I'm just about to finally upgrade from my old 8spd XT setup to 9spd. I've bought a SRAM 9.0 cassette and an XTR right hand 9spd shifter pod. All decent kit so don't want to put a crap chain on, but can't figure out if a PC99 chain is any better than a PC89.
Any experience on either of these? What's the difference? (apart from a few quid)
(I always used to snap shimano chains even if I used the special link pins and definitely dont fancy an XT or XTR chain this time. Dont want to bother with hollow pin chains btw.)
I use a PC99, its the best chain I have ever had by a country mile. in comparison, the Shimano chains dont even deserve to be called chains. That said have never had a shot of PC89, so could not say if its as good. If in doubt by the expensive one, that my philosophy.
89 is officially a road chain with machined out side plates to save a miniscule amount of weight. Mine fell to pieces pretty quick on a mtb, but it may have been a faulty chain. Get the 99 to be on the safe side, although installing a top cassette and chain just before winter probably ain't the best idea, better to go cheap for the duration, and save the good stuff for spring/summer.
My last chain (and infact current - but a different one) was a 89R, and it's by far the best chain i've used. It lasted from mid April till last week where i retired it due to a 3rd bent link (all three bent links btw were the inner links, not the outer punched ones). I decided it had done enough, but it prolly would have lasted a while longer.
You do have to take into account some facts: I've used it on average twice a week for 20 mile rides ~ 800 miles. I clean my chain failrly offten, once every 2-3 weeks. This summer has been very dry. I have a long-cage mech and i use it.
Think I'll get a PC99 but do take on board Jays comments about winter - will probably try and make the old 8spd stuff last a month or two longer if I can get away with it without wearing chainring teeth too much.
I would go for the pc99 but take out the joining link as in certain circumstances the joining link can be pushed together and come apart. This has happened to me and a couple of friends, when you get chainsuck seems to be the main offender. otherwise I have used these chains for many years with no problems.
I'm on my second 99 in two years. They appear to be far more durable than shimano hg90 having more consistant performance over the life span. Shifting is not as crisp as with a new shimano chain but only requires a short bedding in period. This is how the lifespan is achieved. I won't be using shimano chains again.
I've used both 89R and 99. The 89R looks cool with the little holes in it. I've just replaced that with a 99 and that does appear to be lasting a litle longer, although that maybe to do with me looking after it better. Both good chains and you'll be happy with either. I'm probably going to stick with the 99 next time for the few quid that it is extra but I cannot say with any confidence that it is that much better.
I've used a 69 and 89 on Shimano drivetrains and have never had a problem with the shifting. I am trying the 59 next as the only difference apparently to the 69 is the silver plating on the inner links is not applied on the 59. Both types have been good and I hope the 59 will be the same. So the only difference in the claggy mud of winter in particular is whether a 99 will last any longer before its 'stretched' beyond the acceptable 1.5mm (given the same regime of cleaning after every ride) - if not then its just money squandered - and at 3x the price of a 59, I'd rather replace the chain every few months.
