Originally Posted by
Bob Dopolina
So instead of a chain lasting 5000km, it will last 5500km? Considering I ride Campy chains (and the wear is actually much longer) is the cost of the link needed to flip the chain justified by the 10% extra use I get from the chain. Also note that this 10% extra use is at the end of the useful life of this chain so the performance will have been significantly degraded.
Basically, for the price of a link I can get another 1000km of less than perfect shifting performance.
Perhaps with a Shimano pin costing less, the extra km might be cost effective.
Chains with Master Links might benefit the most.
If the theory holds up in the real world, flipping your chain basically extends the life of a chian buy 10% at the end of it's useful life. So every 10th chain is free but you have to endure crappy shifting to get it.
I think I'll have one less beer this weekend and go with the new chain. Thanks.
You haven't been following closely. DMF is up to 18% + 10% added life. Even if that's all it is, it still is available for free.
You are right about buying new pins. I wouldn't do that. I use connex links because I'm not confident enough that I can connect a chain using the Campy system.
You don't get poor shifting and you don't wait till the chain is at the end of its life. Once shifting deteriorates, it's too late to replace the chain without replacing the cogs anyway.
The cheapest way to maintain the drive train is the way industrial chain manufacturers recommend: leave the chain in place until it stretches 3%, then replace the cogs and chain together, and never soak the chain in solvent, which just replaces the lubricant with dirty solvent. Dirt on the outside of a chain has no effect on efficiency, although it deteriorates shifting a lot. That plan works great on a single speed, but it results in poor shifting on a derailler bike.
em