User submitted reviews
Review by User Hostile
Used these chains on an old 18-speed Schwinn Mesa Mtn bike for the past 14 years.
Use the SRAM chains, got about 2000 miles on them before my wear meter said dump them, but started swapping at 1500 miles because started getting failures in the field (worn power train--replaced the crankset/cassette were the culprit, whaddya expect after 10,000 miles?).
The chains are economical and reliable if cleaned and lubricated regularly (and even when they're not), and are ideal for my low end bomber. I use dry lubricants whenever I can because the area has a lot of sand and eats the chains relentlessly with wet lubes. Using paraffin, graphite, & moly on weekly basis keeps the squeaks muted while allowing for quick shifting.
I've gotten these on sale before, but not this time so I down graded the value rating.
Review by Afmarks
The chain that came with my Triban RC120 was worn out. I replaced it with this one after cleaning it with Silca's Strip Chip in solution w their hot wax. In their new wax melter. It works as advertised and I've got a few hundred miles on it with my Saris H3 trainer. It's quiet, shifts well, and doesn't slime me like the old one did.
Review by Memphis Stew
This is a great chain. I had never replaced a chain on a bike, but I knew it was time. I watched a video or two online. I bought a simple and cheap chain tool from the local bike shop. I took the old chain off and compared it with the new. It was fun to see the amount of stretch put on from the miles. I cut off some links and threw that sucker on there in a snap. Really simple to do and makes a world of difference. This is a quality chain and really improved the quality of shifting drive on my bike. Its probably pretty hard to find a bad chain, especially on Bike Tires Direct, but this is certainly not one of em. If you've been a few thousand miles on your bike or just bought a used bike, this is a cheap way to improve the quality of your ride. Its also pretty fun to be able to work on bike in this way. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Sometimes, bikes don't want to be ridden, you know? Sometimes they need to know you love em. Spend some time with em. Buy em some jewelry. The worst thing you can do to you bike is make it feel objectified. You get in a rut of the same routine... oh you gotta ride me to get home or go to work or work out... says your bike. Yeah thats cool, but sometimes, I just want to be held... Sometimes i need to know youre still thinking of me when you see that 2014 Specialized Tarmac and Trek Madone fly by. I saw the way you looked at that Cannondale SuperSix. Yeah, I know you rode Johnny Down the Road's new Giant Propel. What'd you do for me lately- your dejected bike.
Nobody wants a dejected bike. Come home with a new chain. Let her know she's still the one.
My bike gave me ...the.... best.... ride... ever... after I put that new chain on her. It was one for the ages. Wished I had video taped it. Would watch that over and over again that's for sure. Just gotta hide it from the kids if yall do that.
Review by Wilsonq3
The challenge was whether a SRAM chain would work with my existing Shimano components. At the time there were no Shimano chains available for my old 7 speed. I called BIKETIRESDIRECT and they confirmed that the SRAM chain would work. It does. A much stronger heaver chain that accommodates my recently eBike-converted 7-speed MTB. So, yes SRAM chains will work with Shimano components. I recommend this product.
Review by bruce in CT
I worked on a lot of bikes this summer, including ones I refurbished to donate to kids in need. I jokingly started to say that "the chain is never good" when asked about how the work was going. For fixing shifting problems, jumping sprockets under load, and just generally getting an unrideable bike to work o.k., a replacement chain was second only to tubes for getting bikes on the road. I still need to order a couple more, and this size chain is the most commonly needed one for the multi-speed bikes I saw this year.
Review by Infinito2015
Just a well-made chain that works very well for the older generation drivetrains.
Review by Anonymous
Yupp, 8 speed bike chain works pretty well
They last about three yrs with daily commute
Review by jeffreyethanlee
I used this to replace a chain with 5000+ miles, and it has been fine. Very easy to work with, but I did have to degrease it and re-lubricate it because the original grease was very thick and sticky, which is great for long term storage. But it would have attracted a lot of dirt on the roads.
Review by Ron
Good chain, SRAM quality.
Review by Anonymous
SRAM chains have always preformed well for me and I am very fond of their quick link system.
Review by Ron
What's there to say? If you have a SRAM system you'll want a SRAM chain. We do a lot of gravel riding and having a spare chain makes it easier to keep a clean chain handy.
Review by William
Over the years I've used several of on my 8-speed and they just work and work and work until they finally wear out. I guess I've gone perhaps 20,000 miles on these chains and hope to go another 20,000.
Review by John B
After a broken chain sent me to the pavement I figured it was time for a replacement. The new chain was easy enough to install but I miss-guessed the proper length and had to remove it to remove the extra links. That was not so easy. I resorted to Youtube for help and ended up using a loop of wire to pull the pins of the master link together to unlatch the chain. I suspect that this will become easier over time.
Review by M. A.
I need to change out my chain more frequently. Now that I know how easy it is (with proper tools) I won't put it off.
Review by Anonymous
Good replacement for that old, stretched chain. Easy to install with quick link.
Review by James Louis
I bought this chain as my old one was worn out. I like the fact that the SRAM chains come with a master link, as I always use them on my bikes.
Review by Anonymous
Quiet and smooth shifting on my new old Regina 7 speed freewheel.
Review by Anonymous
I have tried the 830, 850, and 880 chains on my year round commuter in soggy Portland, OR. I found the biggest difference showed in how long they stayed lubed, the 870 lasting the longest, the 830 the shortest. It wasn't a big jump between the 850 and 870 though. The 870 chain lasted a good long while and shifted well with a Shimano derailleur and SRAM cassette setup. Overall it did exactly what it was supposed to: propel me along.
Review by erob
Super replacement chain. The price is a steal for a nickle plated chain.
This chain works great, crisp and precise gear changes on the freewheels mentioned. Those old Sedisport chains are getting hard to find but, since Sachs bought Sedis and SRAM bought Sachs bicycle parts division, it has good pedigree.
Review by alicia
I was able to swap out my old chain with this chain so easily - a perfect fit! I've already put 600 miles on the new chain without any issues.