weak
Similar Products Used:
SRAM PC-59, Shimano
Bike Setup:
Steel frame hartdail, XT drivetrain
Bottom Line:
I bought this together with a new rear wheel, new SRAM cassette, and new chainrings, and was happy as can be until I broke the chain today, on about my 10th ride on it. I tried to remove the broken link, but the hollow pins are apparently not supposed to be driven out, because the chain broke at the repair site, then again when I tried to put it back together. I keep my bike and chair clean enough to eat off of, only weigh 150, and like to spin, not mash. The chain broke on flat terrain. I'm going back to my PC-59. It weighs more, but at least it's going to last. Don't buy a PC-99 hollow pin if you want to ride, not walk.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricardo
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Everything with dirt, rocks and climbs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Smooth shifting, looks nice.
Weaknesses:
Very, very, very weak!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano chains
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-works disk 2005
Bottom Line:
This chain is not worth what is costs. I decided to give the Hollowpin a try, however it broke on my first ride going up a small hill. JensonUSA sent a new one, so I tried it again. I worked OK for a few weeks, but a link got bent during a race, causing terrible chain skip. I will never buy an SRAM chain again, although my shifters and deraulier are SRAM and I love them. I never had similar problems with Shimano chains.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kary
a Cross Country Rider
from Westchester, NY Date Reviewed: October 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Power link works well
Weaknesses:
I have snapped this chain.
Similar Products Used:
PC-59
Bike Setup:
Bontrager TiLite, Full XT
Bottom Line:
I installed this chain this spring along with a new cassette and new chainrings. Within the first week I had stiff links on the chain. Then I had a bent link. My lbs helped me out with that and I started over again. The chain has now snapped twice. For the cost of this chain I am very dissappointed. I am a heavy rider who rides frequently but I have never had this many problems with a chain
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Brockton, MA Date Reviewed: October 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Borderland (Easton, MA), Alafia (Lithia Springs, FL)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
lighter weight? smooth shifts.
Weaknesses:
weak. expensive.
Similar Products Used:
other SRAM and Shimano chains
Bike Setup:
hardtail, xtr rear, lx front, race face cranks, sprockets, bb
Bottom Line:
This chain is not for a rider like myself. I am about 210lbs @ 6 feet. I ride hard and tend to mash my gears though I do shift properly (just not good at spinning). I think it was only the second or third time I had taken the bike out with that chain, it snapped on me. I pieced it back together and continued riding. I understand that now the chain is weaker, but the other day it snapped 3 times on me! I only had it for a few months for maybe about a half a dozen rides! Terrible! Perhaps this is for a lighter rider who spins. Its certainly not for a heavier person.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a
from Washington DC Date Reviewed: October 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
The hollow pin is the lightest chain.
Weaknesses:
It is probably the weakest chain too! It broke in about a month of mostly street riding. The side plates of one link seperated from a pin while I was accelerating from a stop.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano chains.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail, titanium frame, XT components.
Bottom Line:
Agree with some of the other riders, get a chain thats more durable even if it was a few grams more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
carlos teixeira
a Weekend Warrior
from Portugal Date Reviewed: September 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Strengths:
Strong, great shifting. light [so they say], made in portugal [oh yeah]
Weaknesses:
could be cheaper, since its made in home country, right?
Similar Products Used:
shimano IG, shimano HG, KMC, sachs pc 91
Bike Setup:
... With chain
Bottom Line:
really like the strenght of this chain [i'm heavy beyond believe], fast shifts, flawless. Powerlink works and it's the best invention after the wheel. It works great with the shimano Deore XT cassette, noted only that the shifts are smoother on the first 5 cogs than the upper ones. When in power the chain strugles a little to shift up in the big cogs, but that's all, and i think that's normal with all the chains i had, so... I had a great price on this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joel wasmann
a Weekend Warrior
from portland or Date Reviewed: September 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
have not found it yet
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
universal cycles
Strengths:
I love the gold link, I can take the chain off whenever I want. Shifts smooth.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
shimano deore 2 chains shimano xt 3 chains
Bike Setup:
kona coiler still have the shimano deore cassette that will be replaced by sram
Bottom Line:
I will take the pepsi challenge with this product any time. shimano can shut down there chain production plant for all I care. This sram chain is a far superior product than the shimano xt chain. If you ever remove your xt chain it is weakened, that is all there is to it. I actually think it is weakened just by installing it, it always seems to have that stiff link where the pin went through. One time I accidentally put the xt chain on running the wrong direction, whoops there went 30 bucks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a
from thousand oaks Date Reviewed: September 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
westlake cyclery
Weaknesses:
Power link falls off. The chain will not stay together when pinned.
