Cheap vs. Expensive Chains

[BrewMaster]

I avoid organic solvents. Disposal is a bitch and the vapors are not good for the environment.

I use Simple Green with water, soak the chain in that for a minute, then brush it thoroughly.

Walter, I usually leave the cassette and chain rings on the bike and just clean them with Simple Green + water and a tooth brush. If there is crap stuck in the cassette, sometimes I'll take it off to clean it. I find it is actually faster to take it off the bike to clean the cassette.

[freekengo]

Ultrasonic cleaner using simple green as the solvent! Haven't found a better, easier way so far.

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by Chewyeti

i use gasoline for that.

Doesnt mineral spirits eat thru plastic?

so will gasoline. depends on the type of plastic. PVC is ok.

Originally Posted by freekengo

Ultrasonic cleaner using simple green as the solvent! Haven't found a better, easier way so far.

I want an ultrasonic cleaner. That is definitely the best way to go.

[genusmtbkr5]

Originally Posted by pinoiryder

are hollow pins chain any good? are they strong enough for single speed?

For SS, just use the PC-1 made for SS. 9 spd chains are narrower. With only 1 gear, you can use an 8 spd chain.

Sam, I busted my 991 Hollowpin, but then again, I've busted XT, 971 and PC-991 as well.

[freekengo]

I have a small one that I picked up for cleaning up bike parts at Harbor Freight tools for about $100. It's just big enough to fit all of the rotating assembly in the tank. Submerge all parts in the 50/50 mix of simple green/hot water and set the timer for 400 seconds, close lid, ding! Done! Just like new

[BrewMaster]

I think I am going to buy one from Amazon today. The toothbrush crap is getting really old.

[Jordansrealm]

I think I went with the 971 which was right in the middle of the two. It was lighter than the 951 and it didn't have the red the 991 did ( I didn't want red ). It was also closer to the price of the 951. Seemed like a good compromise.

[freekengo]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

I think I am going to buy one from Amazon today. The toothbrush crap is getting really old.

Sam, just make sure that it has a heater built in. It makes a BIG difference in performance. Another thing is to make sure the tub is deep and wide enough to fit your cassette!

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

I think I am going to buy one from Amazon today. The toothbrush crap is getting really old.

1. Clean cassette and rings
2. Install new chain
3. Lube and clean with Rock"N" Roll gold after every ride (5 min job)

Repeat every 4 to 6 months

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by Jordansrealm

I think I went with the 971 which was right in the middle of the two. It was lighter than the 951 and it didn't have the red the 991 did ( I didn't want red ). It was also closer to the price of the 951. Seemed like a good compromise.

Jordan, according to SRAM's website I the 951 is lighter than 971, by only 1 gram, so essentially the same weight. When you talk about red, it makes me think you are talking about cassettes though.

[Jordansrealm]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

Jordan, according to SRAM's website I the 951 is lighter than 971, by only 1 gram, so essentially the same weight. When you talk about red, it makes me think you are talking about cassettes though.

Yup I am the tool and totally just realize you were talking about chains. lol my bad man I was talking about which cassette I went with. My chain I bought the expensive one. I dont seem to bust chains often so I figured why not save a little weight. It was the middle of the run cassette I chose.

[Upchuck]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

For SS, just use the PC-1 made for SS. 9 spd chains are narrower. With only 1 gear, you can use an 8 spd chain.

Sam, I busted my 991 Hollowpin, but then again, I've busted XT, 971 and PC-991 as well.

Stay away from the PC-1. The sideplates have a known reputation for catastrophic failure.
Friends don't let friends ride junk...

[jbiron]

In over thirty years of biking I've never broken a chain. Am I just lucky?

[GregMiester]

I use the PC-991 now only, I've had no luck with Shimano 9speed chains...blame it on my weight/strength(haha)/occasional bad shifting, but the PC991 is the first I've used that has held up!

p.s. it is the NON hollowpin chain.

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by jbiron

In over thirty years of biking I've never broken a chain. Am I just lucky?

We probably just need to fatten you up.

[FoShizzle]

on the average, more expensive chains tend to cost more than cheaper chains. However, i have seen expensive cheap chains cost more than cheap expensive chains at some online retailers. Other than that, they do the same thing...

Originally Posted by Upchuck

Stay away from the PC-1. The sideplates have a known reputation for catastrophic failure.
Friends don't let friends ride junk...

actually, i think its just that when you ride with me you feel the need to show off and voila, broken POS PC-1 chain

Originally Posted by DeeZee

Lube every ride (5 min job)

Repeat every 4 to 6 months

sounds a lot like marriage

[jonathan_sykes81]

When i first started riding I was recommended to go with SRAM by my LBS, after 3 broken chains in about 6 months(only 1 due to poor shifting technique) I switched to the XTR chain and haven't looked back. I run it with a SRAM quick-link and haven't had any issues. You can usually get the XTR chains online for around $25-$30.

[Rockinthecasbah]

I brake cheap ones and expensive ones, I guess its just because of my massive power lol Im sticking middle of the road from now on unless I want some bling

[L8 APEKS]

I'm still running 8-speed. My options are a little more limited now.

I just installed a SRAM 851. Seems OK so far. Broke the Shimano HG's a few times recently with clean drivetrains, low miles, and clean shifting.

It seems no matter how much money you spend, they still need to be replaced at roughly the same intervals, and they can still break. So why spend more?

[lardbutt]

If you don't have access to an untrasonic cleaner, remove the chain and drop it in an old water bottle with 50/50 mix of water and Simple Green. Screw waterbottle lid on tight and close drink valve. Shake the bejeeeesus out of it for 30 seconds and let sit for another 15 minutes (while you clean your cassette and lube your linkages) Shake the heck out of it again and remove chain from bottle using an old spoke to hook it and lift it out. Dry chain in rag. Put it back on bike and re-lube.