I need a new 9 speed chain for XC and previously had something like the SRAM PC89. It seems now whichever chain I start to look at has mixed reviews. SRAM which never seemed to have a problem now get slated in half the reviews, especially ones like the PC991 and hollow pin version which I was looking at. Then I looked at a KMC X9-SL and that gets mixed reviews. I'm under 12 stone so not a heavy bloke and it's going to be used first time in anger really across the whole of the South Downs Way hence my concern of reliability.

Its going to be going on a new XTR cassette so I wanted something suitably bling and had planned to avoid Shimano because of the special joining pin issue. Can KMC chains only be re-joined with their special links or can the pins be re-used?

fitted a new KMC to my mates bike last week, had no problems splitting and re-joining...

Which model out of interest?

I've used most brand of chains in the past and I've found Sram chains to be the most reliable! I use PC991 on all of my bikes and never have any probs with them. I never read the reviews tbh. Stick with what you know works best...

Don't forget you can use a Powerlink with Shimano chains to avoid the silly little pins shimano want you to use.

Oh I know, have done that in the past just would rather not have to have an endless supply of either them or special rivets.

this one;

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=12756

used sram for years with no real problems, but thought for a change we'd try a KMC.

SRAM, run with two chains alternating every ride.

sram hollowpin here on the good bike

and for the shocker ... i run a pc48 sram chain on my SS which did 10 under the ben solo , did 700kms between that and 10 under kirroughtree then did 10 under kirroughtree ... im going to replace it now ...but at a cost of 8.99 or summat to replace it every 1000km is not really a hassle ....

SRAM, run with two chains alternating every ride.

why?

SRAM here too. I run 971's at the moment & haven't noticed a real difference between them & the 991 I had before other than cost.

I use KMC X9SLs on my Epic, they're quite noisy, and there's LOADS of 'play' in the chain, there are visible gaps between the rollers and the plates, more so than any other chain I've seen. But, they're damn light, they shift well, and I've never broken one!

SRAM, run with two chains alternating every ride.

why?

IMO they last better, the drivetrain wears less and doesn't "wear in" to a single chain as much. You can also have the spare chain soaking in your solvent of choice, between rides, so a nice clean chain ready for your next ride.

hi i use sram chains not sure which model , i use 3 chains alternating every couple of rides , makes the chain set last longer

I've seen a few wipperman's advertised, what are these like?