Strongest main chain?
08-31-19, 11:24 AM
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Strongest main chain?
I'm progressing in building up my Meridian tandem, and wondering if there are any preferences for the most durable main chains. I have a few very low-mileage used 10 speed chains in da house - Campy, Shimano, and a KMC. Any preferences? If I buy new, what features should I look for?
08-31-19, 12:29 PM
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Rear Chain?
I'm not a Tandem rider... at least not much. But, for my regular bike, I have Wippermann Connex SX that was so tough it broke my chain tool.
Still, the Wippermanns do wear as all chains do.
I've been meaning to try the KMC E-Bike Chains.
e10-EPT - KMC Chain
I'm not a Tandem rider... at least not much. But, for my regular bike, I have Wippermann Connex SX that was so tough it broke my chain tool.
Still, the Wippermanns do wear as all chains do.
I've been meaning to try the KMC E-Bike Chains.
e10-EPT - KMC Chain
08-31-19, 01:56 PM
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Yeah, sorry, I think "main chain" is tandem-talk for "rear chain." It's all easier with only one chain.
Re: Wipper, I have never had a chain break, i.e. a link fracture, but I've never run a tandem. I guess with a tandem I would not likely have a link fracture either, so I guess chain durability all comes down to rates of wear per units pressure and link speed, like any other chain.
Re: Wipper, I have never had a chain break, i.e. a link fracture, but I've never run a tandem. I guess with a tandem I would not likely have a link fracture either, so I guess chain durability all comes down to rates of wear per units pressure and link speed, like any other chain.
08-31-19, 02:34 PM
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I break chains from time to time with my road bike.
I managed to skip 10s, so 5,6,7,8,9,&11.
All of the chain failures have been pulling a pin out, or breaking a quick link. Never a fractured plate (didn't find all the pieces of the quick link). Mostly chains nearing the end of life, although I did have some issues with a new generic 3/32 5/6/7 speed chain.
So far NO breaking 11-speed chains (Wippermann or Shimano).
I have broken Shimano 9s chains.
The chain that bent my chain tool was a Wippermann 9s chain. Rivets are peened and are TOUGH.
I managed to skip 10s, so 5,6,7,8,9,&11.
All of the chain failures have been pulling a pin out, or breaking a quick link. Never a fractured plate (didn't find all the pieces of the quick link). Mostly chains nearing the end of life, although I did have some issues with a new generic 3/32 5/6/7 speed chain.
So far NO breaking 11-speed chains (Wippermann or Shimano).
I have broken Shimano 9s chains.
The chain that bent my chain tool was a Wippermann 9s chain. Rivets are peened and are TOUGH.
08-31-19, 04:20 PM
#5
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+1 on the Wipperman SX series. I've been running 8SX chains for some time now, based on this engineering test:
Connex wear test results with sand, water and motion
"Strength" needs to factor in corrosion. Connex chains are made out of real strong steel, but the extra factor is the corrosion resistance. It means I can run a chain significantly longer than if I'm running a SRAM PC870. Yes, they do cost more.
"Strength" needs to factor in corrosion. Connex chains are made out of real strong steel, but the extra factor is the corrosion resistance. It means I can run a chain significantly longer than if I'm running a SRAM PC870. Yes, they do cost more.
Last edited by randallr; 08-31-19 at 04:22 PM. Reason: more complete
08-31-19, 04:42 PM
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I bought a couple of Wippermann chains and spare links here.
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/wippermann-connex
Shipping was expensive, but wasn't too bad when one bought a couple of chains, spare links, lights, etc.
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/wippermann-connex
Shipping was expensive, but wasn't too bad when one bought a couple of chains, spare links, lights, etc.
08-31-19, 07:30 PM
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We've always used Shimano Ultegra chains on all our bikes, including the tandem. The rear chain is called a "drive chain." I've never broken a chain on any bike and I shift the rear out of the saddle on the tandem all the time. Main thing is to change it out just before it lengthens 1/16" over a foot. I don't think SS chains are more durable.
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09-01-19, 05:18 AM
#8
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KMC Turbo chains. E10 for 10-speed or X11e for 11-speed.