Similar Products Used:
shimano, pc59
Bike Setup:
Downhill
Bottom Line:
This chain was nothing but problems for me. After 2 weeks the powerlink fell off for the first time on one of my local downhill trails. Then at Northstar on Karpel It fell off agian taking my derailer out with it. At that point I was out of power links and had and use a regular chain tool to reassemble it back on my bike. It lasted for 3 more days until it failed again at Boulder city, breaking while I was pedaling up to a jump. Leaving me stranded with its own worthlessness I had no other choice but to put it back on my bike. It lasted another few day and broke again. This chain is a curse and should be avoided.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Ridgefield, Conncticut, USA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Bike Express
Strengths:
Very light, quiet,and the powerlink makes installation much easier.
Weaknesses:
expensive, they say that the chain comes prelubed but it is this really crappy stuff that picks up a lot oif dirt, you need to lube it yourself
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
Diamondback, fox vanilla, m540 pedals
Bottom Line:
it is expensive but well worth the price, you can take it off without a chain tool, it is quiet and has buttery smooth shifting
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
neil
a Racer
from london, england Date Reviewed: July 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
chainreactioncycles.com
Strengths:
it's really strong
Weaknesses:
none so far... after 2 years / 15 miles DAILY on the same chain.
Similar Products Used:
SRAM PC69
Bike Setup:
CAAD3 Martyn Ashton set up for fast street use - Hope / XTR / Ultegra / 1.0 slicks etc
Bottom Line:
clean it properly (white spirit every 2 weeks), use quality lubricant (i use DuPont KryTech wax lube) and this puppy will run and run. if any LBS gives you BS about not using a Shimano chain on your Shimano cassette, walk away. this chain was bought together with a brand new Ultegra 12-23 cassette, and the two are perfect together...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Attila
a Racer
from Budapest Hungary Date Reviewed: July 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
touring (road&some xc)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
local store
Strengths:
strong, long lasting, light, easy to remove
Weaknesses:
maybe the price of the hollow pin... anyway, I never needed it.
Submitted by
Edson Sandoval
a Racer
from Mexico City Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Weight
Weaknesses:
Weakness, price, noisy
Similar Products Used:
Shimano HG93, HG73
Bottom Line:
I changed my chain shimano (HG93) because i though that i could loose weigh and make easier the change of a link, but that chain (pc99) is the worst chain that you can find. See: -Is 15 g lighter than shimano's (that's true). -It's easier to change a link. -It cost two or three timer more than the others. -It is noisier than shimano's (i think that i'm not adjusting well the deralleur but when i change again to the HG93 it worked fine) -It maybe don't brake but it's very easy bend it and the problem is the same you will go walking to home. Don't buy that invent, this part of the bicycle needs be stronger than other components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce Brown
a
from Iowa, USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Maah Daah Hey Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with SRAM upgrade Kit
Strengths:
Strong, lightweight and easy to maintenance. First chain and drivetrain set up I have had that shifts with absolutely no chain suck (all SRAM). Chain can be found online for around $25 and sometimes sub $25 on special.
Weaknesses:
None that I have found yet.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano HG93, PC-59, older chains over the years and soon to be a PC-99 Hollow Pin on another bike.
Bike Setup:
Surly Karate Monkey with SRAM X.0 and RaceFace Next LP Compact cranks/rings.
Bottom Line:
I'm a Clydesdale size rider. I don't break equipment, so I am not the type to mash so hard that a chain would experience breaking. The PC-99 has been the best chain in terms of shifting, performance, lack of chainsuck and easy to maintain that I have ever owned. I have been using this chain for nearly a year in off road, muddy conditions. Chainline is perfect - so shifting is flawless. I have a chain wear measuring tool, and the chain as well as the rear cogs are still in good shape. Taking time to maintain the chain has allowed me to get as much mileage as I have out of this one. I will replace it with another PC-99 when it wears out.
I am also about to install a PC-99 Hollow Pin on a new bike build and look forward to see how it performs compared to the regular PC-99 chain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Deerfield Beach, FL Date Reviewed: May 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Bicycle Generation.com
Strengths:
Shifts great with Shimano, doesn't rust out, will last a good distance, looks?
Weaknesses:
Life is about the same as the PC99.
Similar Products Used:
Every other Shimano/SRAM
Bottom Line:
There are God's and there are Clod's. There are ingorants, and people who care.
This chain will last a long time if you take proper care of it. Lubing it up before rides and then wipping/washing down extra dirt after rides, then re-lube. This will keep this chain working forever.
A must have for any serious cyclist and uh, there is no substitute.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew McCord
a Cross Country Rider
from wooster Date Reviewed: May 10, 2004
shimano. sram is light, that is the only thing it has. it you have more money than sense, buy sram chains, they are great for one ride, then they are a liability. the masterlink idea sucks, i break those at the worst possible times, it is just easier to carry a pin and a chain tool. i do like the drilled pins, but being the most abused part of the bike, it seems a little exterme, trying to save weight where strength is so important. i like shimano, for its dependabliity, and becasuse their best chain still only costs 20$.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI, USA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
The chain is easy to install with the power link. Shifts very nicely on the rear cassette. It is also light weight.
