Cheap vs. Expensive Chains

[BrewMaster]

Excluding hollow pin chains, is there really a difference between the cheap chains, like a SRAM 951 and an expensive chain like a SRAM 991?

Weights are very close, within a few grams, and they all seem to have the same pin strength rating, 200 kgf. Is it really worth paying for the expensive chains?

Discuss.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

Excluding hollow pin chains, is there really a difference between the cheap chains, like a SRAM 951 and an expensive chain like a SRAM 991?

Weights are very close, within a few grams, and they all seem to have the same pin strength rating, 200 kgf. Is it really worth paying for the expensive chains?

Discuss.

Buy the middle of the road chain and change more often

[faded1004]

i think in the sram line, it is how the pins are pressed? i think they have ones that are just pressd, and some are double pressed? like look at the heads of the pin, there will be 2 lines or 4 lines...

other then that, i think the links in the better one are supposed to be more flexible, i am thinking the shape of outter links or something like a bump to help with getting up the gear shifting ramps?

[Abui]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

Excluding hollow pin chains, is there really a difference between the cheap chains, like a SRAM 951 and an expensive chain like a SRAM 991?

Weights are very close, within a few grams, and they all seem to have the same pin strength rating, 200 kgf. Is it really worth paying for the expensive chains?

Discuss.

Pin strength is meaningless when the side plates crack. KMC for me.

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

Buy the middle of the road chain and change more often

Why not buy the cheap ones?

Originally Posted by Abui

Pin strength is meaningless when the side plates crack. KMC for me.

I agree, but pin strength is the only data they seem to publish as far as strength goes.

[Burner]

I don't buy cheap anymore because breaking chains sucks.

wippermann... love 'em, and if you've ever used the connex link you know it's the bomb diggity.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

Why not buy the cheap ones?

I agree, but pin strength is the only data they seem to publish as far as strength goes.

How cheap

No reason not to I guess. I run the $20 PC-951 with no problems

Originally Posted by Burner

I don't buy cheap anymore because breaking chains sucks.

wippermann... love 'em, and if you've ever used the connex link you know it's the bomb diggity.

+1 wippermann is

However I just change out my $20 Sram chain more often. Works for me.


ps. BRING BACK 8 SPEED!!!!!!!!!!!

[BrewMaster]

Yeah, I was referring to the PC-951. $15 can't be beat. The Wipperman ones look nice, but they are too pricey for me. I've never broken my cheapo chains.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

Yeah, I was referring to the PC-951. $15 can't be beat. The Wipperman ones look nice, but they are too pricey for me. I've never broken my cheapo chains.

Why mess with success

Change out the cheap'o two or three times a year.

I ran the wipperman back when m-bike chains were made for m-bikes (see 8- speed rant). Would last a long time

[Upchuck]

Originally Posted by Abui

Pin strength is meaningless when the side plates crack. KMC for me.

I haven't had issues with pins breaking. I have, however, been splitting PC-1 sideplates like tin foil.

KMC for me. My knee caps hate mating with my stem or fork crown.

[mtnbikerfred]

Buy one of these, and your cheap chain might just outlast your expensive chain.

[wgb]

Brew, if your process ain't broke then don't try and fix it. Unless you can find an added benefit to running a more expensive chain than the one that you currently use, then leave it alone.

For me, I am experiementing with chains. I don't want to get in the habit of spending more than I have to. I have never broken a chain, and I am not to the point of worrying about component weights.

[pinoiryder]

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

[Upchuck]

Originally Posted by mtnbikerfred

Buy one of these, and your cheap chain might just outlast your expensive chain.

I clean and lube my chain between every ride. And if that isn't enough, I'm not limited to just one or two choices in the stable. I probably put less miles on any one of my bikes per year than the average Joe...or Jane.

Edit: After rereading my post, it occured to me that it sounded a little boastful. Not my intention. Just saying a cheap chain doesn't have to take a lot of abuse to break.

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by mtnbikerfred

Buy one of these, and your cheap chain might just outlast your expensive chain.

I always take my chain off and clean it with a toothbrush. That is getting old. I may need to get one of these devices.

Cassette and chain rings I will still clean with a toothbrush.

[wgb]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

I always take my chain off and clean it with a toothbrush. That is getting old. I may need to get one of these devices.

Cassette and chain rings I will still clean with a toothbrush.

How often do you do that, and do you removed them from the bike to do it?

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

I always take my chain off and clean it with a toothbrush. That is getting old. I may need to get one of these devices.

Cassette and chain rings I will still clean with a toothbrush.

Switched to this stuff about a year ago. Helps keep the drivetrain clean.

http://www.rocklube.com/products_detail_gold.html

[Chewyeti]

i broke a 971, and a 991.

i run tghe cheap 951 until it dies.... (rare!). keep it clean, keep it lubed (kinda like other parts of life)

[Pato]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

I always take my chain off and clean it with a toothbrush. That is getting old. I may need to get one of these devices.

Cassette and chain rings I will still clean with a toothbrush.

Get some mineral spirits and pour it into a big mouth plastic jar. Put the chain in there, let soak a couple of minutes then swish it around a bit. Take it out and wash with soap and water. Let dry and lube. I find that this is the most effective, thorough and easiest way to clean your chain. You can reuse the mineral spirits over and over again.

[Chewyeti]

Originally Posted by Pato

Get some mineral spirits and pour it into a big mouth plastic jar. Put the chain in there, let soak a couple of minutes then swish it around a bit. Take it out and wash with soap and water. Let dry and lube. I find that this is the most effective, thorough and easiest way to clean your chain. You can reuse the mineral spirits over and over again.

i use gasoline for that.

Doesnt mineral spirits eat thru plastic?