SRAM chains, are you ready for a change?
Written: Nov 05 '05 (Updated Jan 15 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: PowerLinks are lifesavers, durability is equal or superior to Shimano products, PowerLinks sold separately.
Cons: None whatsoever, it's a great product!
The Bottom Line: For intermediates and experts alike, the SRAM lineup of chains is a more user-friendly way to ride. They will save you time and get you back on the trail faster.
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| openroad's Full Review: SRAM PC-69 |
----- Sram... what's the difference? -----
Back in the day I didn't know there were actual differences between bicycle chains. Whatever came on my bike is what I used and at that time it was always Shimano. Even today Shimano chains are almost always original equipment on most new bikes.
SRAM has been a rather recent addition to the bike component industry as they started up in Chicago back in 1987. Today they not only make chains, but all other drivetrain components you might find on your average mountain or road bike. SRAM's products are usually innovative and original in design and function. Shimano is still the industry leader by a long shot, but SRAM is fast becoming the choice of replacement parts thanks to their budget price point and quality components.
----- PC-69, is it that much better? -----
I was first turned on to SRAM when I tried to buy a replacement chain for my 8-Speed mountain bike only to find they only had SRAM in stock. Once I finished installing that chain I was a SRAM man for life, now I'll tell you why.
SRAM's PowerChains include an ingenious device titled the "PowerLink". Instead of the completely frustrating pin Shimano uses to link their chains together, the PowerLink is a simple clip which lets anyone install or repair a chain. It's basically a complete chain link clipped open on both ends. Each side of the PowerLink has one pin attached to 1/2 of a chain link. To install you slide a pin through each open end of the chain, bring them together, and slide the two halves until they lock. Unlike Shimano's pin-system, the PowerLink doesn't require a chain tool to remove. Simply find the gold-colored PowerLink and gently flex it sideways while pushing it together. The PowerLink will pop apart and voila, it's bike-mechanic paradise!
----- Bottom Line -----
Durability on both my PC-68 (eight speed) and PC-69 chains has been pretty good. What chain failures I've had have been my fault for riding in water and mud without cleaning or oiling afterwards. Since they are available for $3.00 a piece, I always carry a spare PowerLink with me while riding off-road. I've had several occasions where I was very glad I had the extra link with me and a chain decided to separate.
I choose the PC-69 chains over the PC-99 with hollow pins since the heavier (and cheaper) 69 tends to last longer. I've used PC-69s on all three of my latest bikes and will continue to do so in the future.
If you need to replace a chain in the future I'd take a good look at SRAM for a change, it will make life much easier if you do your own maintenance.
Related Links:
Pedro’s Syn Lube
Pedro's Extra Dry Lube
Pedro's Road Rage Lube
Pedro's Bio Cleaner
Pedro's Bike Lust Polish
Park Tool Citrus ChainBrite Cleaner
Pedro’s Pro Cog Wrench
Park Tool FR-5G Lockring Tool
Park Tool GSC-1 GearClean Brush
Park Tool CM-5 Cyclone Chain Scrubber
Park Tool AWS-1 Allen Head Tri Wrench
Park Tool PRS-5 Folding Race Stand
Thanks for reading and feel free to comment!
This review is part of sleeper54's Lean-n-mean IV Write-Off, take time to check it out and please participate!
Recommended:
Yes
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