“Stretch proof” chain?
09-23-23, 07:58 PM
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“Stretch proof” chain?
Looking at eBay for possible 9 speed replacement chain, and came across KMC’s version which they claim is “stretch proof” or even “extra stretch proof.” Marketing hype, I’m guessing? Or is there something to it?
09-23-23, 08:04 PM
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09-23-23, 08:04 PM
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Huh?
First off it reminds me when they came out with those Ceramic, Life Time, never have to replace again, disk brake pads. They turned out to be Disk Rotor Killers with extreme prejudice.
I want my chain to wear out before my Freewheels, and my Freewheels to wear out before my Crank Rings. Maybe that's just old school but I am just trained that way. Of course the advertisement could just be a phish...
First off it reminds me when they came out with those Ceramic, Life Time, never have to replace again, disk brake pads. They turned out to be Disk Rotor Killers with extreme prejudice.
I want my chain to wear out before my Freewheels, and my Freewheels to wear out before my Crank Rings. Maybe that's just old school but I am just trained that way. Of course the advertisement could just be a phish...
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09-23-23, 08:27 PM
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if they could make the chain not attract any grit & gunk when using any type of oil or wax, that might be a slick seller!
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09-23-23, 09:54 PM
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Chains don't stretch, they elongate. And that's because wear and play develop in the pins, it's not like the links get longer.
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09-23-23, 10:27 PM
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09-24-23, 01:17 AM
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Who needs a stretch proof chain when waxing chains makes them last forever, isn't that what chain waxers claim ?
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09-24-23, 03:07 AM
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09-24-23, 03:45 AM
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That indicates a satisfactory rate of decay as far as I'm concerned.
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09-24-23, 06:09 AM
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I think we need an expert to 'define' the proper term...Someone contact Ollie over at GCN for his take...then take the time to post his response here...maybe I'll even read it...but then again...meh, I don't care...
09-24-23, 06:34 AM
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09-24-23, 09:12 AM
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Clearly, they used special, non-elastic steel, rather than the stretchy steel everyone else uses. It's like the difference between Lycra and the Lycra they use for compression bibs.
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09-24-23, 10:45 AM
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I'm with base2 above - the Shimano 11 and 12 speed chains are exceptionally long lived. I think the hardening of the pins, and the bushing design is the key.
Chains do not "stretch" per se, the pins and bushings wear, which causes elongation and play.
I'm seeing 3000 miles on a Shimano 11 speed mid drive ebike chain - which sees higher loads than an unpowered bike - with no measurable wear on either gauge (Rohloff or Shimano)
really good stuff.
/markp
Chains do not "stretch" per se, the pins and bushings wear, which causes elongation and play.
I'm seeing 3000 miles on a Shimano 11 speed mid drive ebike chain - which sees higher loads than an unpowered bike - with no measurable wear on either gauge (Rohloff or Shimano)
really good stuff.
/markp
09-24-23, 11:02 AM
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09-25-23, 08:32 AM
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I'm with base2 above - the Shimano 11 and 12 speed chains are exceptionally long lived. I think the hardening of the pins, and the bushing design is the key.
Chains do not "stretch" per se, the pins and bushings wear, which causes elongation and play.
I'm seeing 3000 miles on a Shimano 11 speed mid drive ebike chain - which sees higher loads than an unpowered bike - with no measurable wear on either gauge (Rohloff or Shimano)
really good stuff.
/markp
Chains do not "stretch" per se, the pins and bushings wear, which causes elongation and play.
I'm seeing 3000 miles on a Shimano 11 speed mid drive ebike chain - which sees higher loads than an unpowered bike - with no measurable wear on either gauge (Rohloff or Shimano)
really good stuff.
/markp
09-25-23, 09:17 AM
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You really need to ask KMC if they were using the term "stretch" in the literal sense or not. Advertisers being advertisers, they might have been using it in the literal sense. It's not their fault if people didn't realize that chains don't stretch and they weren't talking about actual chain wear, which is not stretch at all though we like to use that term.
Essentially they are just conveying the idea to you that this chain might take longer to wear than another. How much longer? Probably not enough to matter one way or the other. Get the chain that is the correct type/size for your bike, and the price, color/finish that you like and call it done.
Essentially they are just conveying the idea to you that this chain might take longer to wear than another. How much longer? Probably not enough to matter one way or the other. Get the chain that is the correct type/size for your bike, and the price, color/finish that you like and call it done.
09-25-23, 09:49 AM
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On the KMC website, they call it "stretch proof treatment." Whatever that is. No other description except the SP treatment provides "exceptional durability."
https://www.kmcchain.com/en/product/...ain-x8-8-speed
https://www.kmcchain.com/en/product/...ain-x8-8-speed
09-25-23, 01:24 PM
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Maybe they just mean that it will break, before it stretches...
09-26-23, 05:30 AM
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I must be harder than the average bear on chains. I typically get around 1500 miles out of even an Ultegra 11 speed chain, used only on road/paved paths. I don't get a lot less on my 11 speed gravel chains, maybe 1200 miles, though, sometimes less. Most of these have been KMC chains. Maybe I do need to try waxing them, instead of just clean and lube. The replacement for my ultegra chain was a $44 105 level shimano.
09-26-23, 05:35 AM
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I must be harder than the average bear on chains. I typically get around 1500 miles out of even an Ultegra 11 speed chain, used only on road/paved paths. I don't get a lot less on my 11 speed gravel chains, maybe 1200 miles, though, sometimes less. Most of these have been KMC chains. Maybe I do need to try waxing them, instead of just clean and lube. The replacement for my ultegra chain was a $44 105 level shimano.
Seems like you are getting too short a life. I am getting 2500 miles to 0.5% and replacing at 0.75% typically 3500 miles. Ultegra 11 speed. NOT waxing.
09-26-23, 10:35 AM
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I don't know, but I do remember way back in the day when I was racing off road motorcycles and replaced chains pretty much every muddy race. They came out with o-ring chains that lasted for many races. I think they might have lasted a couple years of frequent riding/racing even.
I doubt they'd be used on bicycles since they had more power lost to friction and were heavier. I suspect one would last a very long time though.
I doubt they'd be used on bicycles since they had more power lost to friction and were heavier. I suspect one would last a very long time though.
Last edited by staehpj1; 09-28-23 at 03:40 PM.
09-28-23, 01:49 PM
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