Weaknesses:
CHAIN SUCK.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic (full XTR, XT cassette)
Bottom Line:
I installed this chain, two weeks ago. I experienced chain suck when going from the bottom chain ring to the middle chain ring under very little power. The chain would only work great while the bike was on the bike stand. I installed the Shimano XTR chain, and needless to say I have had abosoultely no problems with it what so ever. I have heard about Shimano chains "breaking", but I have not had this happen to me and I'm a big 200 pound guy. I think that for the price stick with Shimano.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vic
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Russia Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Strength, durability, PowerLink
Weaknesses:
Are there any? Won't last forever, may be?
Similar Products Used:
SRAM PC-69, Shimano HG-53 and -73
Bike Setup:
Oh, yeah, it has chain.
Bottom Line:
OK, just get it! It may seem bit overpriced, but it worths every cent. I have a couple of them after 2500+ kms - they can still be mounted on bike and go flawlessly. Absolute durability, unsurpassed strength and brilliant invention called PowerLink, so you can dismount it without tools and even looking at it - do you need anything more?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Affe Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Jamestown, Jamaica Date Reviewed: April 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
hammer down to the beach
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Easy assembly, nice looking, smooth shifting. Realible and durable
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
All shimano's, PC-99 hollow pin
Bike Setup:
Hard tail racer
Bottom Line:
A very good chain. I've never ridden a complete season with only one chain - until this chain came along. It's by far the best SRAM chain, as the PC-99 hollowpin only offers 10 grams less weight but is comes of easily and offers not any smooth shifting. Go buy it as long as you use SRAM casette and SRAM shifters. Do you use Shimano? -use a Shimano chain and be happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Easy installation and removal
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
OEM, Shimano
Bike Setup:
Fisher 4+
Bottom Line:
At 6' and 210 I've gone through at least a chain a year. So far the PC99 has been great. No worries or problems whatsoever. I'm pretty good about cleaning the chain after each ride, but the gold link has made it a piece of cake to remove the thing for periodic thorough degreasing/checkup. For all the little "must haves" that nickel and dime us, I can't really complain about $30 for a chain if it will continue to perform.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord, NH, USA Date Reviewed: March 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Very Strong, well worth it for the money.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Shimano and other SRAM
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper, LX shifters and derailleurs, SRAM cassette and chain, Truvativ Crank.
Bottom Line:
The link that you can take apart and install quick is priceless. Forget removing pins, some riders say its a weak link, I havent seen a problems yet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Rural Retreat, VA, USA Date Reviewed: February 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Rural Retreat Lake Loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Everything!
Weaknesses:
None as yet
Similar Products Used:
shimano and IRD(sucks),SRAM PC-69
Bike Setup:
Ironhore hollowpoint
Bottom Line:
Bike came with a SRAM PC-69, worked great. Changed to shimano, short life. Ird, even shorter life. Went back to SRAM. Could not believe the difference in shifting. My XT components are aging and just changing the chain to the PC-99 brought new life back to the drivetrain. Now i will go with the SRAM 9.0 rear der. and trigger shifters to complete my transformation. LONG LIVE SRAM!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingsport, TN Date Reviewed: January 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Bays Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Easy to install, strong chain.
Weaknesses:
None. Well worth the money.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano products.
Bike Setup:
Fisher hardtail
Bottom Line:
I'm a big guy and ride a lot of hills. The PC-99 chain has been on my bike for 2 years and I have never had a problem with it. I am also very lazy when it comes to cleaning the bike. I will definitely buy again. When I installed the chain, I also replaced the cassette and two chainrings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SpuTTer
a
from California Date Reviewed: January 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Love the power link. Seems solid.
Weaknesses:
Expensive.
Bottom Line:
I've been running one of these PC99's for the last 2 years. I have never had the link "come apart", and I've never had the power link break. I've broken the chain 2 times, and both were when I was running a 'sloppy' rear freehub body, which put additional side stress on the chain. This chain has been a trooper and I do love it. However, the price of the chain is making it hard to buy again. I splurged when I bought it originally, but now I'm considering getting the lower end SRAM chain because I can almost get 2 for 1.
The ability to take on and off for cleaning/inspection is awesome. Long live the power link. This makes it so easy to take your chain off and degrease, I do it at least once a week, and sometimes after every ride.
GREAT product, little lower on value because you have to give up a lot of money for the best.
Jenson does have it pretty cheap however so I may splurge yet again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Eastern Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: January 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
JB Mountain Bikes
Strengths:
Relatively light, strong, shifts well. Overall better than Shimano.
Weaknesses:
MSRP is a bit on the high side.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
'03 Intense Spider
Bottom Line:
The "chain" is one of those things widely used but poorly understood. The performance (life) of a chain is directly proportional to the environment in which it lives. Most of us drag our chains through the harshest environments, clean infrequently and when we do... do so improperly. Expect it to be as light as possible... and last almost indefinitely.
