Well it's time for me to get a new chain. Currently I think I have a SRAM PC59. Should I get another one (well probably another three from CRC) or is it worth spending more to get a PC69 or above?
The chain connects a SRAM 7.0 cassette and a Race Face Prodigy chainset, if that makes any difference.
Hmm, the only difference I can see between the descriptions of the PC59 and the PC69 on CRC is that the PC69 has a "flashy silver finish". I think that's something I can live without, actually.
That makes the PC89, at nearly twice the price of the PC59, the next useful step up.
Rate of wear is what you're paying for with chains. As they get more expensive, they get more durable finishes. But if you're not in the habit of cleaning at least every other ride, just use a cheap one, since the muck will wear out any chain anyway. Maybe use a decent chain in the summer if you race, and basic the rest of the time. There's no difference in weight. Don't use 89, it's a road chain and falls apart on an mtb quick smart. 99 or 59.
Of course, the manufactures claim all sorts of guff about chamfered plates providing smoother shifting, but once the muck gets on it, it's not going to make any difference.
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I guess I'll stick with PC59s. I don't race and while I was cleaning my chain after each ride in the winter I tend to be less devoted to its maintenance when the chances of it rusting drop off.
