SRAM "power" link chains

[Moose.]

Quick question; is it worth bothering fitting the power link (i.e. the one that can be removed without a chain breaker) or will it just introduce a weak link? Can't see why I'd ever want/need to break the chain once assembled

[pdV6]

IME they're no weaker than a pinned chain and are significantly easier to fit.

I've broken loads of "traditional" chains and have yet to break a PowerLink one...

[rico]

I'm 100% shimano these days, but always thought the powerlink was awesome.

[Moose.]

Actually, just chatting to a colleague and he reckoned the best option is to not fit the power link but to keep it with you whilst riding. That way should a link break whilst your out, you can simply replace it with the power link.

Seems logical

[Neil_Bolton]

rico said:

I'm 100% shimano these days, but always thought the powerlink was awesome.

I use shimano chains which seem better, however have the SRAM link thingies, so I get best of both worlds...

[rico]

Neil the brand slut!

[mat205125]

rico said:

Neil the brand slut!

Aren't we all?

[catso]

Moose. said:

Actually, just chatting to a colleague and he reckoned the best option is to not fit the power link but to keep it with you whilst riding. That way should a link break whilst your out, you can simply replace it with the power link.

Seems logical

Surely it would have to break 'right' as the power link (if it's like the 'missing link' on KMC chains) only fits on to the 'inner' link at both ends, chances are if your chain breaks you'll have the outer link attached at one end, so unless you've got a chain breaker or grinder you're still up sh1t creek........

If you want to be able to fix it on the go, best to carry a spare (powerlink) chain.

[westy04]

I use an SRAM chain and powerlink. Never had any problems. The SRAM chain seems much stronger also, than Shimano chains.

[Neil_Bolton]

westy04 said:

I use an SRAM chain and powerlink. Never had any problems. The SRAM chain seems much stronger also, than Shimano chains.

Other way round for me - I've mangled a couple of SRAM chains under power, however I've never ever mangled a Shimano chain in all my time.

The main reason for shimano chains blowing is badly installed split pins - some people don't do it right and they then moan when the chain breaks after a ride...

I guess milage may vary etc etc, however I do like that fact the powerlink doofer allows me to split my shimano chain easier, rather than having to carry teeny split pins...

[White_van_man]

SRAM all the way the shimano chains are shocking and the powerlinks are great

[outnumbered]

A big advantage of the powerlink is that you can easily take the chain off to clean it.

[M Powered]

Used, abused and broken many a Shim chain in my time (did lots of trials as a young 'un so maybe the start stop loading didn't help). SRAM were always superior in terms of longevity.

As it happens I am just buying a SRAM chain and cassette on the web. Since becoming an XC biased bore, I have started focusing on weight. Nice composite spider thingummy on the cassette.

[beyond rational]

I prefer Sram although I will concede the possibility that many Shimano failures are due to user error - main reason though, Sram come covered in less stinky crap when new.

[Neil_Bolton]

beyond rational said:

I prefer Sram although I will concede the possibility that many Shimano failures are due to user error - main reason though, Sram come covered in less stinky crap when new.

Yes, I have to agree the gunk is annoying. However I have noticed that imported (ebay stuff usually) groupset/multibuy stuff comes with a thinner pertroleum based lube...

The only thing I may add, as esteemed as the SRAM chains are, the cassettes and chainrings by shimano are the best - the ramps/pin design on their casettes/chainrings give them absolute superiority in shifting...