Oh and let us not forget those who mis-match worn components with new. And improperly splice chain links when installing a new chain. In short, if you bust a chain.. YOU need to take a lesson in bike maintenance. For example, the break strength of a standard SRAM steel chain (NEW) is approximately 2,944lbs. Hence if your body weight is busting a chain... I think you should review your maintenance procedure and/or knowledge of such.
Financially speaking, its better to use a lower cost chain and replace often, than it is to buy the best and replace seldom.
Bottom line. Clean & lube as much as possible, monitor sprocket wear, buy yourself a chain stretch guage. If you maintain properly, your sprockets should be good for approx 3 chains. If you use +2 chains a year... Pat yourself on the back for being a trooper and stop complaining.
So now that I'm finished rambling. This chain rates excellent in my book, but its price keeps it from being a "must have".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis Richards
a Cross Country Rider
from Ca Date Reviewed: November 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
strenth, gold link.
Weaknesses:
Cost too much, if you paid more the 25 bucks on it you were skinned!
Similar Products Used:
hg73 LX chain
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper fsr
Bottom Line:
It has held up to the steep ass hills here. I like the gold link, it's easy to r/r. I remove the chain when needed and degrease them with brake cleaner, dry them with compressed air and re-oil them with Prolink oil after inspecting the links. I then reinstall the chain on clean sprockets. This is a great chain treat any chain well, adjust your derailers watch for sprocket wear and it should give you good service. Can't believe some here have trouble with the link, my kid likes to do his chain the same way and no troubles here, to each his own I guess. I'm giving it full ratings to offset the notso savy..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
monkeyboy
a Cross Country Rider
from USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Light enough, stronger then shimano
Weaknesses:
Sometimes the shinyness of the chain blinds other riders? None really
Similar Products Used:
Almost all shimano and pc 59/69 chains
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock(but I shall change this soon!) 03 fuel 90
Bottom Line:
The best chain hands down. I would easily break shimanos, often on my first ride with them and have that dreaded welt on the back of your calf when they snap just behind your leg. Man that sucks. I often used pc 69's because I didn't think they coudl be that much better, but I've had a way way longer wear life, and it dropped a little weight, not much of course, but the wear life alone is worth them extra cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anonymous Gerbil
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Powerlink - easy on, easy off !!!
Weaknesses:
None so far
Bottom Line:
This a reivew, as well as a response to the poster below who had his SRAM break on him while on the ride. IMHO, a one-year life is pretty good for a chain under normal riding conditions. I have been using the PC99 for more than 6 months now, and would not go back to the Shimano chains.
Regularly clean and lube you chain (I do it about once a month), and replace chain and the cogset at the end of the year (more less, depending on how many miles you ride per week).
The MSRP for the PC99 is a little steep (go with the cheaper PC59 if on a budget or you ride a lot and need to replace often). But you can find some good deals if you look around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Brasher
a Weekend Warrior
from Vestavia Hills, AL USA Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
NashBar
Similar Products Used:
SRAM PC-59
Bottom Line:
I bought my current Trek bike three years ago. Came with a PC-59. The second summer, the PC-59 snapped in a bind climbing an arched bridge. I decided to go with the PC-99, being the better chain. In the middle of the Left Loop at Tsali, NC last weekend, the PC-99 snapped. The metal link simply flew apart. I was able to smash it back together and ride out, but the chain was ruined. It had so many twists and bends in it, further use of it was not possible.
Maybe it's me, maybe it's my bike, or maybe it's the chain, but to obliterate the PC-59 and PC-99 on the same bike within two years, seems a little much. Anyone got any ideas?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Thunder Bay ON Canada Date Reviewed: May 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
shuniah mines
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Ramseys
Strengths:
strength, finish no rust,smoothness
Weaknesses:
only the cost, possible stretch, powerlink
Similar Products Used:
pc48 on eight speed
Bike Setup:
deore/deore lx deraillers, deore crank and sram 7.0 cogs
Bottom Line:
I'm by no means a light weight and I have found this chain holding up to anything I can give it. The old pc48 links froze up and broke a couple of times. This one no problems. Using Prolink chain lube,very smooth shifting, and no skipping as others have posted. Good chain. My 9 speed system shifts better than my 8 speed with the same lx derailler.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stimmer
a Cross Country Rider
from MA Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Powerlink
Weaknesses:
poor shifting and strength concerns
Similar Products Used:
59 and 69
Bike Setup:
truth with xt/xtr, pedals, etc
Bottom Line:
This chain concerns me (but really p!sses me off).....can't seem to tweak the skip out of it......but my bigger concern is strength....second time out on this, a link stressed and twisted under load.....it wasn't a sudden stress to the chain...just a steep smooth uphill....I'm probably going back to the 69....
