SRAM PC-1090R 10 speed chain

Way back when I was still running 9-speed, I would always use SRAM chains because they were good chains that were light, reliable and they had the Power Link, which would enable you to take the chain off and on without using a chain tool. It was easy to use and if I had some burning desire to remove my chain, I could do it very easily. Those were the days.

But 10-speed came along and it was back to Shimano chains and their goofy pin system. The one where you crank the pin in until you feel a pop and then crack off the other half of the pin, and then silently pray you were able to get the pin settles in correctly. I never liked the way these pins installed – as sometimes you would be left wondering if you hit the pin just right.

@##=#<1,L>@##=#Again it’s Mark Alden of Campmor to the rescue, SRAM now has their PC-1090R 10 speed chain, and it’s compatible with Shimano 10-speed. The old Power Link has been replaced with a “PowerLock” – which means the link is now permanent, not removable. The PowerLock works on the same principle as before, it’s a whole link to connect the chain together. You put the two halves of the link together, align the pins, and turn the cranks to lock the link. It takes 30 seconds and it takes no tools. Call me crazy, but I feel better using a whole link instead of a dodgy pin to connect my chain.

The 1090R also has the “HollowPlate” links, meaning the link plates have a hole in them, I suspect there is a technical explanation for this, but I would guess it really comes down to a weight savings, with the 1090R at 265 grams while the new Dura Ace chain is listed at 280 grams.

Time for hate…
They PowerLock is no PowerLink, I can’t just pop the link and take off the chain anymore, I used that much more than I ever thought I would – and the link is black, probably to make it obvious which link is the PowerLock, but c’mon one black link on a silver chain? Ugh!

Where does that leave us?
It’s easier and lighter than Dura Ace, I don’t know what else to tell you, but I realize that this is a one week old chain, so we will introduce a new section to the site called “rolling hate.” We’ll keep tabs on parts that need a long term test to show their durability – like chains, plus it will give us a reason to hold onto stuff from manufacturers longer. BWAA-HA-HA-HA-HA!