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Old 06-19-19, 02:57 PM
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Spoonrobot 
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Originally Posted by HarborBandS
Is it really okay to have a chain with play in the rollers? If power is applied to a chain roller and there is some play in the system, the roller will move forward. The next roller to engage the tooth will then be in a more backward position when it engages the tooth. If it has the same amount of play as the roller in front of it, it will move forward without a lot of resistance, but doesn't this additional "gnashing" of parts just create more grinding? Or maybe less?
The answer is yes, but not in bicycles as the power transmission is low enough and the pedal stroke, derailleur spring serve to provide enough preload (see below). The issue with bicycle chains is always being directly exposed to a constant stream of metal/steel and silicon dioxide particles directly from the front tire, bicycle chains running in a full chaincase or oil bath will last 10x an exposed chain, easily. As noted in this thread, gravel bicycle chains will last 1/4 to 1/2 as long as road chains due to the grit slurry that is created. True dry lube or hot waxing helps but does not entirely resolve the issue as even dry sand/metal is a polishing agent.

https://www.diamondchain.com/understanding-wear-life/
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