Cheap vs Expensive chains

[Moolz]

Awesome thread!

Loved the Bold and Beautiful antics!

 

So as a newbie (800km ) I deduce the following:

1. A clean chain is the best chain.

2. Expensive chains doesnt necessarily mean that its going to last longer.

3. Chains dont stretch, they wear.

4. Chain checkers arent always 100% + take a sample measurement if you are using a chain checker.

5. Using multiple chains creates a reliable "chain use environment"

6. Cassette wear cant be assessed

7. Worn chains affects the front blades and not necessarily the cassette

8. Chains are a touchy topic on the forum

 

So my questions:

 

1. Can SRAM chains can be used on Shimano drive trains?

2. What are - ramped and non ramped links?

3. How do I choose a chain to suit my drive train?

[Wyatt Earp]

 

 

A chain is not a chain is a chain, just as a chainring or cluster is not a chainring or cluster or chainring. There is a significant performance difference between ramped and non ramped links on chains. Buy a chain to suit your drivetrain.

 

No chain - no ride.

You are gonna have to enlighten me on the benefits of different chains, especially if one considers that the ramping pins sit in the blades.

FWIW, when I ride a geared bike (not too often) I get a better shifting performance on my XX when I use a cheap Shimano 10 spd. chain as opposed to the top of the line Sram.

[Johan Bornman]

Awesome thread!

Loved the Bold and Beautiful antics!

 

So as a newbie (800km ) I deduce the following:

1. A clean chain is the best chain. Yup

2. Expensive chains doesnt necessarily mean that its going to last longer. Yup

3. Chains dont stretch, they wear. Yup

4. Chain checkers arent always 100% + take a sample measurement if you are using a chain checker. Commercially-available chain checkers are all dodgy. They measure roller-to-roller variation over a very short distance. A roller, by definition is not static and can move more, or less, depending on whether it is clean or dirty. The short distance also exaggerates the measurement error to a point where it is easily as big as the variation you're trying to measure.

I don't know what you mean by sample measurement.

5. Using multiple chains creates a reliable "chain use environment" Common myth

6. Cassette wear cant be assessed Kirrektt

7. Worn chains affects the front blades and not necessarily the cassette Nope. You have the cat by the tail.

8. Chains are a touchy topic on the forum. Not chains as much as the characters in the chain gang.

 

So my questions:

 

1. Can SRAM chains can be used on Shimano drive trains? Yup.

2. What are - ramped and non ramped links? These are chains with special champhered bits that help the links climb up to bigger chainrings/sprockets.

3. How do I choose a chain to suit my drive train? Look for the cheapest one on the shelf. That one will work perfectly.

 

 

Everything you need to know about Bicycle Chains.pdf

Edited March 27, 2011 by Johan Bornman

[Johan Bornman]

Since this thread seems to have the attention of many, and the topic is to apt, we may as well take it a step further. I've just invented The Hub's first ever, Comprehensive Chain Workshop or CCW. This is not to be confused with Chris Willemse Cycles. I think I'll do it on Saturday and....why not at 10:00 to 12:00 (or until we're finished).

 

At this workshop I'll explain how chains work, how the wear in a driving and driven sprocket differs, the symptoms of a worn chain and worn sprockets, cleaning, fixing and most important of all, how to measure for wear.

 

Chickenrun4Me will assist....I just haven't told him yet. Also, I'll introduce a chain measurement device that overcomes all the problems of existing devices and makes chain measurement easy and accurate.

 

Cost per person is R50 which I'll donate to the SPCA in Krugersdorp. I'll prefer it if you bring a cheque made out to the SPCA (I'll get the correct name and wording this week), but I'll pass cash on as well.

 

Bring your chain or chains along and you can come and measure and examine it. No bicycles please, I don't have enough space for hundreds upon hundreds (I wish) of bicycles in my workshop.

 

 

To book, send me an e-mail to johanatyellowsaddledotceeodotzeda. Be honest. If you book, please pitch up. My experience with free events is that people book and then don't arrive. Dont do that please, you'll only deny someone else a space.

 

It'll take place at the Yellow Saddle world headquarters in Northcliff/Cresta.

 

See you there. I'll welcome suggestions and if someone can ask Chicken to be there too, It'll be nice.

Edited March 27, 2011 by Johan Bornman

[Moolz]

Everything you need to know about Bicycle Chains.pdf

 

Thanks mate...

Tons of useful info fromt his thread...

When I refer to sample - I mean, measure 10-20 links instead of 1 link to get an average wear...

