Sram PC-971 Chain

In my opinion, a chain is a chain, but this would be the perfect middle ground for 9 speed chains. It isn't the cheapest option, and it isn't the fanciest "hollow pinned" or lightweight chain, but it lasts a season and gets the job done. I have only run pc-971's since riding 9 speed. I would recommend this chain to anyone, due to price, and durability.

Pros: PRICE
durability

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: March 01, 2013
Reviewed by: Ian , Washington

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As far as chains go, I prefer SRAM over Shimano, primarily for the Powerlink. And as far as SRAM chains go, the 971 seems to be the bang-for-your-buck option in the line up. I use it on both my 9-spd road bike and my single-speed (sometimes 1x9) mountain bike.

Pros: Bang for the buck
SRAM Powerlink is awesome

Cons: Not as light as the 991

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: February 20, 2013
Reviewed by: Joshua E., Virginia

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I have used Sram chains for a decade. The powerlink is a great feature, but more importantly I have never broken one. I left my last sram chain on too long and it stretched almost a full link in length and could twist like taffy but still did not break!

Pros: Durable, powerlink

Cons: None

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: February 09, 2013
Reviewed by: Tom A., Washington

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Great 9 speed chain...

What can I say? It just works. You can buy a lighter version of this chain, but if you aren't counting tenths of grams, this chain can take a beating and keep going. The SRAM quick connect is MUCH better than anything out there on the market.

Pros: Works, hands down.

Cons: Weight?

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: December 21, 2012
Reviewed by: DionRidesBikes, California

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Perfect for middle of the road builds. Works great and wont break the bank.

Pros: Great price and good quality.

Cons: none

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: October 08, 2012
Reviewed by: es, Oregon

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These are the best chains!

I've never broken a Sram chain, ever. The quick link is always easy to get on and off. I run these chains exclusively, even on my shimano cassettes.

Pros: little stretch
strong
light
wear well
affordable
best quick link on the market

Cons: none

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: October 03, 2012
Reviewed by: matt s., Oregon

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I've only raced on 10 speed sram chains. This 9 speed works just as good as the 10 speed chains, of course on a 9 speed drivetrain.
I prefer the 7 series sram products for being the middle of the road. Even though it doesn't have as much rust protection as the 9 series chains...just take care of your drivetrain.
The weight difference compared to the 9 series is so minimal.

Pros: low weight
cheep

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: September 23, 2012
Reviewed by: Stewart C., Oregon

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Sram PC-971 Chain

In my experience, used with 9 speed Shimano Dura Ace, Ultegra, and XT/XTR drive trains, the Sram PC-971 Chain works well and is a good value. I like the Power Link method of joining the chain in that it provides tool-less removal options for cleaning. I have not had issues with Power Links wearing differently/faster than the rest of the chain. Shimano Dura-Ace CN-7801 Chain on sale for $46 as of this writing or this Sram PC-971 Chain for 1/2 that.

Pros: Price/value for a consumable part
Compatibility with all tested 9 speed Shimano drivetrains
Power Link makes install and maintenance easy
SRAM silver link plates are snazzy

Cons: At nearly twice the price, the Shimano Dura-Ace CN-7801 Chain might shift imperceptibly better, as long as its special pin was installed in a cleanroom by a Shimano engineer. (Con?)
Power Link can be picky to assemble/disassemble initially

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: August 03, 2012
Reviewed by: Dan B., Maine

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Outstanding Chain

I do not like to skimp on chains because...well, it is such a key element making bike go.

The 971 seems to be a great balance of price and performance: it is much cheaper than the 991 but offers a longer service life than the 951. It is not so expensive that you are tempted to squeeze too many miles out of it at the risk of wearing out the cassette; but still offers good to very good performance.

I've had pins work loose and chains break on lower end chains (830, 951) but never on a 971.



Pros: Value,
Performance

Cons: None

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: June 28, 2012
Reviewed by: Bike Mike, Kansas

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Sram chains are a good value and this one is no exception. The Powerlink makes it easy to install. After that it's pretty much trouble free. Except for a good cleaning.

Pros: Powerlink, price.

Cons: A little on the heavy side.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: May 14, 2012
Reviewed by: Jason W., Washington

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Good chain. Good value. Powerlink is great

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: May 09, 2012
Reviewed by: Pat C., Washington

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Love SRAM Chains

If you are looking for a chain for pretty much any purpose, I think the SRAM set up is pretty perfect. They are reliable, use the great masterlink system and are cheap.

