Tandem Cycling - Timing/Synch Chain replacement

Hi,

How often do you replace the timing chain?

Do you buy one chain from a shop or just combine two at home?
Is there any special do's and don'ts for combining?

What brand and model do you suggest for replacement?

Thanks, Rob

How often do you replace the timing chain?

When it's showing about 75% wear on a Park chain checker.

Do you buy one chain from a shop or just combine two at home?

You can usually get 2 timing chains out of 3 normal chains... combined at home.

Is there any special do's and don'ts for combining?

If you want to be politically correct, use the same brand / model chain and the recommended one-time-use rivet and/or a re-useable chain link from SRAM, SuperLink, etc. You can't remove the sync chain with a re-useable link, but it does make it easier to untangle during cleaning, etc.

As for the same brand / model, it really shouldn't matter so long as they are the same width... but that's where it can get interesting since Shimano, SRAM, Campy and KMC all seem to use slightly different width chains for their respective 8, 9 and 10 speed models.

What brand and model do you suggest for replacement?

Whatever you can find on sale that suits your fancy. Timing chains are low-tech and don't depend on special ramping, etc to work.

Can a timing streach on one ride?. Lately I've had to tighten mine after a 50 mile ride. I wonder if the tensioner is moving. I ride a Cannondale RT 1000.

Can a timing streach on one ride?. Lately I've had to tighten mine after a 50 mile ride. I wonder if the tensioner is moving. I ride a Cannondale RT 1000.

I would guess your eccentric or tensioner is moving. Chain "stretch" isn't really stretching, but wearing of the links and pins over time. If you keep your chain relatively clean and lubed, it takes a lot of miles for it to "stretch".

The bold on the tensioner is small and I'm afraid of snapping it. I guess I will increase the torque on it.