As for Andrew below, either you failed math miserably or I want to get on a plane to come see you ride up any kind of 50+ degree climb (not just a quick run-up).....I don't think a 50 degree climb could be done on tarmac with a road bike...but hey, prove me wrong, prove me wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jin Man
a Weekend Warrior
from Guadalajara, Mexico Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All Mexico
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
It looks clean and Power Link
Weaknesses:
Not yet
Similar Products Used:
Several Shimano's IG & HG
Bike Setup:
Full XT on a Trek 6700 with Thomson stuffs.
Bottom Line:
The ease to use of Power Link is amazing, at the begining I never had enough confidence about those 2 golden pieces that seemed not to engage as well as an usual link pin. Then I just put off my old chain and replaced it with this chain and WOW, it so easy the connecting that my mom should do that for me.
Also great power transference and nice shifting, actually I'm not a physician so I can't accurately calculate the difference among others, but I can still the great difference.
Just a little accomplaint about the use of power link, if I can put more power link in the chain, well never is easy to put back the pin in its place.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Sechler
a Cross Country Rider
from Frederick, MD Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
It looks cool.
Weaknesses:
It skips.
Similar Products Used:
PC-69, PC-59 and a variety of Shimano chains
Bike Setup:
2002 Superlight, XT drivetrain
Bottom Line:
This chain is the pits. I put it on my Superlight when I built it. All of the parts where brand new, but right out of the box the chain skipped. I found a frozen link and removed it. No luck, the chain still skipped. I happened to have a new PC-59 sitting on a shelf so I swapped it for the PC-99. The skipping stopped. Obviously, the chain was the problem. I'm not sure why it skipped. I inspected the chain after I removed it. It looked fine and all the links moved freely. I'll still use other SRAM products, but the PC-99 is out. My suggestion is to go with a PC-59 or 69.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from metropolis Date Reviewed: April 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
devils cliff
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
JensonUsa
Strengths:
quick snap link, very very strong, barely bendable, light (but who cares how light the chain is)
Weaknesses:
nuttin bad but the link is differnt color then the chain, just cant stand that, so i just got it changed
Similar Products Used:
some crappy bell one
Bike Setup:
2002 schwinn moab s30 special edition after market compnents
Bottom Line:
this chain is the best out there, i was climbing a 50 degree our steeper had it in 1,1 climbed it like nuttin the chain was 100% fine, usually after i do summitn like that i find my drivetrain is clicking cuz my chain was bent out of shape.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick
a Racer
from lisle, IL Date Reviewed: April 8, 2003
best out there... hands down. i get a year out of them, and that's with 1200 hard racing and training miles on them. never broken one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a
from suffolk, UK Date Reviewed: April 7, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Light, reliable, looks great(?)
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
PC80R, Shimano LX
Bike Setup:
Zaskar Race, XT, M4's X-Fly 100's, 959's. Hey, this is instead of a house!
Bottom Line:
Excellent chain - very smooth after about 20 miles bedding in. I also have the "powerlink" - no tools required. No reliability problems, smooth, quiet, easy to maintain, easy to judge when to wash and relube. A cracker!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: November 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LAkeside Bicycles 428 N. State St., Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Strengths:
This chain is the best chain n the world! I was a little reluctant to buy it because of the $40 price, but on my bike this beuaty will stay. Shifts well, strong, light, what more could you ask from a chain. I don't know what some of these peoples problems are, but this chain has done nothing but perform well for me. the powerlink is easy to use, as long as you pinch, then slide together.
Weaknesses:
besides the price, none.
Similar Products Used:
KMC Z9000, quite possibly the worst chain ever.
Bike Setup:
K2 Zed Team frame, Rockshox Duke XC for (warranty replacement for Nollen Mega air) WTB wheels, XT/Deore drivetrain, Truvativ Firex cranks, Avid SD3 linear pull brakes (Kool stop mtn. pads) Sram Pc99 chain (the best in the world).
Bottom Line:
This chain is great. once you get past the sticker shock, and get it on youll bike, you'll never regret it. It is so much lighter than anyone elses chain, and it shifts excellent. The reason I bought this was to replace the KMC Z9000, which snapped while I was wheeling, causing the chain to get all jumbled up in the cogs and derailler, and ruining the hanger. This chain has never done that, and does not wear much at all. I took the chain in to be checked at kaeside about a month after I bought it, and they couldn't even fit the checker on the chain because the tolerances in the bushings are so tight (very good thing for long-term). Simply put, this is the best, go buy it form Lakeside Bikes, you won't be dissapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Racer
from Saint Clair, Michigan Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
potto
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Not many -- quick link given the multiple times I have had to use it due to breakage.
