Sram 991 Hollow pin Vs Shimato XTR/Durace CN770: which is more durable?

With my limited knowledge on these things I was recommended to use Shimano Durace 9 speed chains on my bikes and found them to the best. Sram chains wear too quickly. I actually think Durace and XTR chains are the same thing, no doubt I'll be corrected if wrong.

Cheers
Evan

Are these supplied with any of the special link pins?

The CN-7701 from T7 comes in a box with I think 3 link pins (I have one at home, will check)...

Nic

I am sure you are all thinking about this, but I actually run a Dura-Ace chain with a SRAM powerlink in it. The best of both worlds.
I have some good friends in the Specialized XC MTB team and know the mechanics fairly well. They swear by Shimano chains and claim that SRAM chains just dont last at all long enough. They always have two chains on rotation (something that I have taken to doing) - ride one, clean one - so their life isnt spent worrying about dirty chains. Just hose, flip the chain off, pop a new one on, and ride.

Works for me at least, and increases cassette life significantly.

for your comments.

So the Shimano XTR chains are the go.

As for the Sram chain, the one needing replacing is odd as all the previous Sram 991 Hollow Pin chains all lasted much longer (like a year!) and used in much worse conditions.

Tien.

This is on the new bike! every thing looks nice and clean and sharp, only the chain is stretched by 0.75 already.

Shifting is super nice and super smooth with XTR crankset and Sram XO RD and XTR cassette.
I am told XTR chain is even better shifting than Sram 991 chain.

Could it be that i am putting more tension on the chain by using high gears hence the stretch, and the previous bikes with similar chains i would spinning more with lower gears?

Tien.

Tien yes pushing higher gears means more pressure on the system as a whole. I dont think you are putting anything close to power down that some of the bigger riders on here do so not sure that it should of lead to increased chain stretch.

I am very lazy about measuring my chain for wear. (I have never done this). I Will only run XTR now after trying a couple of Sram Chains with very poor results.
My XTR chain would last at least 1yr (over 3000km)riding in all sorts of crap. I also use a SRAM powerlink to join the chain. If using a Shimano chain PLEASE use either the proper join link it is supplied with or another joining link like SRAM powerlink.

I have seen too many chains snap at the worst time and all caused by using an old pin to rejoin the chain in the first place. I have seen Brand New bikes come out of a bike shop where this has been done as well. Please dont do it. Oh and carry a powerlink with you all the time

...going to come and talk about german made Rohloff chains?

Tom

Always use the best available chain you can afford . With 9 speed Shimano the best available is DuraAce/XTR and yes they are the same thing. The difference with this compared to the cheaper models is that the inner and outer link is nickel plated and this causes the chain to roll better, experience less friction and thus last longer.
Everyone should go through two or three chains per cassette and rings. The chain is the weak point and is engineered to be so. When your chain checker informs you that it's time for a new chain, replace it and on, say the fourth change, it's time to change the lot.
The km travelled depends on the user and the conditions. No one here has mentioned cleaning and lubing. This is crucial. Some riders are clumsy and change under load. Others simply don't look after their stuff.
I'm going to contradict Gav here and state that using big gears and therefore more tooth engagement will encourage good wear of the entire system and prolong the life of everything. However, try and use all the gear combos and spread the work across all three rings as evenly as is practical. The normal rules of a straight chainline apply. And there is more stress on a chain when in the granny than at any other time...More engagement is the key to longevity.
When joining a Shimano chain, it's best to use the proper pin. Always. With that said I've had very good success for many years with a Connex link on most of my bikes. The exception is my DH'er. The stresses it goes through whilst plummetting down a hill tends to shake the link out so it's a Shimano pin in that chain.
I've never had a chain fail. Ever.
I just happen to use the cheapest Sram eight speed chain on my single speed commuter which is, as most would guess, joined with a Sram link. And it's all happy days there.
The logic of rotating three chains is twisted. Just replace each chain in turn and then the lot.
Never change gear under high load. Pikey!
Clean and lube people. Once a week is plenty on any bike even commuters. Do it when you pump your tyres up. I like Pro-Link the best. It really does repel crap.

for me, and I ditto use the Wippermann link with it.
That is what is on my bikes and never had a problem in 3 1/2 Years on the NORCO and now 7 month on the FAT, which I have used a lot and use bigger gears as well since I also use a SS 69er Hardtail a bit! The SS has a old Shimano on it.
Bernd

Delicious

Re "The logic of rotating three chains is twisted" - in what way and in what direction is the logic twisted? Clockwise or anti-clockwise?

Nic

Question: How often do you replace the powerlinks? Every chain change or every couple? Can they stretch just like the chain?

Cheers,
Tom

I read a study about this very topic conducted by some engineering students. I'll dig it out and get back to you.
In the mean time, have a read at sheldonbrown.com about this sort of thing. Furthermore, single speeders tend to go for big rings for better engagement to receive better wear from all parts, because they wrench the snot out of that chain. Offroad SS'ers only use a 33 ring to get over obstacles, otherwise it's all 40+. At work, the BMX kids are forever replacing chains because thay all run a micro drive which is often a 25 front and a 9 rear. Why? It's part fashion madness yet also the smaller front doesn't scrape as they drop off a ledge. My more experienced work mates are constantly explaining to these kids why the chain is forever dying, and it's due to the small ratios. Also poor chainline and lack of maintenance. Teenagers never look after anything...