Review of SRAM PC-58 Chain 8 Speed Each Silver

SRAM PC-58 Chain 8 Speed Each Silver
By: Sram Average Rating: 3.0 Total Reviews: 1
More Information

High initial quality, and then. . .you buy more

On: 2007-03-19

For about a year, Ive used these and never could decide whether I loved it or not.
Heres the deal:
Out of the box, 24 links take up more than 12 inches. That means that the brand new chain is in a condition thats normally considered used. After not much wear, the chain passes the safe mark to the point where it should be disposed of. Past this point, it will cause you to buy gears (which get eaten up by any stretched chain).
However,
If you have an older bike or have already stretched out your gears so they dont shift quite right anymore then this chain is a perfect fit.
and,
on a new bike, please consider an HG93 chain instead. I was a little confounded when my bike mechanic told me to use this model instead, but theyre 24 links exactly to 12 inches out of the box and shift nicely on the 24 (8x) speed bike.
Note:
Theres much talk about the quick link feature of these SRAM chains. Thats a little fastener that lets you install and remove the chain easily. Contrary to some reviews, these fasteners are trouble free. The discussion is pointless because these SRAM chains are in already worn-out condition when new (stretched). Your collection of these fasteners will work well on the HG91/93 chain and as a nifty repair item for your saddle bag.
To give SRAM some credit, theres a bit less friction in their chains, but be prepared for that "skip forward" expensive feeling of gears that have died from chain stretch.