DA 7900 v. 7901 chain

[LegendRider]

Competitive Cyclist has the Dura Ace 7900 chain on sale for $30. They indicate that this chain uses a Shimano pin, not the master link that came with the first generation 7900 chains. So, how does the 7901 chain differ?

[tylerbick]

I'm sure CC wouldn't be selling recalled chains, but if my memory serves me correctly, a couple of years ago (about the time they rolled 6700 out) Shimano recalled a certain # of the newer 7900 and 6700 chains because the plates on the inside of the chain were breaking. At my shop we even caught two of the 6700 chains that were starting to break on customers bikes before the recall and when we called Shimano about it they didn't even ask any questions, just sent us a box of a dozen 7901 chains, and then a few weeks later the recall came out!

It's possible that CC's description is just drawing the distinction between the first batch and the good 7900 chains... maybe I'm just ready for bed.

[jds108]

The master links wore faster than the chain, so they d/c'd the master link. That's how I heard it at least.

[bikser]

I believe the only difference between the chains is a slightly revised plate design. Could we tell the difference? Doubtful. Every 7900 chain I've purchased had the standard Shimano pins in it. I believe only the first run of the 7900/6700 had the connector link. The $30 7900 chain is a good deal.