Anyone aware of any studies out there that have done comparisons of chains?
Thanks.
Clint
Friction Facts.
This a la carte report is the one to look at. Only tests 5 chains. But the results firmly settled for me which chain I wanted.
Some of the other reports are interesting too. But only the chain lube test and chain tests really influenced anything I’ve done.
Edit: You do have to pay a few bucks.
Thanks.
A good place to start.
CL
Are you referring to the longevity of a chain as measured by wear? I have spreadsheets using many types of lubricants and all of the popular chains. If you want the greatest longevity from a chain… use the latest wipperman with mobil1 /hybrid os-30 as lubricant. Averaging 300 watts of stress on the chain… It will last approximately 30% longer than any other chain currently sold.
Thanks for the response.
I’m actually looking at energy expenditure/return.
Lubricant is huge… and nothing sold as a chain lubricant is worth a damn.
I’ve heard good things about the Rock N Roll Gold is good but I’ve not tried it.
I’ve also heard that regular synthetic Motor oil works about as good at a fraction of the cost.
About? Ha-ha… I’ll let you do your own testing
I hear ya.
I prefer to let others do the testing.
Here’s a review but there’s not a lot of footnoting and seems largely anecdotal - interesting none the less.
http://biketestreviews.com/the-last-word-on-chain-lubrication/
Agreed… 11speed chain…
I have gone a step further with all of the synthetic oils. The best synthetic is superior to the worst synthetic (which is still superior to any marketed chain lube)
I’ll give you the punchline from Jason Smith’s studies since it has been posted on the internet more than once: Dura Ace
Definitely recommend getting his full package for $15. Well worth it.
In an interview, the tech team for Wiggins hour record stated they tested different brands and models of chains and that the Dura-Ace chains were consistently the best for lowest wattage required.
Anyone aware of any studies out there that have done comparisons of chains?
Thanks.
Clint
Everyone is starting to run them, myself included.
http://www.ceramicspeed.com/sport/products/Chains
Not to “humblebrag” but just being upfront, I am sponsored by them.
Agreed… 11speed chain…
I have gone a step further with all of the synthetic oils. The best synthetic is superior to the worst synthetic (which is still superior to any marketed chain lube)
post any facts of your claims?
Brad,
Just curious if you ever purchased and used one before you were sponsored by them? $145 for a chain that lasts 200 miles seems excessive.
I have not used them, yet, but ice friction (http://www.icefriction.com) is a great chain too. Bought one and will be using it this season. Other teammates have used them and love them. You use them for the mileage then you can send it back to get re-iced. It is still a bit expensive but being able to get it re-iced is a nice plus. And if the papers are correct with any of these chains it will be the cheapest watts you can buy.
I use RnR gold based on research that I have read.
I have heard good things about ICE chains
I will be trying an ATOMIC chain this year.
ATOMIC has been on some record setting bikes lately, seems like those guys wouldn’t be wasting time if it didn’t work.
I will be running Atomic cassette, chain, and rings this season (every little bit counts!)
Brad,
Just curious if you ever purchased and used one before you were sponsored by them? $145 for a chain that lasts 200 miles seems excessive.
I had purchased BB (multiple), Pulley Wheels, and 1 chain as it was one of the newest items, prior to being sponsored by them. Moving through the ranks of the sport and coming from the bottom up, I have been paying for stuff for a long time, and I would only pay for products that I believed in, and I carry that over to sponsorship’s as well. If it isn’t a top of the line product and something I believe in, no matter how much they pay (I am not paid by many), then I will not use it.
Think of it like this, if your goal is say, Kona, and you miss going the KQ by say a few seconds, will you kick yourself for not spending that $145??
Also, I use the chain for the race duration, then it just becomes a training chain, so if you manage your equipment well, it really isn’t that excessive…
Brad,
Just curious if you ever purchased and used one before you were sponsored by them? $145 for a chain that lasts 200 miles seems excessive.
Isn’t it just wax, graphite and teflon?
Isn’t it just wax, graphite and teflon?
My understanding is that is pretty much exactly what it is.
I don’t know about the States but try to buy fine grain Teflon powder in Canada. It’s is no easy task.
Then you need some other equipment to finish the process.
All doable but one would need to be pretty motivated.