Installed new RK Standard O-Ring chain

[webman]

Having ridden over 100k miles, and replaced a few chains over the years, I can definitely say that o-ring chains last longer (at least on ICE-bikes).  They do impart a bit of rolling resistance, as evidenced by brammobrian's comments.

A good o-ring chain, IF CLEANED AND LUBED CORRECTLY, and as often as they're supposed to be, will easily last 15-20,000 miles.  If they aren't, they can go bad in as few as 5,000 miles.  Remember, ALWAYS replace the chain and sprockets as a set.  If you don't, you'll see significant reduction in chain life, as the worn teeth on your sprockets rapidly wear out the new chain.

thus ends my soapbox moment... 

the webman
aka eric

[HighlanderMWC]

A good shop will tell you if the sprocket is getting worn (significantly). It sounds pretty expensive to replace 2 sprockets every time you replace a chain, especially if the chain is being replaced due to stretch, not wear.

Here's what Brammo recommended to me: EK-420-SRO-O-Ring

My OEM chain had definitely stretched past the maximum recommended adjustment (after approx 5k miles). I replaced it with the EK O Ring last week and things are going well. I'm not noticing any noticeable change in range so would infer that the change in drag is not significant.

[werm_works]

Hey Brian can you give me the specs of the x-chain you have so I can try it, RK Race Chain failed me and I want to try the Regina chain but X sounds better then O lol

We hear you loud and clear.  I've been running an X-ring chain on my personal bike for the past 2,000 miles or so and agree with the main benefits being:

- Lower maintenance - i.e. less frequent lubrication
- Less chain stretch

I'm not sure about lower noise comment though as it sounds about the same, maybe slightly louder to me with a little more drag noticeable in the drivetrain during coasting (one of the reasons we avoided these type chains initially).

We've also done a test on our standard chain cleaned and lubricated every 200 miles with gear oil and the result is that it also stretches less.  The problem is that the lubrication process is a pain in the @ss and the chain flings oil all over the bike (and you).  I know it seems like a no-brainer, but there is a significant cost difference here, so we just need to be sure there's a real measure-able difference after 1,000s of miles of usage.  We're just concluding these tests now, and it does look positive for the o-ring chain.

[Brammofan]

Might be a while before he replies - he's on his honeymoon.

[Gavin]

Might be a while before he replies - he's on his honeymoon.

well congrats to him....i hope he has a great time on his honeymoon...i also hope his honeymoon is in Hungary so he can keep an eye on and speed up the production of my Plus

Gavin

[Brammofan]

Actually, Cancun. 

[Gavin]

mmm, hopefully he can do some snorkeling at Xel-Ha...lovely

and Tulum is a most see...

Gavin

[WanderLust]

Might be a while before he replies - he's on his honeymoon.

well congrats to him....i hope he has a great time on his honeymoon...i also hope his honeymoon is in Hungary so he can keep an eye on and speed up the production of my Plus

Gavin

Haha, Gavin - always thinking about 'his' bike
Congratulations Brian, hope you come back with your batteries recharged

[Gavin]

Might be a while before he replies - he's on his honeymoon.

well congrats to him....i hope he has a great time on his honeymoon...i also hope his honeymoon is in Hungary so he can keep an eye on and speed up the production of my Plus

Gavin

Haha, Gavin - always thinking about 'his' bike
Congratulations Brian, hope you come back with your batteries recharged

yes it is kinda my "sstick" now....

funny I almost mentioned Mexico as a second option after Hungary...I figure he could be in Hungary working on my bike or in Mexico scouting out a location for North and South American Brammo bike production...Mexico would be cheap, close to three vast markets (US/Canada, Central America and South America--especially Brazil).

USA built bikes would be best, but helping our neighbor to the south with jobs isn't the worst thing that Brammo could do...and would keep costs down a bit.

Gavin