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. :)