I try to always have a masterlink on me in case I break a chain or need to be able to do an adjustment, but I've found I can reuse a pin in a pinch and that it will hold forever. Something I can't always say for other chains.

Pros: They are the best deal for chains. Reliable, cheap, capable.

Cons: None.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: March 22, 2012
Reviewed by: Paul S., PDX

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PC-971 used as single speed chain

Some say don't do it because it is lighter than 8spd, but I have been running these on my SS for years with no problems. This is a very well made chain.

Pros: Love their quick link design. Just squeeze together slightly as you push apart.

Cons: Costs a little more than some chains - but none in same class.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: March 04, 2012
Reviewed by: Davey T., Vermont

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Nice enough

No gripes with this chain. it does not bling quite as much as the 991 it is replacing, but at some cost savings, so fine.

Pros: Cost, easy install, SRAM reliability

Cons: None for price

Would Buy Again: No
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: January 28, 2012
Reviewed by: Jon F., Harrisburg, Pa

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Lasted for two years!

My understanding is that this is essentially the same as the pc-951, with a nicer finish. I don't know if that adds anything to its function or durability, but it sure is pretty.

That being said, I just ordered a pc-951 to replace it. Both are reasonably priced.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: January 13, 2012
Reviewed by: Joshua T., Virginia

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This chain was an upgrade from my stock chain. My bike performance has increased significantly. The store associate was very helpful in giving tips on how to keep it clean and lubed for the best output possible.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: December 05, 2011
Reviewed by: Dan L., Portland, OR

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Previously had a Shimano chain - this is my first SRAM chain. I love the powerlink! WAY easier than messing with pins.

Buy a spare powerlink and bring along on the trail for repairs.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: December 03, 2011


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My go to chain

I always run this chain on my mountain bikes and my touring bike. I don't even give it a second thought. It is solid, smooth and a great value. I've tried other chains in the past, but this one just works and keeps on working.

Pros: Power link rocks. Fit it and forget it.

Cons: Have not found one yet.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: November 30, 2011
Reviewed by: Robert L., California

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In my experience you really can't beat SRAM chains, even the lower priced ones. I consistently snap Shimano chains, perhaps my chain tool never links them back up nicely or the build quality isn't on par with SRAM. The SRAM PowerLink is fantastic, squeeze the link and push the links together and the chain splits. I usually carry a spare PowerLink incase I break the chain, take a link out with the chain tool then join back up with the PowerLink, job done.

Pros: Solid quality chain, great price, PowerLink is fantastic (always carry a spare PowerLink incase of chain breakages!)

Cons: None at all.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: November 29, 2011
Reviewed by: Christopher H., California

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Set it and forget it

Never had an issue and run these instead of Shimano on everything.

The quick link is a life saver, If not for preventing an unfortunate walking experience, but for preventing chain kinking with a bad chain tool on install.

J

Pros: It works.

Cons: None

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: November 06, 2011
Reviewed by: Jonathon M., Vancouver BC

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A basic chain that just what it's suppose to do. Nothing special, no hollow pins, no funky coloring, no special side plates. Just simple and reliable. The included quick link is great for easy set up.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: October 24, 2011
Reviewed by: Ranier D., Armed Forces Europe, Middle East, Africa, Canada

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Excellent Value

A great value and good balance between weight, strength, and cost. Not too fragile, not too expensive, just right. Run these on all my bikes.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: August 20, 2011
Reviewed by: Eric M., Washington

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Reliable Chain

Although this chain is slightly heavier than the lightweight KMC, 270g vs 240g it has proven to be more durable. I have never broken a SRAM chain. The same can not be said for my KMC chains.

Pros: Reliable and Durable

Cons: Slight weight penalty and higher cost

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: August 17, 2011
Reviewed by: LT, California

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Go-to chain

These are my go-to chain for most bikes. The tool-free connector that SRAM uses is great for chain-cleaning and repairs. The one downside to the chain is that is's a bit short for a touring bike with long chain stays and a wide gear range. I had to add a couple extra links for my Surly LHT with a max wrap of 48T(chainring) and 34T(cog). Well behaved in terms of shifting.

Pros: Quick-disconnect link.
Longevity

Cons: A couple links too short

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: July 07, 2011
Reviewed by: Eric S.

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Nothing special here, just mid grade 9 speed chain. I'm getting good clean shifts on a SRAM mtb cassette. I can't provide any data on miles before failure, but I much prefer SRAM chains over Shimano in that category.

Reviewed on: July 06, 2011
Reviewed by: yackrr, Washington

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