Weaknesses:
Breakage
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Specialized StumpJumper Pro
Bottom Line:
I have had nothing but problems with this chain. I should have left the OEM Shimano on. The chain does not shift well and brakes frequently. Never had these problems with the Shimano. The most recent and last brake occurred during the biggest race of the year. This chain sucks -- I'm getting a Whipperman.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scubapro
a Weekend Warrior
from laguna beach Date Reviewed: September 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
vulture crags
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
power link, shifts well
Weaknesses:
links get stuck, price
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
'99 FSR-Fox Forx Vanilla RLC, King Headset, Answer ProTaper Carbon Bar, BETD link, MRP Bearings, Stratos Helix Pro Shock...
Bottom Line:
I used the chain for two rides, cleaned and waxed it after eash ride...on the third ride the chains kept on shifting back and forth the two middle cogs, I thought it was the derailleur but it turned out to be a couple of stuck links as stiff as a metal rod. I've never had that happen to me with my shimanos although I broke one about once a year. I thought I'd switch to a SRAM and get more mileage out of my chian but got the links stuck instead. Two chilis for value (too expensive) and two chilis for rating since the links got stuck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtn chick
a Cross Country Rider
from connecticut Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
it has been pretty strong, and shifting pretty well, the powerlink is pretty awesome. easy to find, but together and take apart.
Weaknesses:
it broke.
Bike Setup:
jamis dragon
Bottom Line:
this chain has performed pretty well, but i went out for a ride yesterday and was hearing a pretty annoying clicking noise every 3 or 4 pedal rotations, which led me to believe it could only be the chain.
so i took a look at the chain and one of the rivets was sticking out about 1.5 mm. not having anything on me to fix this, my only option was to try and make it back before the chain broke. two minutes and one very small bump later the chain was on the ground.
and in inspecting the chain a little bit further 3 more of the rivets are starting to pull loose. chains break, 20 dollars or 40 dollars. unless you can feel a real difference in the shifting (which seems to be a personal thing) it's not really worth it... a broken chain's a broken chain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Daddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Lower right corner, PA Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Fairhill, Wisahickon, French Creek
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
catalog & Local Bike shops
Strengths:
Power Link & relative durability (i.e. it lasts longer than the others)
Weaknesses:
Won't last forever
Similar Products Used:
Shimano junk & PC 59 junk
Bike Setup:
GT Ricochet & Kona Kula w/ XT/ LX drivetrains
Bottom Line:
Yeah - no chain is bullet proof but out of all the junk I've used, this junk and is the best junk around - Compared to the other junk out there I give it 5 flaming stools (I don't know anything that's stronger - I never used the Wipperman but the slick advertisinng make me think it could be stronger) My 200lbs takes it's toll on the poor guys - I put in many miles and favor the big ring, so as far as chains go, I have to shake the hand of every PC 99 for it's hard work and dedicated service - the other guys (Shimanoers, & 59ers) just don't try as hard as this chain. I'll estimate that they need to be retired after a year of hard riding - After you retire a few of them you get the bonus of having extra power links that can be reused for when an older chain reaches their limit (save the links in your parts collection) My last chain had 5 power links before I finally gave in and pulled out a fist full of dollars for a new one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tapeng
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Saratoga Gap
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
$25 at Performance
Strengths:
Look shiny, 99 instead 59, 69, 89
Weaknesses:
Doesn't last as expected.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano junk
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula, XT, disk.
Bottom Line:
I use it about 7 or 8 month without a problem and switched it to another bike in my garage corner then forgot about it. I rode the bike with this chain yesterday and it snapped on first little(few feet) hill still around parking lot. I reconnect it with spare power link and keep riding. It snapped again on a small bump after 10 minute ride. The power link is fine so I take them out and throw the rest to gabage can when homed. While I was wondering why it snapped twice on a eeasy ride after a whole year I read some pc-59 review here. I then picked up the chain out of trash can and put it under light to examine. Holy Cow !!! From the 3 pieces of the chain it actually present over 20 cracks on the side plates all over the chain. I guess I were lucky before since those cracks must developed long time ago. Although it didn't snapped earlier but 20 some cracks are ridiculous. Thinking about getting the Whippermann but it doesn't seems to be bullet proof. I'll get pc-59 for next and will watch them closly this time. It's no fun when the chain snap and you are in the bottom of mountain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter McCann
a
from Houston,TX Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Durability
Weaknesses:
none here
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
Custom Ellsworth
Bottom Line:
Been riding off road for 20 years and have never broken a SRAM/SACHS chain. Power link is great. I save my old ones for when somebody snaps a Shimano...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HAUL
a Cross Country Rider
from brooklyn Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Sids Bikes NYC
Strengths:
pretty easy to assemble
Weaknesses:
broke the chain! the crappy shimano chain that came stock on my bike lasted longer than this chain. way too expensive. replaced with the pc-59 and notice no difference, except the 59 hasn't broken.
