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TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 29 Jan 2014
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Is 525 the most common chain width to run in terms of finding chains abroad and spare links etc if required?
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  #2  
Old 29 Jan 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 7days1shower View Post
Is 525 the most common chain width to run in terms of finding chains abroad and spare links etc if required?
Depends where you are... Most smaller bikes will probably run a 520.

And in some countries, they're the only bikes you will see.


I know I'm jinxing myself here but I've never had a chain snap in my whole life. That's over 15 years of riding, hundreds of thousands of miles. On and off-road, racing etc...

If you buy a GOOD quality chain and have it PROFESSIONALLY fitted, keep it adjusted and lubricated, it won't fail...

The only times I've ever seen snapped chains are when they've been so rusted they're practically rigid or crazily over tight/loose.

The other failure reasons are chain rollers worn down to the metal or missing all together.


It's not rocket science to prevent all of these scenarios and is the most very basic of maintenance and is unforgivably stupid if you're going on a long bike trip.

It's like people killing their bikes by running out of oil..... I mean.. REALLY... !!! REALLY !!!!

You wouldn't jump into a leaking boat to cross and ocean or ride a camel and never feed or water it.. ~~

Okay I'm ranting..
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  #3  
Old 12 Mar 2014
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"You wouldn't jump into a leaking boat to cross an ocean" - i would suggest that Ted has never been on a gambian boat then
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  #4  
Old 14 Mar 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Depends where you are... Most smaller bikes will probably run a 520.

And in some countries, they're the only bikes you will see.


I know I'm jinxing myself here but I've never had a chain snap in my whole life. That's over 15 years of riding, hundreds of thousands of miles. On and off-road, racing etc...

If you buy a GOOD quality chain and have it PROFESSIONALLY fitted, keep it adjusted and lubricated, it won't fail...

....

You wouldn't jump into a leaking boat to cross and ocean or ride a camel and never feed or water it.. ~~

Okay I'm ranting..
Around here, the majority of bikes run 420 chain, 520/525 is usually special order.

And the last time I had my chain 'professionally' fitted, the mechanic didn't tighten the sprocket lockring nuts properly, which could have been somewhat disastrous.

As for leaking boats, jury-rigged pumps or baling buckets are pretty common on the inter-island bancas and fishing boats that will get you to smaller spots.


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  #5  
Old 18 Oct 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tigershel View Post
Around here, the majority of bikes run 420 chain, 520/525 is usually special order.

And the last time I had my chain 'professionally' fitted, the mechanic didn't tighten the sprocket lockring nuts properly, which could have been somewhat disastrous.

As for leaking boats, jury-rigged pumps or baling buckets are pretty common on the inter-island bancas and fishing boats that will get you to smaller spots.


Sent from my MyPhone A919 Duo using Tapatalk
He obviously wasn't a professional..

And I think you understood the metaphor ..

Save travels. Ted
Quote:
Originally Posted by tigershel View Post
Around here, the majority of bikes run 420 chain, 520/525 is usually special order.

And the last time I had my chain 'professionally' fitted, the mechanic didn't tighten the sprocket lockring nuts properly, which could have been somewhat disastrous.

As for leaking boats, jury-rigged pumps or baling buckets are pretty common on the inter-island bancas and fishing boats that will get you to smaller spots.


Sent from my MyPhone A919 Duo using Tapatalk
He obviously wasn't a professional..

And I think you understood the metaphor ..

Save travels. Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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