xt or xtr chain

I have a XTR chain but got a good kink in it. Any other chain I should look at the xtr was 40 bucks.

 

i just use SRAM 951 on my..

 

SRAM 991 Hollowpin for gears.

SRAM PC58 for ss.

 

im running the hollow pin SRAM forgot the number

 

Shop around a bit. I usually buy my XTR/Dura-Ace (CN7701) chains for about $22.

 

SRAM 971. Bulletproof. I break 991's like twigs.

 

Same here! The CN7701 is my favorite mtb chain.
After multiple failures of Powerlinks, I will no longer use them on my geared mtbs (but I do use them on my singlespeed mtb, BMX, and road bikes).

 

How do powerlinks fail?

 

This is a great question for me too, if someone can help explain. What is the difference between the XTR and the XT? More specifically for me, I have the SRAM P991, mainly because of the Powerlink (thanks for the warning, 2wheel_lee #-o). What would be the difference between the P991, P971 and the P951? It seems the weight is negligible, so is it the links and material? Thanks!

 

When riding down very bumpy terrain at high speed, they've had a tendency to come disconnected, allowing the chain to fall off. It's a bummer when I get to the bottom of the hill only to realize that I have to hike up the hill to retrieve my chain.

This generally only happens when the chain is clean. And no, it wasn't installed improperly. They were on the bikes for some time before coming off, and there was no sign of bending (if I incorrectly connected it). I was happy to be able to find both sides! When hitting bumpy stuff at high speed, the chain is flailing everywhere. Most people don't have any problems with them.

I don't know the current SRAM chain lineup, but I believe the only difference between the XT and XTR chains is the finish...if I remember correctly (which is getting more and more rare as I get older).

 

The main difference between the P951, P971 and P991 is the material. In this case the material difference is not the strength of the material but the corrosion resistance.

 

Some really good info in this thread. Thanks..

 

SRAM chain specs here:

http://www.sram.com/en/srammountain/chains/9speed/index.php

Click the link (pun intended) to each chain to get the individual specs. Should put some mysteries to rest.

 

I use SRAM 991 Hollow pin.
Never had a problem, and I carry an extra powerlink just in case.
however, I have broken Shimano a couple times, and didn't have one of their "special" links to fix it.

edit; just read the info on the link. I guess I'm not strong enough to need the 250 kg strength on the regular 991.....but saved 21 grams of weight for an extra 10 bucks!

 

I don't know which one I have on my bike but I just changed frames and I noticed a TON of chain slap...my chain moves WAY toooooo much side to side....tons of play..DROVE me crazy....compared to my buddy's chain and his wasn't nearly as "loose" but we couldn't tell what kind his was either....mine was sooo loose that it would hit my tire and my shoe w/ NO problem....

 

totally agree with you man. i broke my 991 chain within 2 weeks. i bought an xtr chain after recommendation and so far no problems at all. props to shimano on their chains.

 

I was told the only diff in lx-xt-xtr is the weight. I have an Xt on my blur lt and a Sram 8speed chain on my SS chameleon. THey both have worked great. It is good to change your chain regularly depending on how much you ride. $$$$$

 

Get the XTR chain for $22, and use either the SRAM or Wipperman link.

 

Xt/xtr

i use both, but even though the weight is the same, the XTR seems to need less maintenance than the XT does. Plus, i've never paid more than $30 for the XTR.

And yeah, Shimano is WAAAAAY better than SRAM eight days a week.