Chain durability
04-27-22, 04:59 AM
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Chain durability
I just purchased a KMC X9, and I noticed that the label in the back of the box included a specification "Durability factor: ***oo" (3 stars out of 5).
So I looked online for similar images (I cannot yet post them).
I found (it might not be all-encompassing) that
* Z-line products do not have that spec
* X-line products have ***oo
* X_SL-line products (e.g. X9SL) have ****o
This information would somehow give precision on what I usually find in forums, that all are about the same and the difference is marginal (aesthetics, minor weight, etc.)
Can anyone provide more info on:
1. What are the differences in manufacturing leading to the differences in durability
2. Durability of other brands/models (perhaps based on knowledge of the manufacturing process)
3. Measurements of durability that put numbers on, e.g., the "3 stars out of 5".
Related (I cannot yet post URLs):
1. Topic 99066.0 in forum yacf
2. Thread 1249916 here
3. Glossary of website of KMC
"Durability Factor
The number of dots indicating the chain's resistance to wear. (One dot = regular; 5 dots = maximum)"
4. Article 481 of website of KMC
"[KMC News] KMC restructures it’s product line and packaging.
Updated : 2019-04-29
...
A new feature is the 'Durability Factor', which makes it easy for both dealer and consumer to find the right chain for their requirements."
So I looked online for similar images (I cannot yet post them).
I found (it might not be all-encompassing) that
* Z-line products do not have that spec
* X-line products have ***oo
* X_SL-line products (e.g. X9SL) have ****o
This information would somehow give precision on what I usually find in forums, that all are about the same and the difference is marginal (aesthetics, minor weight, etc.)
Can anyone provide more info on:
1. What are the differences in manufacturing leading to the differences in durability
2. Durability of other brands/models (perhaps based on knowledge of the manufacturing process)
3. Measurements of durability that put numbers on, e.g., the "3 stars out of 5".
Related (I cannot yet post URLs):
1. Topic 99066.0 in forum yacf
2. Thread 1249916 here
3. Glossary of website of KMC
"Durability Factor
The number of dots indicating the chain's resistance to wear. (One dot = regular; 5 dots = maximum)"
4. Article 481 of website of KMC
"[KMC News] KMC restructures it’s product line and packaging.
Updated : 2019-04-29
...
A new feature is the 'Durability Factor', which makes it easy for both dealer and consumer to find the right chain for their requirements."
04-27-22, 05:08 AM
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04-27-22, 05:42 AM
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What's the point?
Durability is relative to a variety of conditions. Riding style, conditions, maintenance, etc. all play a role in how long a chain will last.
Type of chain as well. Some of the uber lightweight, etc. generally have a shorter life span because of the weight shavings. Add that to the above and a chain may not last long at all.
Most riders have their favorite chains that they feel work best with their bike.
It's more important to frequently clean and properly lube your chain as well as check your chain for stretch and replace when necessary.
But to those that love researching data...go for it...it certainly doesn't hurt anything but likely doesn't provide much useful info compared to knowing how your chain wears in the climate, conditions and riding style.
Durability is relative to a variety of conditions. Riding style, conditions, maintenance, etc. all play a role in how long a chain will last.
Type of chain as well. Some of the uber lightweight, etc. generally have a shorter life span because of the weight shavings. Add that to the above and a chain may not last long at all.
Most riders have their favorite chains that they feel work best with their bike.
It's more important to frequently clean and properly lube your chain as well as check your chain for stretch and replace when necessary.
But to those that love researching data...go for it...it certainly doesn't hurt anything but likely doesn't provide much useful info compared to knowing how your chain wears in the climate, conditions and riding style.
04-27-22, 06:45 AM
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Chain mfgs upped their game with 11 and 12 speed chains.
I don't feel like explaining why they are better and getting flamed.
https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/chaintesting/
I don't feel like explaining why they are better and getting flamed.
https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/chaintesting/
04-27-22, 07:32 AM
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What is KMC's definition of "durability"?
If it is pin/side plate retention than the treatment of the pin's ends (peened over and by how much as example) is a key factor. Before indexing and tooth profiling shift gates bike chains had no pin end forming, no connecting links or special pins were needed when installing a chain as the chain saw less side ro side bending. Now with cogs being made that allow the chain to ride on two cogs at the same time there's a lot of twisting going on at the spot the chain is spanning the two cogs. Current chains have lost the bushing that sat between the roller and the pin which also added to the chain's flexibility.
If the term refers to the chain materials' hardness, then the chains with more "refined" processing (heat or mechanical treatments) might wear longer. But at the cost of brittleness (ask Sedis about side plate fracturing).
But the best answer was already given, marketing. Andy
If it is pin/side plate retention than the treatment of the pin's ends (peened over and by how much as example) is a key factor. Before indexing and tooth profiling shift gates bike chains had no pin end forming, no connecting links or special pins were needed when installing a chain as the chain saw less side ro side bending. Now with cogs being made that allow the chain to ride on two cogs at the same time there's a lot of twisting going on at the spot the chain is spanning the two cogs. Current chains have lost the bushing that sat between the roller and the pin which also added to the chain's flexibility.
If the term refers to the chain materials' hardness, then the chains with more "refined" processing (heat or mechanical treatments) might wear longer. But at the cost of brittleness (ask Sedis about side plate fracturing).
But the best answer was already given, marketing. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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