How long should my ebike chain last?

[John F]

Thanks to everyones help.

Update on my "worn?" chain saga.

1) No tight links

2) Measured accurately with steel rule 40 links = 508mm. Actual length 511mm therefore due for replacement

3) Investigated gear change to check for less than perfect set up (seemed ok so far) I couldn't get it into bottom despite accurate adjusting both the limiters. Checked the cable and one strand had strung out, despite my soldering the end.

4) Conclusion is worn chain and defective cable

It never rains but it pours!

 

[shemozzle999]

YBN e-bike chain range:

http://www.yaban.com/index.php?option=product&lang=en&task=pageinfo&id=371&belongid=368&index=2

Thick/thin chain ring for muddy off road:

https://www.sram.com/news-articles/sram-officially-license-its-popular-x-sync-technology

 

[John F]

YBN e-bike chain range:

http://www.yaban.com/index.php?option=product&lang=en&task=pageinfo&id=371&belongid=368&index=2

Thick/thin chain ring for muddy off road:

https://www.sram.com/news-articles/sram-officially-license-its-popular-x-sync-technology

Interesting. Who supplies these? Apart from the tensile strength there isn't much technical info here. What do people think?

 

[shemozzle999]

Get your dealer to try an inquiry via their UK website or find a LBS who sells YBN chains and they can source one for you.

http://ybnchain.co.uk/

Although you might find the cost prohibitive looking at their prices for specialist chains.

 

[John F]

Get your dealer to try an inquiry via their UK website or find a LBS who sells YBN chains and they can source one for you.

http://ybnchain.co.uk/

Although you might find the cost prohibitive looking at their prices for specialist chains.

Can't see a reference to ebikes on this site. 8 speed is only £12 ???!!!

 

[John F]

Get your dealer to try an inquiry via their UK website or find a LBS who sells YBN chains and they can source one for you.

http://ybnchain.co.uk/

Although you might find the cost prohibitive looking at their prices for specialist chains.

This is the full catalogue
http://www.yaban.com/upload/en/85/46_file_1.pdf

Might be worth checking this out

 

[flecc]

Our *.co.uk site only has the normal chains, it seems only the US *.com site lists the e-bike versions like the S8e.

 

[Emo Rider]

I have just replaced the original chain on my BH City 700. In spite of religious care (and no off roading) it was just at the limit on my chain checker. I took eddiejp's advice and replaced it before I needed a cassette too. I had just under 3,000 miles on it. If I was a fair weather rider it probably would have lasted longer. However, using it as a daily commuter, the constant road slime works to defeat even the best of chain maintenance.

 

[El Champiero]

In my experience, road slime certainly seems to be more destructive to chains than mud stuck to it from going off road. Not entirely sure why - there are a lot of variables in play though. I think the most important variable here is how often you use the bike. Frequent use (i.e. daily commuting, 5 days a week) is most likely going to wear out the chain quicker than a half-day off road ride in the mud.

 

[D C]

Another massive cause of excessive chain wear with derailleur gears, particularly on 24 speed or more, is having the chain on the largest front chain ring and at the same time on the largest sprocket at the rear wheel, likewise the smallest front chain ring and smallest rear sprocket. This is best avoided as the chain will be severely out of line.
It's good practice to use only the the centre front chain ring for the full range of rear gears and when using the outer and inner front rings try not to go much past the centre gears at the rear.

 

[shemozzle999]

Dare I say that this is a typical example of where a forum representative could approach the company for sample chains for review and John F could review the product on a long term test

 

[mike killay]

I have often wondered whether to try and reduce my thin 8 speed to an old fashioned 4 speed derailleur.
Back in the 1950's, people didn't change their chains ever.

 

[D C]

I have often wondered whether to try and reduce my thin 8 speed to an old fashioned 4 speed derailleur.
Back in the 1950's, people didn't change their chains ever.

In my case it was because I couldn't afford to!
all my bikes in that era where made from bits of other bikes and as I knew no better they were wonderful.

 

[shemozzle999]

Next Generation E-bike Chain2014

5,000KM durable chain life.
Center Motor E-bike system

e 10S Chain – DECA10-1
e 9S Chain – NOVE9-1
e 8S Chain – OCTO-DH
(OCTO-DH ,TAYA E-bike chain,has been selected by Accell Group,
the world's biggest bike group.)

http://www.tayachain.com/webe/html/product/03.aspx?num=82

 

[flecc]

That's a nice find, I hope someone imports them to the UK.

Since they mention use with the Panasonic units, they should also be long enough for the longer wheelbase for a change.

 

[shemozzle999]

That's a nice find, I hope someone imports them to the UK.

Depends on how many empty suitcases are being taken out to the Taipei Cycle show

TAYA - Nangang Exhibition Hall K0610

 

[John F]

I want one (7 speed) please!

 

[Emo Rider]

That's a nice find, I hope someone imports them to the UK.

Since they mention use with the Panasonic units, they should also be long enough for the longer wheelbase for a change.

Yes a longer chain for the Panasonic would be great for my BH City 700. I had to use an extra section of chain and a quick link when I replaced it. As a footnote, the old worn out chain was costing me about 5 miles of range. I'm getting my original range again. The bike was new in June and has done just under 3,000 miles. I thought it was the battery.

 

[John F]

Yes a longer chain for the Panasonic would be great for my BH City 700. I had to use an extra section of chain and a quick link when I replaced it. As a footnote, the old worn out chain was costing me about 5 miles of range. I'm getting my original range again. The bike was new in June and has done just under 3,000 miles. I thought it was the battery.

How did you figure out the decreased range? A longer chain for my bike too 130 links. Most seem to be 115 ish

 

[Emo Rider]

How did you figure out the decreased range? A longer chain for my bike too 130 links. Most seem to be 115 ish

The indication that my range was better, with the new chain, was immediate. The performance of bike told the story when the power levels stayed in their zones much longer before dropping. With the worn chain, I was getting three round trips in and the battery would sometimes go flat a mile or two before I got home. Now, I am pretty sure I could make an extra one way trip with remaining power like I use to. Two charges later the battery has gone straight to two lights when put on the charger instead of one light after three round trips.

The rollers on the chain were worn and probably full of road slime grit. Where this is a chain drive bike and not a hub motor, it would stand to reason that a worn chain would create more drag on the motor.