Chains

[madbiker]

Ok, so I know that the Rohloff SLT-99 is like the ultimate trials chain, but I was wondering what other chains are worthy of use. I have had bad luck with shimano chains and good luck with the Sram PC-69. Any other good chains out there that aren't as expensive or hard to get as the Rohloff?

[Bonk]

Originally posted by madbiker
Ok, so I know that the Rohloff SLT-99 is like the ultimate trials chain, but I was wondering what other chains are worthy of use. I have had bad luck with shimano chains and good luck with the Sram PC-69. Any other good chains out there that aren't as expensive or hard to get as the Rohloff?

I would recommend the SRAM chain lineup. PC-58 for eight speed (which I would highly recommend eight speed for trials riding) or PC-69 for nine speed.

[Shibby]

Now you've got me pondering the Dura-Ace 8spd cassette, RX600 short-cage 8spd rear mech, and XT 8spd shifter we have sitting at the shop... hmm... :) I think we have a PC-58 in stock, as well.

[madbiker]

Isn't the Rohloff Trials version 8-spd anyway? It seems like 8-speed is better for every kind of riding anyway. Get rid of 9-spd!;)

[Dog Welder]

If you want strong get a KMC or a sram pc59 and use the power line adapter.

[regder]

I've had really good luck with the Sram chains. Just a word of advice, if you are hard on your chains you'll want to ditch the powerlink before you install it. They almost always break long before the rest of the chain is due for replacement.

[madbiker]

Originally posted by regder
I've had really good luck with the Sram chains. Just a word of advice, if you are hard on your chains you'll want to ditch the powerlink before you install it. They almost always break long before the rest of the chain is due for replacement.

That's weird, cuz the shops guys and I never break chains at the powerlink, we always break em elsewhere and then put in another powerlink. Question- The powerlink isn't 'press fit' like the other links. The plates are the same thickness, but the pin is attached on one side to the plate. So wouldn't the powerlink be the strongest link in your chain?

[regder]

here's how my history goes. The Powerlink on my PC68 went bust about two/three months after I got it. Chain was still within stretch levels so I tossed it back on sans powerlink. Hasn't broken since (about four months later) and it is way passed the limit at this point.

Every other rider that I know has busted the Powerlink before the rest of the chain was due for replacement. I know of some people that don't even bother with the powerlink anymore, just run the chain without.

I figure they are more prone to breaking since there is considerable less metal at the powerlink to allow for it to work. And if I'm not mistaken, the non open ends of the powerlink are also pressfit. What could be happenening to you is that the chain is pulling apart as a result of a bad installation. Check if the pin at the broken link is turned at all compared to the rest of the chain.

[Shmoe]

agreed.

The powerlink will fail first, take it out when you get the chain.

I almost impaled myself on a dh course becasue of it.

[MikeD]

I've never busted a powerlink...but I'm on front-derailleur equipped bikes, and always bust chains shifting under load, never from simple tension. Maybe that's the diff...the link breaks from excess load, the chain from lateral pressure?

[madbiker]

So I am thinking that a powerlink wouldn't be as strong lateraly (can't flex as much as a regular link) but would be stronger when getting pulled. I don't know if you follow, but i would think that crosschaining would do more damage to a powerlink than say, pedal-kicking or other similar stresses..... just a thought.