Similar Products Used:
pc 59, shimano junk
Bike Setup:
02 klein attitude comp
Bottom Line:
save some money and get the powerlink 69 or 59, both are as easy to assemble. this is a waste of cash. mine busted after barely two months of moderate riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BVBR
a Racer
from Ocomukowonowaukesha, WI Date Reviewed: June 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Hasn't broken yet
Weaknesses:
Had a sticky power link on one
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Taya
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight
Bottom Line:
The only chain I haven't broken yet. Shifts great. I really like the power link, however on one of my chains I couldn't get the power link to release. I replace my chains often due to stretch, maybe that's why my drivetrain continues to work so good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Canada Date Reviewed: June 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The price is ok and It survived my last 24h race.
Weaknesses:
None so far but I know how to shift so I don't encounter chain problems.
Similar Products Used:
OEM "Z" chain which lasted me 2 years.
Bike Setup:
Please your chain with some "finish line" TLC before every ride. Clean afterward.
Bottom Line:
Go with this one, it shifts very well.
However like with any other chain, don't expect it to survive stupid abuse; learn to look way ahead and anticipate gear changes before you're in the middle of the climb, so you never have to shift with the chain "loaded".
Good riding
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam VeraSforzza
a Racer
from Seattle Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Whistler
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Powerlink is great which is the main reason I bought this over another DuraAce, easy to take apart and clean (I got it on the first try).
Weaknesses:
None really, I'm anal when it comes to cleaning my chain and thus never have chain problems.
Similar Products Used:
Almost all Shimano chains.
Bike Setup:
2 19.3-19.6 lb S-Works HT's.
Bottom Line:
Great chain, but let's face it, it's still just a chain, I doubt there's much difference over the other PC models but it's nice to have the best for a few more $$$. DuraAce is the only other excellent chain I've used, I notice no difference in shifting quality over the DuraAce, I just wanted a XTR level chain with the powerlink, and decided to have one part of my drivetrain that wasn't Shimano. I'd say the DuraAce is a better value as it costs less, but for me the gold link is worth a couple more $$$.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne Foster
a Racer
from Burlington Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: June 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Minising Algonquin Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$42.00
Purchased At:
New World
Strengths:
Gold Link provides easy removal and installation of chain for cleaning.
Weaknesses:
Shifts from chain rings slowly
Similar Products Used:
shimano HG
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 98 Full XTR
Bottom Line:
For $40.00 US I thought this would be the best chain made. Unfortunately it may be but it shifts way to slow. I put my old used shimano chain back on the bike and immediately the quick crisp shifting returned to my Trek. I emailed the SRAM customer service rep regarding the "slow chain" and was disatisfied with their approach to soving my problem. Their response was that they didn't consider "speed and feel" a quality that should be taken seriously by Mountain bike owners and parts manufacturers. Well think again SRAM. My $2,000.00 Fuel is not a Fisher Price product and you need to review your customer service statagies. You won't win any races with this chain so why not make use of the gold link technology and spend your time cleaning and polishing this quality gen.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Over
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Durability, gold link feature.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano chains
Bottom Line:
After 6 month of riding this chain showed very little wear. I know I am supposed to change the chain every 6 monthes.... Best of all, I like the amenity of being able to take the chain off without messing around with the pin.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Henrickson
a Cross Country Rider
from Morgantown, WV 26505 Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Baker's Ridge, Morgantown
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Power Link. Very easy to assemble once you figure out that the sideplates need to be squeezed together to allow the link to disengage. Shifts well
Weaknesses:
Poor Durability, Poor quality control in manufacturing
Similar Products Used:
PC-58,PC-68, a variety of shimano products
Bike Setup:
Truvative Stylo Crank, XT Cassette 11-34
Bottom Line:
I broke this chain on its seventh ride while climbing a steep hill. That is far and away a record for lack of durability among all the chains I have used. Fortunately it broke one link away from the power link, which saved me several miles of walking as I did not have a chain tool with me.
When I took the chain out of the box there was a rigid link in its mid section. No amount of adjustment would free it up. I eventually removed the offending link. But the one that broke had never been adjusted.
SRAM has a great reputation for durability and function for their chains. This product is a real disappointment. I'll go elsewhere next time. Whatever performance gains this chain may have are more than offset by the need to carry a chain tool with you whenever you ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, CA Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002
Airborne Lucky Strike, LX cranks and derailleurs, XT cassette
Bottom Line:
This is still the best chain I've ever used. The Power Link (read the directions and press hard; it'll work) is great for cleaning the chain and the thing shifts like a dream. I couldn't believe how much quicker my shifting was in the chainrings compared to the PC-59 I had on previously. Someone stole my Airborne, and I spec'ed my new bike with an 8-speed drivetrain, the only drag being that the PC-68 feels more like the PC-59 than the PC-99. I wish SRAM would make a better 8-speed chain and MTBR would make a place for me to review the PC-68.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tj
a
from san jose, ca Date Reviewed: February 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good looking
Weaknesses:
Broke chain, I could never remove the powerlink...
