 Gearless Chain 30 Jul 2015, 02:32
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3 Aug 2015
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Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,121
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Never thought I'd find myself writing something like this as when I read similar stuff years ago I'd always think the doddering old codger should get a life, but all the alphabetti spaghetti chain types are just desperate attempts to overcome the basic problem that the chain is hanging down there in the rain and dirt.
Considering all the aftermarket parts that are pushed at us endlessly you'd have thought that someone would be doing something about chain protection but there doesn't seem to be much at all available. My Touratech catalogue, for example, is 55mm thick with nearly 1700 pages and has 0 items on chain protection. Maybe something to stop getting dirt on your chain is a hard sell next to microprocessor controlled overhead underhangers or key fobs laser sculpted in titanium but for long distance chain driven travel it would (IMHO) rate right up there with big tanks, trick tyres, rack tech etc - if it was available.
Rubber ring chains do work, in the sense that they last longer than non sealed ones, but in my experience they do sap power - something more noticeable on lower powered bikes. I wonder how much more fuel gets used over the life of an X ring chain vs the same chain without sealing rings - and whether it would go some way towards paying for an aftermarket chain case.
The problem is of course that just about any chain case I've ever seen makes sin look attractive and instantly adds about 25yrs to the age of the rider, but they do work. My 125 Suzuki (ok, not something known for shredding chains + tyres) is still using its original 1976 non rubber chain and in the 5000 miles I've done on it has needed neither oiling or adjusting. I can't say that about any of my other bikes.
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