I am surprised by the number of people who think that bike chains don’t wear out.  I guess it’s reasonable to assume that a metal part would last a long time, but that is generally not the case.  Depending on a variety of factors, chains last from 1200 to 4000 miles before they are worn enough to cause problems with other parts of the drive train.  Personally, I am on the short end of that scale and generally see less than 2000 miles out of most chains because I’m a bigger rider and I like to sprint.

Of course, as noted in a column I wrote a while back, there are two schools of thought on chain wear; keep a check on it and replace as needed or ride until the chain, cassette and front chain rings are worn out and replace them all at one time.  I recommend replacing chains before they are completely worn out to avoid the damage they can cause to the rest of the drive train.

The SRAM PC-1090R chain has hollow pins and plates resulting in a light chain that looks very nice.  Its PowerLock connector makes it easy to properly install the chain.  However, unlike the PowerLink on 9 speed SRAM chains, the PowerLock can only be used once.  While I always recommend following the manufactures instructions, I have twice removed the chain by “unbuckling” the PowerLock to put it on a different bike without incident.  The PC-1090R performs very well in all shifting operations on both Sram and Shimano/FSA drive trains.

The big surprise has been the life of the chain.  I finally took it out of service after more than 2500 miles and it was only ¾ worn.  I could have easily put another 500 to 700 miles on the chain, but I discarded it because I wasn’t willing to push my luck any further with the PowerLock.  For me, that could mean double the life or better from a PC-1090R vs. a Dura-Ace chain.  While the $58 price tag for a PC-1090R might seem high at first glance, its easy installation, good looks and additional life make it a relative bargain.  

Mark

Notes:

There are two other 10-speed road chains from SRAM, the PC-1090 and PC-1070.  The PC-1090 is just like the PC-1090R but without the pierced plates so it weighs 8 grams more and cost $10 less.  The PC-1070 is just like the PC-1090 but without the nickel plating on the inner plates so it is a bit less resistant to corrosion but costs another $8 less.  The PC-1090 and PC-1070 both weigh less (273 grams for each) than a Dura-Ace chain.

SRAM claims its chains can be installed “tool-free”.  While that is true, you still need a chain breaker to size the chain.  So, don’t mail order one thinking you can just install it with no tools at all unless you happen to need a chain exactly the length that comes in the box – which doesn’t happen often.