Which budget chain?

[granty92]

i know my chain is stretched badly but im also rather skint at the moment, what chains are good on a budget? i dont want a real cheap one that is going to snap when i get down the road so still has to be relatively good

[granty92]

also is there a certain size chain i need?

[rictus01]

yeah you'll need a 525 chain, also sprockets I think the pointy faired 15/45, but you can look that up, generally the more affordable kits feature either a basic DID VX chain or sometimes the EK equivalent (both X ring I believe), normally guaranteed for something like 12,000 miles, but with care you'll get twice that.

Some where between £75 - 85 for the kit, available from most of the big mail order bike part places

Such as this (http://www.busters-accessories.co.uk/productInfo.aspx?catRef=706487&kw=sv650+chain) or this (http://www.bitzforbikes.co.uk/DID_VX_X-Ring_Chain_and_Sprocket_Kit_OEM-ref-17172-9429-2522-.html), or Ebay.

Cheers Mark.

[yorkie_chris]

False economy, buy a decent one, IMO.

[granty92]

cheers mark, would this chain fit if i got the 108 links? http://www.busters-accessories.co.uk/productinfo/568870/Chains-and-Sprockets/Drive-Chain/CZ

[rictus01]

No that's a smaller off road type chain (428 you need a 525), and although I don't agree with Chris's opinion above (the cheaper versions work and last well enough for the money) , if you are unsure change the sprocket at the same time (or perhaps add your location and get someone with a more experienced eye to have a look), old worn sprockets will kill a new chain and vice versa.

Cheers Mark

[granty92]

http://www.busters-accessories.co.uk/productinfo.aspx?catref=563199&tier1url=Chains-and-Sprockets&tier2url=Drive-Chain&tier3url=DID or maybe this one?

[granty92]

the sprocket was changed about 2 months ago but used the same chain again so sprocket is fine

[rictus01]

that DID chain will do as long as you get the right length and pitch (hence 525).

Cheers Mark.

[granty92]

yeah i need 108 links apparently

[MJC-DEV]

Cheap chain and aerosol lubs don't work, you will get tight spots in no time. Unless you have a drip oiler (Scot, Tutoro etc) it could be scrap in 2K miles. My SSS brand was with top make spray lube (SSS fitted by the dealer of course!)

[rictus01]

I agree with the scottoiler thing and mostly have one fitted, but I've used triple S chains before, not the best but finances dictated at the time, with regular care and manual lubrication it served for 26k (if you get tight spots then you aren't lubricating it fully), so "doesn't work" is a tad over stating it, however as stated the DID VX (of what some would call basic level X ring) I normally use; regularly does 30k or so.

Cheers Mark.

[granty92]

okay i just ordered a DID H/D O-ring 525VXx108 so hopefully this will work :) cheers for the help

[MJC-DEV]

I agree with the scottoiler thing and mostly have one fitted, but I've used triple S chains before, not the best but finances dictated at the time, with regular care and manual lubrication it served for 26k (if you get tight spots then you aren't lubricating it fully), so "doesn't work" is a tad over stating it, however as stated the DID VX (of what some would call basic level X ring) I normally use; regularly does 30k or so.

Cheers Mark.

Yes, perhaps a bit over-stated but new riders are not generally the most diligent at maintenance. I'm an old, careful rider and I still didn't use enough lube until it was too late :)

[granty92]

oh i lube the chain quite often actually, maybe twice a month or so

[ChrisCurvyS]

False economy, buy a decent one, IMO.
Would agree with that wholeheartedly - I spent probably £20 more than standard for a good X-ring one when I replaced mine 3/4 months ago and it's not needed adjusting yet.

That's despite doing 55 miles a day, all weathers, and riding hard- my old cheapie chain used to need tightening almost every week and hence was shot pretty quickly.

[rictus01]

Would agree with that wholeheartedly - I spent probably £20 more than standard for a good X-ring one when I replaced mine 3/4 months ago and it's not needed adjusting yet.

That's despite doing 55 miles a day, all weathers, and riding hard- my old cheapie chain used to need tightening almost every week and hence was shot pretty quickly.

rather a moot point given the O/P, but apart from the fact some don't have a spare £20, and still need to use the bike, I go through at least a chain and sprockets each year and probably two each year inbetween, three of your "£20 extra" gets me another C&S set, I know what those sets will give mileage wise and they are the best value per mile.

Cheers Mark.

[yorkie_chris]

I know what those sets will give mileage wise and they are the best value per mile.

Cheers Mark.

I used to do some proper mileage too and I came to the opposite conclusion.

I had best part of 40k out of an expensive chain.

(Now the mileage is on something with shaft drive :))

[rictus01]

and I regularly get between 32-36k out of mine (have managed 42 at best), taking the best you've got and my regular best; over three sets that's 16k you make and I get another set free (another 32-36k), as I say I use to many not to adopt the most economical way.

Cheers Mark.

[yorkie_chris]

I've never seen a cheap chain last anywhere near that, even with constant oil. But you seem to get loads of tyre life too.

I bet you'd notice a ratio improvement if you used top grade chains TBH.

(N.B makes no odds to me despite me fitting them for people, I don't make any commission on what I fit. I just won't fit iris chains cos they're sh*te...)

[rictus01]

Oh I've had the topline chains in the past and I do get more mileage, but not enough to make it worthwhile, sure I miss out on bragging rights and gold side plates, but I can live without that, I have a weekly chain inspection on my bike (s); it has and continues to serve me well, but then not many are as fastidious as me I guess?

Iris chains are a bit like the triple S ones, budget but will do the job, as long as you know what you have and it's limitations, then I'll help anyone fit anything (obviously designed for that bike) to keep them on the road within their current budget.

Cheers Mark.

[yorkie_chris]

I'd say go for the top grade chain, but forgo the fashion bollox, like gold side plates and X rings. No point paying extra for that.

[rictus01]

nothing wrong with that advice Chris, but skint youngsters can't always afford that and with care you can get better valve for a decent middle level one, horses for courses I guess :smt102

Cheers Mark.