Similar Products Used:
SRAM pc 59, 69
Bottom Line:
I bought the 99 as a treat to myself since it was the fanciest. It ran well - about 1/32 stretch after 4 months so I figured that I was 1/2 through its life. I raced today and the darn chain snapped on me! The first time I broke a chain in years. I never had this problem 59 or 69 sram. Do yourself a favor - save your money and dont spend the bucks on the 99. Also, I never waas able to disassemble the chain - I dont know what I was doing wrong...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol, CT Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$29.00
Strengths:
Starts out very smooth shifting, strong, have NEVER broken one. Power Link, easy to take off and clean
Weaknesses:
It stretches...Quite a bit for my weight and type of riding I do.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano junk
Bottom Line:
It has never let me down in the woods, or hurt me from breaking. But I have only put 500 miles on my PC99 this year, on an XT cassette, and it has stretched quite a lot. I can see the spaces between the cassette (new) and the links near the derailleur. The chain "creps" into location at the top of the cassette. I have diligently maintained this chain too. I just put a new ne on the bike, but if this one does the same thing by summer, I am trying a Rolhoff or a Connex. Hopefully, I can use a PowerLink on those.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spongerator
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ramapo State Forest and area
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Easy to put on, powerlink gold, shifts well
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
XTR,XT
Bike Setup:
'01 Truth
Bottom Line:
With this and the 9.0 powerglide II, I have no more Shimano XT problems. I love the way it goes on and off, since I really take care of my bike, due to all the mud, dirt, water crossings we do. And the link is easy to find.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Berlin, Germany Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
smooth shifting, easy lenght adjustment with power link
Weaknesses:
extends too fast, snaps, quality seems to have become worse
Similar Products Used:
shimano hg92 and 72, kmc9900
Bike Setup:
orange sub5
Bottom Line:
snapped 3 pc99's during the last six month. used to be the best chain but sram seems to save money in production. just read a chain test in a german mag where they measured the wear in their laboratory. and no surprise for me: the sram chains streched most of all chains. probably will try a wippermann which was best in test next time my pc99 snaps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BikeNAuckland
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cookie Trail, Woodhill forest, New Zealand
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Bike Barn
Strengths:
Shifts great, comes apart easily for cleaning without shortening chain life extra PowerLink makes good spare link on the trail.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
XT 9-speed
Bottom Line:
I had to pull off my shimano chain when it jumped the inner ring and wedged itself between the ring and the iDrive eccentric, peaning the link in question until it didn't move any more, resulting in a string of attempted fixes that resulted in a long walk home. If I'd had an SRAM chain with the PowerLink on it, I could have ridden home after a very short period of time. I admit that I was skeptical at first, fearing that the chain would be prone to coming apart on its own, but all my attempts to get it apart failed until I succembed to the last resort of reading the directions. There is a trick to it.
The great thing is that now I can properly clean the chain after every gritty trail ride without worrying about shortening chain life or fiddling with the #$&%! chain tool. Everything is working a lot more smoothly than it used to as a result, and that's worth the expense in my book.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A B
a Racer
from Laguna Beach Date Reviewed: November 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything up
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Bottom Line:
Update to my last post:
Yup, it was my fault. Just realized that the RD housing is tweaked where it meets the XTR der, and was causing the der to skip, which I originally thought was a chain problem. This ghost shifting on such a vertical climb is probably the cause of the chain failure.
So, five turds to the chain. It is definitely the smoothest I have ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A B
a Racer
from Laguna Beach Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
canyon acres
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
excel sports
Strengths:
Smooth. Easy to clean.
Similar Products Used:
XTR
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer, Hayes, XTR
Bottom Line:
Well, I loved this chain until today's ride up the vertical wall of Canyon Acres. It broke. Looks like a pin just ripped through end of the plate. But, it may have been my fault, as I left it in a solvent bath for about three days, and after a perhaps too quick lube, took off for this very dusty ride. Which, may tell you how much I liked this chain before the mechanical. It was/is noticeably smoother shifting than my XTR, and obviously way easier to keep clean. So, not sure what to think. Curious if anyone has an opinion. ? -AB
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paulo Torrão
a Racer
from Covilhã - Portugal Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001
This is the best chain of the moment... Shimano chain sucks!!!!!!! A very big kiss to Magda, my girlfriend, she is a rider too!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bjorndoggie Cruiser
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Forresthill Divide Loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
American River Bicycles
Strengths:
Shifts great, comes apart easily for cleaning and the chicks dig it!
Weaknesses:
Could come with a spare connector link.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
2001 Specialized FSRxc Pro: Monkeylite, Thomson stem/seatpost, PC99, Mavic 517, SID, XT/XTR, Fox Float RC, etc.
Bottom Line:
This chain shifts very well. No noticeable performance difference from Shimano. I love being able to pull it off after a ride (takes only a few seconds) for a cleaning and relube. I can't count the number of times my wife and other women have mentioned what a beautiful chain I have! Ride on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
