SRAM PC-59

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Have on my Giant NRS air and Cannondale Cyclocross... use the PC-99 on my Giant TCR... love sram chains and the power link is awsome..

Summary:
Use this on my commuteer bike, no issues, like having an inexpensive chain that i dont have to worry about while riding to work on my Cannondale Cross...

Strengths:
price
power-link

Weaknesses:
none that i'm aware of yet... great for commuting

Similar Products Used:
shimano chains (dislike)
SRAM PC79 and 89 and the hollowpin chains..

Price Paid:  $15.00 at Supergo

Favorite Ride:
All of them

Bike Setup:
K-2 Razorback with all the high end goodies. SRAM drivetrain, Race Face Next crankset and BB, SID Team fork.

Summary:
This is an awesome chain at an unbelievable bargain price. These other reviews are bull - all chains break if you ride long enough and extreme chain lines cause noises and chain ring rub, not the brand of chain. I have broken Dura Ace and Ultegra chains, but not a SRAM chain (yet). These things shift smoother than Shimano, install easier and wear at least as well.

I run the PC59s on my mountain bike and the lighter (and more expensive) PC99s or PC89s on my roadie.

Strengths:
A freeking bargain (how can they make money at $14.95?)
Smoother shifting than Ultegra and costs less.
Has Power link feature and costs less than Ultegra.
Wear as well as Ultegra and costs less.
As light as Ultegra and costs less.
Not made by a monopolist, equal or better quality and costs less.

Weaknesses:
There are none. You can shave 40 grams by going to a PC99, but they cost a bunch more too.

Similar Products Used:
Dura Ace, Ultegra.
SRAM PC99, PC89 and PC69.

Price Paid:  $25.00 at lbs

Favorite Ride:
anything with a tailwind, no cars and fresh asphalt

Bike Setup:
Trek 2300 w/ Ultegra double with 12/25 cassette

Summary:
I decided to try this chain when my Ultegra chain was worn out. The LBS guy suggested it, so I went with it. It installed very easily, but I noticed that when I was in the small chainring and my lowest 3 cogs, the chain rubbed on the big chainring. I made a zillion adjustments and could never get the rubbing to go away. I talked to the shop guys and they said "you shouldn't be riding in that combo because it wears the drive train faster." Pretty weak excuse. I switched back to the Ultegra chain, and the rubbing is gone.

Strengths:
Very easy to install with the Powerlink. Shifted easily and was quiet, when I wasn't in the "wrong" combo. No more expensive than any other chain.

Weaknesses:
Rubbed the big chainring in some gear combinations. It must be slightly wider than the Ultegra chain.

Similar Products Used:
Ultegra chain

Price Paid:  $0.00 at La Jolla Cyclery

Favorite Ride:
San Diego Coast

Summary:
Well this is the only chain I've ever had that broke. I was pulling away from some traffic lights - no gear changing so it wasn't twisted - just broke under the stress. It had done about 800 miles. I guess chains can break, but it never happened to me before and I usually replce them about 2000-2500 miles.

Strengths:
cheap

Weaknesses:
It was weak and it broke!

Similar Products Used:
Lot's of other chains

Price Paid:  $20.00 at Mike's Bikes

Favorite Ride:
Marietta Crit

Bike Setup:
Stock Felt F75, 180 pounds, 6'2", 150-200 miles a week. Cat 5 or collegiate B racer.

Summary:
I have broken 3 of these chains. They either jump off the chainring all by themselves and end up damaging my frame or I break them at the pin with only 1000 miles on them. Sometimes I'll get a frozen link for no apparent reason. I'm gonna try the higher level SRAM chains simply because I like the Powerlink.

Strengths:
Powerlink

Weaknesses:
I have a problem of some sort with the chain on ever other ride.