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MX | Off-Road Gear Info & Reviews
Primary Drive (RockyMtnATV's brand) Chain Opinions?
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[QUOTE="RADRick, post: 1099537, member: 60936"] A properly maintained o-ring chain does not "use up" its lube. The problem happens when the lube gets contaminated or flushed out, which is a result of damaged o-rings. That being the case, the chain is no longer serviceable as is. Despite common belief, an o-ring chain does need to be lubed regularly. The sealed lube is only for the pins. The side plates and rollers still need a spritz now and then to prevent rust and reduce wear, and any chain should always be kept clean. An undamaged, properly maintained o-ring chain will reach the limits of chain stretch before the lubricant fails. A standard chain carries less of the lubricant within the pin area, it is exposed to more grit while in operation, and it operates at a higher temperature. That's the main reason they don't last as long. Less lube means more friction, which means more heat, which means the chain will stretch sooner, which means it will reach its service limit faster. The superiority of an o-ring chain and the environments it is designed for is why most manufacturers spec them on their off-road models. Weight and cost are the main reasons MX models come with standard chains. Another consideration in favor of a standard chain is whether or not you do a lot of regearing. O-ring chains can be twice as much as a standard chain and you wouldn't want to mess one up by having it be too short for your latest choice in gearing.You still have the problem of the internal lube getting contaminated [i]while[/i] you're riding. On a bike that gets operated in sandy or muddy conditions, this is a real concern. Once dirt gets into the lube and into the pin cavities it's like having a grinding wheel inside your chain. The o-ring chain eliminates this problem, at least as far as the pins are concerned. How much of the lube you spray on a standard chain do you think actually works its way into the pin cavities? It's not [i]that[/i] easy, but certainly a concern if you use a pressure washer regularly. For the same reason as wheel bearings, you shouldn't aim the pressure washer directly at the chain. It doesn't need it to be cleaned. Regular water pressure should be sufficient. The average life expectancy of an o-ring chain vs standard chain is about 3 to 1, assuming proper maintenance and care including the sprockets (worn sprockets and improper adjustment account for much of the chain's wear). Like I said, use what you like, but no type of chain will be satisfactory if you don't care for it properly. If you're the type that puts your bike away dirty until the next ride, an o-ring chain is probably a better choice. :cool: [/QUOTE]
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MX | Off-Road Gear Info & Reviews
Primary Drive (RockyMtnATV's brand) Chain Opinions?
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