uneven drive chain wear

ive come to the conclusion that my drivechain is completly unsafe to ride on anymore, i have tightened according to the information in my repair manual, but the last few days ive had to adjust about every 50 miles, and today when i adjusted the chain i noticed that one spot on the chain is almost too tight, but as i rotate the tire the chain slackens and slaps the frame, then rotate some more and too tight, counted my links, and ordered a new one and parked the bike in the back of my shed for the 2 weeks they say it will take to get it, but im getting it dirt cheap compared to most sites. any ideas or tips to keep my new chain in better shape?

jswag5 wrote:

ive come to the conclusion that my drivechain is completly unsafe to ride on anymore, i have tightened according to the information in my repair manual, but the last few days ive had to adjust about every 50 miles, and today when i adjusted the chain i noticed that one spot on the chain is almost too tight, but as i rotate the tire the chain slackens and slaps the frame, then rotate some more and too tight, counted my links, and ordered a new one and parked the bike in the back of my shed for the 2 weeks they say it will take to get it, but im getting it dirt cheap compared to most sites. any ideas or tips to keep my new chain in better shape?

Be sure to install new sprockets or the new chain will get hosed by the old worn sprockets.

I have started using a new spray lube called Du Pont teflon multi use in a blue can I get for $5 at Lowes. It's really good stuff and not sticky so it doesn't attract dirt. Use it every 300 miles and your chain should last.

bountyhunter wrote:

I have started using a new spray lube called Du Pont teflon multi use in a blue can I get for $5 at Lowes. It's really good stuff and not sticky so it doesn't attract dirt. Use it every 300 miles and your chain should last.

I second the Teflon spray. I use it on my bike after I installed a new o-ring chain and have only adjusted it once that I can remember. It keeps the chain cleaner than oil, which I think will help a lot with the length of the chains life. It also doesn't fling off of the chain while you are riding if you don't over-apply it, keeping your back tire clean. You can also use some thick oil if you decide against the teflon spray. Just be sure to lubricate it often, as that will help more than anything.

ive been using a parraffin wax based spray on lube, i spray the chain at least once per fill up(approx every 120 miles on my bike) and after any ride on wet roads or in rain. the wax doesnt fling off and needs to be applied to a warm chain. the chain was on the the bike when i bought it and could have already had some slight wear.

Chain Wax is good stuff...if you are using a non-o ring type chain. Do NOT lube an o-ring chain with anything heavier that WD-40 and even then, only for cleaning. If you apply normal chain lube to an o-ring chain, it will attract dirt which in turn wears the o-rings out very quickly. I installed a new quality o-ring chain over 10,000 km or so and I've only adjusted it once after initial break in. It's still like new and it's only been lubed with WD-40 (mainly for cleaning purposes)

Try it, it works.

jswag5 wrote:

ive been using a parraffin wax based spray on lube, i spray the chain at least once per fill up(approx every 120 miles on my bike) and after any ride on wet roads or in rain. the wax doesnt fling off and needs to be applied to a warm chain.

The Dupont Teflon multi use spray also leaves a wax coating, it's labeled a "dry wax lubricant". The cool thing is it hoses on wet so it penetrates, then the carrier evaporates and leaves the dry wax lube with teflon in it in the chain.

buy a good chain,all the chain lube in the world will not make up for a cheap chain

PLUMMEN wrote:

buy a good chain,all the chain lube in the world will not make up for a cheap chain

Ditto, and I agree with replacing both sprockets when replacing the chain.

finally got my chain today, its an ek brand standard chain.
yes, against all your begging, i did not chainge my gears, i thouroughly inspected and checked them for wear(very minimal)
the bike is so friggin smooth now, i thought i was on a shafty!
i thought i could run one more chain through these sprockets(i plan on pulling the engine and changing all the seals and gaskets this winter, will change the sprockets at the same time.)
i sprayed it down heavily with my chain wax spray after i got done with my 6 mile ride.
gunna give it a long go tomorrow(prolly close to 300 miles)

I found that chains are cheep enough that you can always change sprockets next go-around. Reverse the rotation of the sprockets and the'll last a while longer.

mzandmz wrote:

I found that chains are cheep enough that you can always change sprockets next go-around. Reverse the rotation of the sprockets and they'll last a while longer.

I found the opposite to be true. A good X-ring chain will run you about $100 and up (and you can go WAY up from there), but I can get brand new steel sprockets for about $12 (front) and $24 (rear).

I use the wax also, but I believe in running a decent chain and sprockets. They are cheaper by the mile because they last longer. I have been known to ride until the chain jumps teeth on the rear sprocket. Now thats getting my moneys worth.