any difference between LX, XT, and XTR chains?

need a new chain. what's the difference between these?

BlueSky has them for amazing prices, so I may just buy the XTR for $25, but just curious if there's any real difference?

 

Um, what is this bluesky you speak of? Sounds nice..

I'd like to know to , seeing as I've been 'told' to use XT to save my components...

 

http://www.blueskycycling.com/view_..._medium=feed&utm_campaign=GoogleProductSearch
Stock up!

At that price, just go for the XTR chain. Hard to stretch and pretty durable. The only part that I don't like is using Shimano pins to put 'em back together. Solution- SRAM quicklinks.

 

http://www.blueskycycling.com/product2172_35_-Shimano-XTR-7701-9-Speed-Chain.htm

the XT chain is $3 cheaper, so I figure what the heck, this'll be the one and only XTR component on my bike (besides shifter cables).

 

Thanks for the head's up.. I got mine.

 

XTR, use the SRAM link. Get 2, carry spare on the trail.

10+ years, never broke either.

 

Hello. Wow that seems like a lot of money for a chain. We change out our chains every 30 rides so the difference of any 9 speed chain with the right amount of links is nothing. Save your dollars and get ones that you can toss every 30 rides and there is no difference in strength just the plating!

 

When I ran Shimano I liked the XT as they seemed more durable and the weight difference wasn't much. I went to Sram 4 years ago and have yet to break a chain. With the Shimano it was about 3 times a year. When I quit buying XTR I got much better life out of them.

 

Thanks everyone, I'm glad I was able to Get and give help on repairs, installations, maintenance, and general bike tech.

 

Most SRAM chains are rated at 200kgf, but the 991 cross-step is rated at 250kgf.

 

FYI- got my XTR chain and while it doesn't say anywhere on their website, it is an OEM takeoff.

Doesn't matter to me, but just wanted to pass along the info. If this is something you care about, check the website and/or call Bluesky before ordering.

 

Yes, 0 grams is not much of a weight difference The XTR, XT, and LX chains all weigh the same amount. The more expensive ones have a coating on more of the surface area which makes it appear shinier for longer...

I was at Performance once and the guy behind the counter did not believe me that the LX, XT, and XTR chains weighed the same... so he broke out a digital scale and guess what? Exactly the same.

 

I use XT and have never had a problem with it. I bought an XTR chain several years ago ( thought it would be lighter and better) and it broke 3 seperate times on one ride at Gooseberry. Will never buy that again!

 

Currently, I have a SRAM 971 with 200+ miles on it and last weekend it started making a clicking noise (sounds like a link) every revolution. Does not matter if riding under torque, or cruising. Afraid it's going to break (any thoughts?). :-k Started looking for a new chain and found a SRAM 991 cross step for $27.99 at Tree Fort (price good until 6/8, they say it's a price match for Jenson's but I could not find this chain on Jenson's site) http://www.treefortbikes.com/cat/0/127/Parts.html#navbar=pro___333222337014___92

My only experience with SRAM chains is my current one, and MTBR seems to have very mixed reviews for all chains. Any one with experience with the 991 cross step? Thanks.

 

The plating is not just for looks. THe XTR chain's coating is more porous which allows it to retain lubrication longer. While I carry a powerlink as a last resort/quick fix I don't see the reason to run one on a chain normally. If you have a chain tool to break the chain you also have the means of inserting a new connector pin as well. The powerlink will wear and stretch like any other link (ie goes bad) and costs a big enough chunk of the price of the next new chain.

 

The only chain I broke was actually a KMC quick link that I re used once too many times:lol:. I normally use OEM take offs from Jenson, 7 bucks KMC, and throw them away when they get .75 stretch on my gauge. They do not last too long, like 200 miles or so:-k. I just bought a SRAM 951 with a gold link for 16 bucks from pricepoint.