Like all other SRAM chains we sell, the PC-970 has bulged outer plates and Chrome-Hardened pins. The PC-970 is a step down in quality, but not performance, from the PC-991. The difference is that the outer plates are nickel-plated and inner plates are gray metal where the 991 has nickel plating on both sets of plates. Not as pretty, but this chain is 2g lighter and a good bit cheaper. The PC-970 comes with a gold-colored PowerLink connector to make assembly and disassembly easy, a big plus for people who need to devote regular attention to their chains. It will work with all other 8- and 9-speed cassettes.