Help w/X/O-ring chains

chain press tool

Buy the tool, it'll make your life alot easier. Yes, there are other ways around it but I haven't found one that is as easy or as fast as using the chain press.
Just a note: I have yet to figure out an easy way to get the sideplate off after i've pressed it on with the chain press (I broke a couple of screwdrivers trying).

Just use another brand of master link that doesn't have the press fit side plate. Much less hassle. There is no need to have the press fit plate, IMO.

RK master links also seem to have short pins so you really have to compress the o-rings to get the plate on - what a PITA. Try a Regina master link. Goes on and off with a pair of pliers and about 2 seconds of your time.

D.I.D XW Ring chain

I purchased an XW ring chain...

I found the best way to go about it is to take a small socket big enough to put over the pin, and a C-Clamp big enough to fit over the socket and chain.

Press the plate on with the clamp, alternating pins every so often, until it is seated well enough to get the clip on. Make sure the closed end is facing the front of the bike.

I had to remove the plate once... I was forced to use a chain breaker. Screw drivers just dont work well enough.

My therapist says I should maybe start using o-ring chains all the time so I won't have this complex to always comment on them. :)

Oh well, I guess there's a price for having a chain that'll last for a year +(w/proper maint.).

Click to expand...

Aaaa.....if an o-ring chain will last a year, there is no reason, other than improper maint. that a regular chain won't last as long....and considering the things that can happen to the ring chain that are out of our control, a regular chain CAN last longer! Just my .02 pfennigs

buff,
The reason for the rings is more to keep the lubricant in rather than grit out.
The rub begins when one of these trusty little rings is violated. And you have no idea when, where, or exactly what link(s) that may be. Once grit and or water enter a damaged ring, the trouble begins. The grit will stay in there and eat away. The water can eventually cause oxidation with nowhere for the oxides to go. Oxide is one great abrasive.

Lets think about it...if you buy a ring chain and a non of the same brand, there is reason to believe that the metal and machining of each chain will be very similar. That being said, with the ring chain you must TRUST that they have indeed put sufficient lubricant inside. You also must TRUST that no rings have been damaged or violated. With a non-ring chain YOU are responsible for it's longevity.
Don't get me wrong, I happen to think that ring chains are a very good thing to use, in the proper conditions. I just happen to preffer my maintenance technique over the trusting of an o-ring chain for normal riding. Another issue is lubricant consumsion. If you place grease in a bearing housing, it will not last forever....the bearing will eventually consume the grease provided and will require more grease for optimum perfomance. Same with chain links. The grease that was placed by the factory WILL eventually break down.

BTW, a pressure wash WILL get out the dirt from the rollers.