Quote:
Originally Posted by Insan3guy
from what i've heard, non o-ring chains are very maintenance-intensive. I'm afraid that neglect would put it in terrible condition and would get me killed faster than a cheap o-ring chain would.
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We didn't have O-ring chains for many years of the least century and we were riding like crazy.
Many racers today use non-sealed chains, just to avoid the extra drag of the seals.
Another advantage is that clip type master links never come loose, like so frequently happens with O-ringed chains.
The clip makes removal, cleaning and lubrication very easy.
I lubricate my O-rings as frequently as I used to lubricate my non-sealed chains: every fuel refill.
You must keep those O-rings lubricated and flexible and protected from UV radiation as much as we had to keep our rollers lubed years ago.
Your chain is eating itself internally and stretching each link pitch beyond specs and destroying the sprockets.
The problem with a cheap O-ring chain is not the metal but the neoprene of the rings.
That is probably what has happened to your current chain; once the seals fail and internal built-in lubrication escapes and water and grime leak in, metal against metal friction and wear starts destroying the chain.
You can learn more about chains here:
http://www.dansmc.com/rearchain.htm
http://www.sportrider.com/suspension...in_adjustment/
http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_0...an_your_chain/