chain is too short

[jeremym1234]

I bought a paddle tire to use in the sand dunes next weekend. After putting it on last night I found out my chain is too short. The paddles now collide with the swingarm because I can't pull the wheel back far enough.

A couple of questions?:
1. Can I just put another link in my existing chain (I have no idea what brand it is, it came on the bike and has very few markings)?
2. Will I need a press or some special tool to do this myself?

TIA,
J.D.

 

[Jaybird]

jeremy,
With that paddle tire you want a good chain. If you have mounted this tire on your 250, then I suggest getting a new chain. If the existing chain is a standard non-ring type, then you may be able to use a piece of another chain but it's not the best idea. If there is any difference in pitches of the chains at all (almost garanteed) then it will accelerate the wear on both new and old sections of chain as well as the sprockets.
I would go with an inexpensive non-ring chain. Also try not to use a lubricant that attracts dirt or grit.
It is very important that you clean your chain after each ride in sand. In this instance, power washers are a good thing.

 

[kevinkdx]

i have a paddle on and had this problem so i just added another master link, although this is the easy way to do it, it worked for me, but I got the same brand masterlink as the chain so this might not be the greatest idea for you if you can't find the brand of the chain that you are using.

 

[jeremym1234]

Jaybird: what do you mean by "non-ring" chain? I currently run an o-ring chain. I thought this was a good chain. Are you just recommending the non-ring chain for the dunes, and then I'd run my standard chain elsewhere?

thanks for the input,
J.D.

 

[kevinkdx]

i think what he was trying to say is if you want a longer chain just get a cheap non-o ring chain for the dunes and keep the o-ring chain for normal riding. Personally o-ring chains are wayyyy better than conventional chains but if you are looking for a cheap way to get your chain lengthened then just get a non oring chain.

 

[Jaybird]

kevin, I was not implying that he use a non-ring chain to obtain a quick growth. :|

Jeremy,
A standard chain is a non-oring chain. If you have a ring chain on your bike, it very well could have been placed there by the MFG. but not likely. Probably who ever you bought the bike from mounted the o-ring chain.
My point is that sand tends to be very tough on things, especially rubber o-rings. One grain of sand can trash a ring, and at that point, you are looking at at least one links worth of damage. When rings have started to be violated, torn, ripped, scraped out by sand, it is only a matter of time before small sections of your chain start wearing faster than the others. Then it becomes a vicious circle of wear, transferring the wear to other parts of the chain and sprockets. O-rings are ok to use, but you sure don't want to use any sort of lubricant that will attract grains of sand that can damage your whole set-up.

The statement that o-ring chains are way better than standard non-ring chains is wrong, a myth at best. Usually a non-ring chain and a ring chain will be exactly the same materials. No difference in quality whatsoever. The only difference between the two is that one has o-rings that hold a pre-loaded lubricant in the area between the pin and ID of the bushing. This area is where the most wear takes place.

It is my opinion that a standard chain of equal quality to a ring-chain, can last every bit as long as the ring chain...and in many cases even longer. This is due to the fact that you have access to all areas of the chains friction surfaces. Meaning you can get them clean as a whistle every time after riding as well as being able to put in brand new lubricant after each ride. On a ring-chain you are stuck with what the MFG placed inside there. If you do get a ring violated for whatever reason, there is essentially nothing you can do about it. Also, once a ring chain has used up it's preloaded lubricant, it's gone forever and you have no way to replentish it.

O-ring chains have a place in our sport. They actually changed the face of racing in some venues. But they do have their downfalls.
I personally will only use a ring-chain set-up when its real muddy out. I also have a set of sprockets that I will use with my ring-chain only.
A non-ring chain will last every bit as long as it's brother o-ring chain will BUT only if you do certain things maitenance wise....like cleaning after each ride, and lubricating with a fluid that will penetrate, clean, and lubricate without attracting unwanted dirt and grit that can damage the chain.

The myth that o-ring chains are any better than non-ring chains usually gets passed around by folks who would rather not do anything but ride. In those cases, I can see where a ring chain would be much better.

One thing you want to do is measure that existing chain. See if it is still within the MFG suggest growth length. Your manual will tell you about this. If not, do a search here...plenty of great info on this procedure. If it is still within specification, then you need could possibly run two master links, but you want to get a master link of the same chain as you have, although another master link (O-ring type) will work. My bet is that this particular chain is probably trashed already anyway, if it is your sprockets will show signs of wear. If it is not grown past spec and your sprockets look good, then maybe the best thing would be to get another master and mount the chain with both of them. I would try to place them half way accross the chain from each other rather than placing them close to each other. O-ring masters are a bit tricky to mount, do a search on this procedure as well.

BTW...kevin, I can speak for myself just fine, thank you sir. :)

 

[kevinkdx]

well just my opinion. Although i only run standard chains, i believe that o-ring chains are easier to care for. Once again, just my opinion. i wasn't trying to put words in your mouth.

kevin

wipe the salt off your shoulder

 

[jeremym1234]

Thanks for the help guys. My current chain and sprockets are in pretty good shape. I'll see if I can find a correct master link, but I've tried in the past (digging through a large bin) and wasn't able to.

 

[kevinkdx]

you can also order just a master link from dennis kirk if you know the size and brand of your chain, but that is IF you do know them.