qwaalodge

My current chain seems to maintaining a negative chain stretch of less than 1/16 inch. The chain is correctly tensioned by the rear derailleur (does not sag a bit) and I'm using Stanley branded rule. I even used no-brand made in China rule and gave me the same measurement.

I measured it upon installation from the box and did have negative stretch back then but now, over 1000 miles later, it still had negative stretch. In fact, the amount of stretch did not seem to change at all.

No chain skipping, no issues, no problems just thought it seems weird because the Parktool channel in YT did not mention anything of that sort.

Kapusta

The is why you don’t put chains in the dryer.

Chuck M 

What is your chain cleaning lubrication schedule? You probably just aren't wearing it out as it is well lubricated.

tomato coupe

We're talking about shrinkage, right?

qwaalodge

It already had negative stretch upon first installation.

Koyote

Your posts have negative value, too. So, they have something in common with your chain.

Kapusta

Then “negative stretch” just means “short”?

Maybe “negative long” would be a better term?

indyfabz

Like a frightened turtle.

Bryan C. 

A clear case of chain envy.

badger1

Spring is always a very strange season here on teh Biek Forms, but this spring has seemed especially odd here in 'General'. Strange threads popping up all over the place; one could be forgiven for thinking that we have been teleported to a

qwaalodge

The last time I lubed the chain with motor oil was around 700 miles ago. Late December or January I think. I kept wiping the chain down (also including the jockey wheels, and chain ring) after every ride until 400 to 300 miles ago and then I stopped doing any maintenance to the chain, stopped wiping it down too except for periodic stretch measurement. The chain has gone through few rides in strong rain since the last lube job including 20 miles ride in very fine, very dry, very dusty/sandy gravel. I have full fenders on my bike and 1x drivetrain but the chain is fully exposed.

Currently, the chain looks out-of-the-box clean. But the chainring and cassette teeth are covered by very thin film of dry and very fine black soot. This soot has formed a hard and dry compacted layer at the chainring tooth in contact with the chain rollers. This soot is mostly absent on the chain, making the chain look clean. Only present in the contact surface between the inner and outer plates, hardly noticeable unless you take a very close look.

qwaalodge

"Short" can also mean less # of links so I have to say "stretch"

qwaalodge

Have you updated your Iggy list yet?

70sSanO

I’ve often wondered if backpedaling counteracts the typical stretch/wear that occurs during normal riding.

Can enough backpedaling return a chain to its original state?

Personally I doubt it does so maybe that just means I’m backpeddling.

John

Paul Barnard

Negative stretch almost always results from a combination on non-synthetic motor oil and too much coasting. I forget which book I read that in. That is often accompanied by an insufficient amount of guadpower.

livedarklions

Obviously, nanobots are adding metal to the chain.

You're measuring wrong. No one here is going to figure out how and it's not causing any problems, so let it go.

indyfabz

Yes. You and your sock(s) are now on it.

DaveSSS 

Sounds like a case of improper measurement. Chains are made accurately enough that you should never be able to see any length difference over 12 inches, with a new chain. Place one end of the rule on the edge of a pin. The pin at the other end should be completely covered when new. After some use, the covered pin exposure increases. I have a full length measurement setup that can show small differences over 54-55 inches. Campy chains are extremely consistent. The new sram axs chains, not as consistent. I've used a Campy chain for 6,000 miles and measured very little elongation over the full length, but the roller wear was huge and the side clearances were twice that of a new chain. When a second chain was installed on the cassette, there was new-chain skip. Don't rely only on checks of elongation. Some sram axs users are reporting similar extremely low elongation, but those users will get new-chain skip too. I alternate the use of 4 chains and will never get new-chain skip.

Kapusta

Its shrinkflation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrinkflation

spelger

so don't use it it the pool?

Daniel4

Just as confusing as negative deceleration.

Koyote

Mojo31

It seemed to work for Ferris Bueller.

Until it didn't.

qwaalodge

I did the same as the video below. I see if I can take a snapshot in a day or two. You'll be impressed with the chain's condition.

njkayaker

What chain? What bike?

The tolerances of the standard manufacturers are such that what you are claiming seems "far fetched".