Jørn Dahl-Stamnes wrote:
> On my commuting bike I switch between 3 chains. While one chain is on the
> bike, one is cleaned and ready to be put on the bike whenever needed, while
> the third is being cleaned.
This method could be carried beyond 3 chains...
A standard chain must be replaced to avoid excessive wear on the cassette. In
average, a cassette lasts 5, maybe 6 chains before the wear goes too far making
the cassette incompatible with a new chain. Standard chains are probably able to
last more than that - at least under normal use - as several reports from
riders who used the chain for ~ twice the "normal" lifetime seem to demonstrate.
Furthermore, near the end of the lifetime of the cassette, a new chain needs
some time to "break in", time where some skipping cannot be avoided. I have
this usually at the last chain before I replace the cassette.
Now, imagine a scenario where a new cassette is coupled with - say - ten chains.
The ten chains are rotated periodically (every month or so) and - when not in
use - they are kept well protected against rust (e.g. well greased or in an
oil bath). By doing this, the ten chains adapt themselves to the wear of the
cassette even when this is no longer compatible with a new chain.
The only "weak link" in all this could be the replacement pin. But the Quick
Link approach bypasses this problem (a new link could be used every 5000 Km,
or each chain could be given its own quick link).
The advantages? Replace-and-clean approach, several spares - all well adapted
to the wear of the chain and a cassette that lasts the double...
Disadvantages? Using a chain beyond the common pattern could make it break...
Also, the chains may become incompatible with a new cassette (on-the-field
replacement, for example, or multiple cassettes rotated according to the
conditions). As a matter of fact, I have never tried to use a worn-out chain
on a new cassette...
Any extra thoughts?
Ciao,
--
Roberto Divia` Love at first sight is one of the greatest
Dep
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