Inoplanetyanin

I have a triple Shimano Alivio IG crankset and 7 speed Alivio IG casette.

The chain is currently Shimano IG 50. I want to install a new chain.

What would you recommend?

Here in Holland in bike shops around they have Shimano HG 52, HG 70/73, HG 90/93. Oredering from the

web is an option but I would rather avoid it due to waiting period and other issues.

Also Sram PC 58 is available, at a good price.

I read conflicting reviews, and bikeshop owners insist that using HG chain with IG system (IG front cranks) is acceptible.

Sheldon Brown strongly recommends PC 58.

So, all the opinions and reasons would be greatly appreciated. Please post your opinion.

Thank you.

powers2b

"Sholdon Brown strong recommends PC 58."

So let it be writen, so let it be done.

Enjoy

freeranger

I ride a bike with that same crank and cassette and am using the PC-58 chain, and it works fine.
Whenever I need to replace the current PC-58, it will be another PC-58.

supcom

Get the PC-58. It will come with a removeable power link that makes cleaning the chain easy.

sydney

sydney would have said the same.

phidauex

Consensus stands! PC-58 rocks the block party till your hair turns grey. I heart powerlinks.

phidauex

I'd like everyone to stop and notice something... 5 posts, plus a citation from Sheldon Brown, and a post from syndey, and they all agree... I'm marvelling at the simple beauty of this thread...

peace,
sam

halfspeed

We can fix that:

You should only use motor oil to lube that chain when you put it on. Let the flames begin!

phidauex

NOOO, look what you've done!! You've urinated on the zen garden that was this thread!! Ohh... woe is me...

DieselDan

Another vote for the SRAM chain. Not just for the Powerlink, but the roadside servicablity is easier then Shimano. No special pins to deal with.

khuon

I've also found SRAM chains to be more durable and stronger than Shimano chains. Perhaps it's because SRAM chains are so much easier to clean or perhaps they are indeed stronger but I've never snapped a SRAM chain whereas I've broken about a half dozen Shimano chains over time... everything from HG50s to their, at the time,top-of-the-line CN-7700s. I'm now running Wippermann chains and would highly recommend those too. They also have a tool-less removable reusable link (ConneXlink) like the SRAM PowerLink. Check out the Wippermann Connex 808 chain. It's comparable to the SRAM PC58.

Raiyn

Another vote for the PC 58

Inoplanetyanin

First, I would like to thank EVERYONE for your input.

With PC 58 getting so many positive votes from reputable users, and considering almost half the price of shimano chain, I seriously consider it.

But is PC 58 is as narrow as HG 70 for example? If, so, then IG (wider ) chains are recommended by shimano:

https://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/..._ig_chain.html

" If you use a HG chain with a 7-speed IG cassette (CS-IG50 and CS-IG60) the rear derailleur adjustment becomes more critical. One significant compatibility issue is always avoid using a HG chain with an IG-only crank set. Why? The chain will release from the large (outer) chain rings too easily while in the large rear cog. It may be potentially dangerous if the chain drops off the outer ring without shifting the lever, under full power."

In other words, is PC 58 similar in that respect to IG or HG chain?

khuon

The SRAM PC58 is 7.1mm wide. This is the same exact width as the HG50/70/91 and IG31/51/70/90 chains. The HG53/73/93 and CN-7700 chains are 9-speed chains and have a 6.57mm width.

bkrownd

I love my powerlink! (I have only experience using PC-58 with an 8-speed cassette) It boggles the mind why Shimano doesn't have a competing quick-link.

khuon

That's because you know of the value of reusable removable connector links. However, the average cyclist does not. How many people have you met that seem surprised when they first see a PowerLink? Everyone that I know who has discovered the benefits has that look of amazement. Given that, is it any wonder why Shimano has no incentive to come out with something similar when they could just as easily try and sell you replacement pins for $1.25 a piece.

Inoplanetyanin

Thanks everybody for your help!

roadfix

Good possibility that your cogs are worn. A new chain and worn cogs don't mate well....

Inoplanetyanin

Yes, thanks George.

I am already looking for new 7 sp casette. IG or HG... Tourney or LX...?

How's the weather in Los Angeles?

roadfix

Hot & muggy this week......not pleasant for cycling unless you're near the coast. So did you take your bike with you to Holland? Will you be doing any touring there?

Inoplanetyanin

Ok,it's also pretty hot here this week, but was raining on and off for a few days last week.

Well, my Schwinn Traveler got stolen. I bought a Gazelle medeo hybrid bike here in Holland. Yes, touring is on my mind. In fact, we might go to Schiphol to Amsterdam tomorrow with my gf, and perhaps spend the night at the sea.

I was tuning and adjusting the bike this past week, before taking it somewhere far.

They don't have Schwinns here, so it feels special even more now.

khuon

Shimano CS-HG70 or CS-IG60 should work great. Also keep an eye out for the SRAM PG730 cassette too. I wouldn't bother with Tourney.

bkrownd

Sram PG-something.

Inoplanetyanin

Well, indeed, once I installed new chain on the old cassette, it skipped under pressure.

I got IG 60 cassette now.

Thought since you mentioned it, George, have you ever actually used more than one chain on the same cassette?

I hear conflicting info: some say that cassette needs to be changed at the same time as the chain, others insist that you can use several chains before replacing the cassette.

juicemouse

You absolutely can use several chains on the same cassette successfully before replacing it, but only if you keep up with chain maintenance and replace the chain before it has a chance to stretch much. A general guideline is to replace the chain when 12 links measure more than 12 1/16 inches. If your chain stretches much more than that, it starts to wear the cassette pretty quickly. Once that happens, a new chain won't mesh properly on the old cassette.