Bought a SRAM chain off Amazon because my LBS didn't have the GX Eagle this time. It arrived in a bubble wrap envelope, no OEM packaging, chain felt strangely sticky and appears to have signs of wear on it. Quick links halves were loose in the bag. Compared to the chain links I removed off my previous SRAM GX Eagle I got from the LBS 2-years ago and looks identical to my eyes except for the "093" markings. Pics are of the two chains side by side. I'm thinking going to return it, just wanted to get peeps opinions on wtf this is. Is this normal and I am overreacting? Thanks, appreciate it.
by proxyshadowcatalyst
12 Comments
Used
I for real thought this was a picture of deli lunch meat from the first two pictures
I was like what the fuck does turkey breast have to do with this shit
You bought a used or maybe bootleg chain. Sram packages their stuff like it’s an electronic device
Don’t buy bike parts from Amazon, ever. Amazon is great, but not for this, or anywhere quality / precision matters
Gotta buy from a trusted/known seller but even then you could be buying a return that someone swapped out for their used item.
Amazon’s fault for not verifying the return and they may accuse you of the swap.
One thing I’ve noticed, especially recently, is Amazon has lots of bike parts on sale that don’t include original packaging.
My guess is that the parts come from all the over-ordering that happened during Covid for bike builds that were eventually canceled and the parts are now being sold off without packaging.
This is also where a huge chunk of AliExpress parts come from and why they never have OEM boxes. When Specialized orders 1,000 chains for Stumpjumper builds they don’t all come in individual plastic GX bike shop shelf packaging.
Jensonusa.com rather than Amazon. They always ship next day, nice knowledgeable guys.
I’ll counter bootleg but still a chance. Lbs bought bulk stock of gx chains and they arrived “loose” packed in a box with all quick links in their own separate baggy. I was in there when he opened it up and we were all like damn wth is that
If you buy anything off Amazon you are taking a risk. Here is why. They have a large bin of this part. Every sellers part that is this exact part sits in it. You get one shipped to you from that bin. You have no control which over seller’s part you receive. You can order from “SRAM” Factory store but will get whatever is picked up out of the BIN. You may get something good but you will probably get a scam item from China like this. And almost all the time there is no warranty.
New chains from all manufacturers are often sticky. It’s the packing grease they put on it for rust protection after manufacturing. It should always be removed before you install it.
Doesn’t SRAM chains come in a clear hard plastic box, like a storage type box? Plus Amazon sells so many knock off stuff now it’s crazy.
That’s a fake ass sram chain. You got hosed.