Heavy-duty chain?
10-21-20, 10:36 AM
#1
joyful rider
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Heavy-duty chain?
I have a long chain (LWB recumbent), and am starting to see chain stretch...and a friend of mine just introduced me to the concept of heavy-duty bicycle chain. Mine was a 21-speed converted to a Shimano Nexus 8, so I'm not using one of the narrower chain standards. Anyone have experiences with heavy-duty chain? I have to admit to being a bit shocked, because my local bike shop claimed there was no such thing not very long ago :-)
10-21-20, 11:10 AM
#2
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what width do you need? does it need to be able to shift with a derailer? If i read the above correctly, you have a Nexus shifting system, which makes me think you could use a singlespeed chain. if that is the case, look into chains designed for track racing and for BMX. I would avoid anything with half-links as those seem to actually stretch quickly. there's no substitute for keep your chain clean and lubed, which should slow down chain wear.
10-21-20, 12:27 PM
#3
joyful rider
Thread Starter
what width do you need? does it need to be able to shift with a derailer? If i read the above correctly, you have a Nexus shifting system, which makes me think you could use a singlespeed chain. if that is the case, look into chains designed for track racing and for BMX. I would avoid anything with half-links as those seem to actually stretch quickly. there's no substitute for keep your chain clean and lubed, which should slow down chain wear.
10-21-20, 12:36 PM
#4
Really Old Senior Member
Heavier duty (if one existed) might not break as easily, but I'd expect the same wear in the "joints".
10-21-20, 12:47 PM
#5
joyful rider
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https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Ch.../dp/B01G9JHRFG
https://www.bikeberry.com/415-heavy-duty-chain.html
Also am not sure which type of chain will fit, 420 or 415.
10-21-20, 12:52 PM
#6
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If you were using a 7-speed chain (usually classified as 6,7, 8-speed chain) for your 21-speed prior setup, that would be considered heavier-duty than narrower chains for 9, 10, 11 or 12-speed chains. And, if you have been using the same chain for a long time and/or many miles, that would explain the wear on your chain. E-bike chain would probably be overkill but single speed is worth looking into. Just need to make sure whatever you do go with is compatible with your chain ring and Nexus cog. Chains are gonna wear, no matter what they are. (They don't stretch, but they do get longer. 
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10-21-20, 01:58 PM
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KMC makes a line of E-bike specific chains that are made stronger to resist breaking from the higher torque loads of electric motors and shifting under load. The single speed specific version is the e1 chain found here https://www.amazon.com/KMC-E1-Ept-Chain/dp/B07MCM3BXW
I don't know that it will last longer, because chains don't stretch. They get longer due to wear at the pins.
I don't know that it will last longer, because chains don't stretch. They get longer due to wear at the pins.
10-21-20, 02:01 PM
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I saw these:
https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Ch.../dp/B01G9JHRFG
https://www.bikeberry.com/415-heavy-duty-chain.html
Also am not sure which type of chain will fit, 420 or 415.
https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Ch.../dp/B01G9JHRFG
https://www.bikeberry.com/415-heavy-duty-chain.html
Also am not sure which type of chain will fit, 420 or 415.
10-21-20, 02:04 PM
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Breaking is one, chain 'wear' is another. Chains don't 'stretch', they wear. They elongate because of the wear. A heavy duty chain might be less prone to break under load but will probably wear the same as a regular chain.
10-21-20, 03:34 PM
#10
joyful rider
Thread Starter
If you were using a 7-speed chain (usually classified as 6,7, 8-speed chain) for your 21-speed prior setup, that would be considered heavier-duty than narrower chains for 9, 10, 11 or 12-speed chains. And, if you have been using the same chain for a long time and/or many miles, that would explain the wear on your chain. E-bike chain would probably be overkill but single speed is worth looking into. Just need to make sure whatever you do go with is compatible with your chain ring and Nexus cog. Chains are gonna wear, no matter what they are. (They don't stretch, but they do get longer. )
)
10-21-20, 04:05 PM
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Have you considered going to 1/8" chain, chainring and and cogs? Izumi makes very good chains and at ~$22 per chain it won't cost you a lot. (You can run the wide chain over narrower rings and cogs with no issue but the fat stuff lasts a lot longer.) I ride those chains on my three fix gears (in three different finishes to match their colors; I pay $3 more for silver or gold).
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10-21-20, 04:22 PM
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Have you considered going to 1/8" chain, chainring and and cogs? Izumi makes very good chains and at ~$22 per chain it won't cost you a lot. (You can run the wide chain over narrower rings and cogs with no issue but the fat stuff lasts a lot longer.) I ride those chains on my three fix gears (in three different finishes to match their colors; I pay $3 more for silver or gold).
10-21-20, 04:56 PM
#13
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If it's long wear you seek, this test result is helpful
10-22-20, 09:11 PM
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If you were using a 7-speed chain (usually classified as 6,7, 8-speed chain) for your 21-speed prior setup, that would be considered heavier-duty than narrower chains for 9, 10, 11 or 12-speed chains. And, if you have been using the same chain for a long time and/or many miles, that would explain the wear on your chain. E-bike chain would probably be overkill but single speed is worth looking into. Just need to make sure whatever you do go with is compatible with your chain ring and Nexus cog. Chains are gonna wear, no matter what they are. (They don't stretch, but they do get longer. )
)
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10-23-20, 11:27 AM
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T cycle sells chain by the foot. A much better way to buy recumbent chains.
https://t-cycle.com/collections/chain-in-bulk
My bent takes a chain 10' 5" long, so I ordered 21' of chain to get two full chains with only a single link.
https://t-cycle.com/collections/chain-in-bulk
My bent takes a chain 10' 5" long, so I ordered 21' of chain to get two full chains with only a single link.