So in summary...

Cheap chains are as good as expensive chains - unless you are a weight weenie...

 

found this "How Its Made" link in You Tube - for those who are interested in seeing how chains are manufactured...

 

[The Drongo]

You are gonna have to enlighten me on the benefits of different chains, especially if one considers that the ramping pins sit in the blades.

FWIW, when I ride a geared bike (not too often) I get a better shifting performance on my XX when I use a cheap Shimano 10 spd. chain as opposed to the top of the line Sram.

 

See Johan's comment re links.

 

Is there a 'ramped' chain cheaper than Deore?

[The Drongo]

Awesome thread! NOT OVER YET

Loved the Bold and Beautiful antics! NOT SURE WHAT THAT MEANS

 

So as a newbie (800km ) I deduce the following: MAY YOU HAVE MANY MORE

1. A clean chain is the best chain. CORREK

2. Expensive chains doesnt do not necessarily mean that its they are going to last longer. CORREK +

3. Chains dont stretch, they wear. CORREK

4. Chain checkers arent always 100% + take a sample measurement if you are using a chain checker. ITS AN INDICATOR - A MAN RODE A BICYCLE AROUND AFRICA ONCE. HE USED 2 (3?) CHAINS.

5. Using multiple chains creates a reliable "chain use environment" WORKS FOR ME - BUDGET IS TIGHT

6. Cassette wear cant be assessed INCORREK

7. Worn chains affects the front blades and not necessarily the cassette INCORREK

8. Chains are a touchy topic on the forum OVIAAAS

 

So my questions:

 

1. Can SRAM chains can be used on Shimano drive trains? YEP

2. What are - ramped and non ramped links? SEE JB COMMENT + THEY COST MORE

3. How do I choose a chain to suit my drive train? DON'T BUY 8 SPEED FOR 9 SPEED

[Wyatt Earp]

See Johan's comment re links.

 

Is there a 'ramped' chain cheaper than Deore?

I don't understand your question, chains are 8,9 and 10 speed and 11 if we are talking road, some have cross-step, bulged plates and chamfered inner links (aka Sram) which you don't like without any just explanation, and some chains are just plain and flat.

I have never felt a noticeable difference between them, but using various types of blades have had a significant impact.

Anyway, I can see where this discussion is heading, so way out of my league, I will leave the technical discussions to the experts and those in the know.

2 duh loo

[Wyatt Earp]

See Johan's comment re links.

 

Is there a 'ramped' chain cheaper than Deore?

I am really confused, ramping pins on blades and links on chains, I think I clearly stated blades.

[Cassie]

Cassie, you are right, I am just a mere rider, one day I will reach a level of technical expertise that has viewpoints and facts, even if those facts have no engineering integrity but just simple applied logic.

Then perhaps I can move from amateur level to your level of expertise.

As an aside, I still want to know the big secret of the crush washer, man it must be something really special for you not to share.

 

@Dangle...you just gave me a "Free hijack!!"...YOU were the one straying off topic here with your crush washer fetish!

 

Now back to the topic....Nice discussion - remember opinions re just that opinions!! and facts are just that - facts....choose who & what you want to believe.

[Wyatt Earp]

@Dangle...you just gave me a "Free hijack!!"...YOU were the one straying off topic here with your crush washer fetish!

 

Now back to the topic....Nice discussion - remember opinions re just that opinions!! and facts are just that - facts....choose who & what you want to believe.

Hi again Jack

I choose facts.

[The Drongo]

I am really confused, ramping pins on blades and links on chains, I think I clearly stated blades.

 

Me too. I forgot the damn question!

[The Drongo]

I don't understand your question, chains are 8,9 and 10 speed and 11 if we are talking road, some have cross-step, bulged plates and chamfered inner links (aka Sram) which you don't like without any just explanation, and some chains are just plain and flat.

I have never felt a noticeable difference between them, but using various types of blades have had a significant impact.

Anyway, I can see where this discussion is heading, so way out of my league, I will leave the technical discussions to the experts and those in the know.

2 duh loo

 

" some have cross-step, bulged plates and chamfered inner links, and some chains are just plain and flat. I have never felt a noticeable difference between them.." I have, can't explain, I just have.. like toyota gearshift vs golf i s'pose. you either do or you don't.

 

"but using various types of blades have had a significant impact." - sure, sure agree 100%

 

"(aka Sram) which you don't like without any just explanation," - just not a fan, not yet anyway. Like Degas vs Van Gogh?

 

"to the experts" - I do believe there is no such thing