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Post by Radchenister on Sept 4, 2013 13:08:59 GMT
I used to have this problem on my BMX's when young, that's why I like the Powerlink system; although I sometimes think the SRAM is too easy to pop and will just ping when out, but it appears to have worked well to date and I'm hardly easy on it, particularly recently with some of the steeps I've been on.
I had assumed I needed a new chain last week, the cross chaining incident (for 10 miles when my middle front bent) and general less than perfect changing had me thinking it would be worn but it has had no effect after 1000 miles.
His reckoning is nearer 2000+ miles for a good chain, not the few hundred often quoted; although the SRAM ones are pretty chunky, when you compare them to 10 speed or other refined fancy stuff they look more heavy duty.
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Post by Whitestar1 on Sept 5, 2013 7:35:41 GMT
I have been using a toothbrush on my chin for the past two years! Never had any of these fancy chain things or had to take the chain off.
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Post by Whitestar1 on Sept 5, 2013 7:37:49 GMT
Easy if you know how and have the powerlink or equivalent; not much trickier (if at all) with a chain tool but I prefer to use the link designed for the purpose. Thanks for this, I didn't know how this was done. About the equivalent, what's that?
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Post by cbrdeano on Sept 5, 2013 7:41:40 GMT
Easy if you know how and have the powerlink or equivalent; not much trickier (if at all) with a chain tool but I prefer to use the link designed for the purpose. Thanks for this, I didn't know how this was done. About the equivalent, what's that? Powerlink is a trademark of SRAM. Other manufacturers ( kmc, shimano etc ) have the same kind of link but they can't call it a powerlink
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Post by Radchenister on Sept 5, 2013 7:41:43 GMT
A few other makes available W, don't know all off the top of my head but KMC, BBB, etc.
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Post by Radchenister on Sept 5, 2013 7:43:07 GMT
Parallel post, thanks Deano.
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Post by phred1812 on Sept 5, 2013 9:30:26 GMT
I have been using a toothbrush on my chin for the past two years! Never had any of these fancy chain things or had to take the chain off. What about your teeth WS? Do you keep missing your mouth?
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Post by Whitestar1 on Sept 5, 2013 9:37:58 GMT
I have been using a toothbrush on my chin for the past two years! Never had any of these fancy chain things or had to take the chain off. What about your teeth WS? Do you keep missing your mouth? Wow man thats just cold! Well now that you mentioned it I could try my teeth since they are most likely stronger than yours! Yep I have been using a toothbrush to clean my chain. The chaps at Decathlon know my bike very well and have often commented on how clean it is. Ask arny if you don't believe me. It's over 2500 miles since new.
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Post by Radchenister on Sept 5, 2013 9:44:38 GMT
It's a noble task cleaning a chain with a toothbrush, something crusade like about it; how long do you take and how often do you do it?
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Post by cbrdeano on Sept 5, 2013 9:54:14 GMT
I have got lazy about chain cleaning now - I have two chains. One will be on the bike - the other sits in a tub of paraffin. swap the chains over once a week and all sorted.
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Post by Whitestar1 on Sept 5, 2013 10:11:23 GMT
It's a noble task cleaning a chain with a toothbrush, something crusade like about it; how long do you take and how often do you do it? Well come to think about it now it does sound abit silly when I look back on the thread but honestly it has worked well for me. The whole process of cleaning takes me about 15 minutes and its about twice or three times a month or when it's rained heavenly. After reading how you do it I will be taking off the chain next time. I was a bit fearful of doing it as I have never done so. Seeing the videos now I will be giving it a spin next cleaning.
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Post by phred1812 on Sept 5, 2013 10:16:48 GMT
What about your teeth WS? Do you keep missing your mouth? Wow man thats just cold! Well now that you mentioned it I could try my teeth since they are most likely stronger than yours! Yep I have been using a toothbrush to clean my chain. The chaps at Decathlon know my bike very well and have often commented on how clean it is. Ask arny if you don't believe me. It's over 2500 miles since new. You are probably right about the teeth. I rather neglected them in my youth. However I do look after them now and keep my chain looking immaculate too.
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Post by Radchenister on Sept 5, 2013 10:27:59 GMT
Take heed that some are tough compared to others Whitestar1, it doesn't make as much sense to do it without the pliers on the tougher ones, or to break the chain too often without a split link; I don't think there's much wrong with your method for low mileage users without Powerlinks (or equivalent) but when the time comes to change, it's worth switching to an easier one and soaking / shaking; if they're on offer cheap over the winter then I'll snap some up and copy cbrdeano , who has a good thing going. I do actually soak mine in a margarine pot for a few hours before swilling it off when I'm having rest days and get my act together - can be a bit of a chore catching up to refit it if you're busy. It's good to keep chains clean as they carry less gunk, the rest of the bike stays clean, the rides are more pleasurable etc. but when your ride frequency and distance increases, then so does the need to clean, so making it easy is the aim IMO. While we're on general chain issues (how to measure with ruler included) - sheldonbrown.com/chains.htmlThis one is pretty good (uses tool not ruler and then refits new chain to correct length):
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Post by Radchenister on Sept 5, 2013 10:34:30 GMT
Didn't know some chains were directional?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2013 18:57:31 GMT
I've tried a few in my time as a Mountain Biker and believe me, this is the best by far! Make sure you get the sponge too though which makes it even more effective. www.fenwicks.info/bike/index.php/products
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