chain recommendations?

[Grizzlypeg]

I need a new drive chain for my 200x. Looks like at the end of my second season, its starting to bind up in some spots. Currently running an X ring chain. I'm going to change the front sprocket as well, as its getting visably worn. I have a spare 13T drive sprocket on hand. If there are good deals, I'd buy a complete set of chain and sprockets.

[zzmegad]

my favorite chain is the d.i.d. gold xring. Replace the sprockets also ;)

[Dirtcrasher]

I run a good quality chain (no cheapo chains), but no o-rings on a 200X. I just think it ads too much drag and run those on 250R's/350X's etc.

All based on what you want though, longevity or as little drag as possible.......

[jensenracing77]

Looks like at the end of my second season, its starting to bind up in some spots. Currently running an X ring chain.

is that a DID X ring? never had one go bad that fast. i had 4 race seasons and many hours of extremely hard riding on one and it is still good. i'm not in much mud on a regular basses so maybe that is the reason.

[Tri-Z 250]

Oring if your in lots of mud/sand. If your MXing strictly or dusty trail riding a 520regular chain will do. I prefer the gold plated to plain steel finish...they look better and don't rust if neglected (if you don't oil each and every ride). The X-chain is heavy and that= drop in power. ALWAYS replace as a set...front/back sprockets with EVERY new chain. Your not going to save any $ by buying just a front or back; it's specially bad to use an old chain on new sprockets...trust experiance. SideWinder makes some TOP SHELF product at a top$...but a Sunstar set with a DID will last as long as you keep the tention correct and WAX(chainlube) after every ride or wash but the chain needs to be warm/hot for the best application.

[Grizzlypeg]

I don't know why my chain hasn't lasted that long. I avoid water like the plague. Mostly dusty, sandy trails. It's not that the chain is stretched, but that it appears some links are not moving smoothly. The front sprocket is definately worn.

[Tri-Z 250]

When you take the chain off the bike. If you hold it and can flex it side to side to make it bow against to rivet sides...it's done and streched. A good chain will not flex or have a loose sound to it. It's OK for backup as a spare for an emergency, if your on a trip/ride. You can soak it in motor oil, drip dry and put it in a ziplock bag for just such an aplication.

[Dirtcrasher]

I don't know why my chain hasn't lasted that long. I avoid water like the plague. Mostly dusty, sandy trails. It's not that the chain is stretched, but that it appears some links are not moving smoothly. The front sprocket is definately worn.

You may have not lubed it often enough. I've seen countless sealed chains hang up and never lay flat which has to be some sort of binding......

[Grizzlypeg]

You may have not lubed it often enough. I've seen countless sealed chains hang up and never lay flat which has to be some sort of binding......

If its not stretched, or have side play, should I try to clean and lube it? If so, what's the best method for a chain that is supposed to be sealed by way of the x rings?

[jensenracing77]

i never oiled my chain in the 4 years i ran it. with an o ring chain you are only oiling it to keep the outside from rusting. the oil can not penetrate the o rings. the only o ring chain i ever oiled was the one on the #77 TPC and that was only because it was not my bike and Bill wanted me to.

[Dirtcrasher]

Well, X ring, Q ring, Q ring, Z ring whatever.

The chain is obviously binding up and probably not stretched much at all. 13 teeth (or all for that matter) front sprockets always wear about 2:1 on the rear.

IDK how to save your chain, I buy new ones if they won't lay flat. Maybe someone while chime in and have a remedy for you.......

[jensenracing77]

X2

i think you had bad luck and got a bad one.

[Grizzlypeg]

i never oiled my chain in the 4 years i ran it. with an o ring chain you are only oiling it to keep the outside from rusting. the oil can not penetrate the o rings. the only o ring chain i ever oiled was the one on the #77 TPC and that was only because it was not my bike and Bill wanted me to.

That's what I thought. The lube was internal and reasonably sealed, such that oiling the outside did little for the internals. I did spray it down periodically with various chain lubes, from Castrol and others.

Anyone got a line on a complete set I should order? There's some DID X rings on ebay.

[JasonB]

x32 on the DID chains. I have run Xrings on my current 86R and my previous 83 300R. GET IT! And theres some great info in this thread btw

[jensenracing77]

That's what I thought. The lube was internal and reasonably sealed, such that oiling the outside did little for the internals. I did spray it down periodically with various chain lubes, from Castrol and others.

Anyone got a line on a complete set I should order? There's some DID X rings on ebay.

i have heard that some oils will ruin the o rings and then the chain will go bad much faster. i don't have experience with that because i don't oil my chains. also if you pressure wash the chain it will get past the o rings. then there is always the possibility that a stick or rock got wedged in it when you didn't know it out on the trails.

[Dirtcrasher]

^ Thats the thing, we have all hit water with a hot o-ring chain; No one is gonna tell me that a year after running not one of those o-rings will allow water in there.

I have heard the same thing in regards to "the orings are designed to keep the lube in and water out" but for how long?

Lots of us run chains for 5 years before there is any wear because of the lack of use. I've always used chain wax on my chain after I wash it off and haven't had one bind since.

I imagine it has to do with the manufacturer also, such as the colored cheap chains I'm unimpressed with......