Single speed chain that won't stretch...

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BDC

BDC

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... like a rubber band with a big guy on it?

Oops - I should have put the ? on the title.

But my new STR 29er came standard with a KMC Z410A chain. I've had a few of these on other bikes and they stretch badly lugging my bulk. 4 days riding and it's gone from properly adjusted to sloppy-as. I bitched about it when I bought it - $800 bike with a $5 chain.

Ideas?
 
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Half link chain.


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I would think a half link would be worse. The "stretch" happens because the holes elongate and that half-link has more holes. More info at Sheldon Brown: http://sheldonbrown.com/chain-wear.html#stretch

Have you measured the chain to check for wear? It may be your coaster brake hub axle sliding forward in the dropouts. Try adding serrated washers to get some extra bite.
 
In the old BMX days, we used to run Schwinn Exercycle chains once we got into the teenage Expert classes. There are some really strong chains available for street freestyle riders, but they'll be short lengths; you made need two of them to make up the length for a 700C-wheeled bike.
I agree. My fixie-foo friends confirm that stretch is worse on half-link chains. Since each link has an S-bend in it, the bends start to straighten out a bit over time. They stretch worse than a good 1/8" chain if you're big. Half-links just look cool and allow for easy chain-length adjustment when switching wheels/sprockets.
My personal experience is that every chain requires an initial tension adjustment after the first fifty miles or so. All chains wear in a little, and I wouldn't consider that to be excessive stretch. When the chain is tensioned back up, and you start hearing excessive chain noise or start throwing the chain is when you know you have real "stretch" issues.
 
cman said:
I would think a half link would be worse. The "stretch" happens because the holes elongate and that half-link has more holes. More info at Sheldon Brown: http://sheldonbrown.com/chain-wear.html#stretch

Have you measured the chain to check for wear? It may be your coaster brake hub axle sliding forward in the dropouts. Try adding serrated washers to get some extra bite.
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Cheers - Ol' Sheldon would have to be the most widely referred site in cycledom. I did check in there too.

It's not worn - It's a brand new BMX Cruiser with freewheel hub and it's properly lubricated. I have the same chain on other bikes and they have continued to stretch over their lifetime.

The shop I bought it from suggested that they all use a Shadow Conspiracy Premium half link chain - which they would add length to if required. But it's expensive for what may not fix the problem. The 280lb problem.

I did have that coaster brake problem you mention on my Electra - a liberal coating of grease to the axle threads also helped keep the nuts tight and stopped it creeping forward in the dropouts..
 
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This might be a long shot, but could pedal cadence have anything to do with your chain stretch? Just guessing (and I have Clyde tendencies myself) but maybe extreme slow powerful strokes = more torque = stretched chains. Maybe experiment with a shorter crank or smaller chain wheel ?
 
horsefarmer said:
This might be a long shot, but could pedal cadence have anything to do with your chain stretch? Just guessing (and I have Clyde tendencies myself) but maybe extreme slow powerful strokes = more torque = stretched chains. Maybe experiment with a shorter crank or smaller chain wheel ?
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Yeah - that makes sense too.
 
I have gone from 240 to 210 lbs over the last couple of years bike riding probably gets the credit for that.
I have upped my cadence some as my legs have gotten stronger. I have a few coaster brake bikes but my behavior has changed on gear shift bikes and I have sped up my cadence maybe 20%. Used to be happy at about 60 rpm at the crank maybe 70 now. :)
 
BDC said:
Any particular preferences?

I did spot these: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/322091314052

I've used DID chains on motorcycles and been pleased with 'em.
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I took out the magnifying glass but still no idea what mine is. It is half link chain like Cruez suggested....A heavy and aggressive BMX rider suggested it after my complaints of chain stretch on my fixie.
 
Todd Embre at Gravis E-Bikes uses half link chain for its strength. I accept that half link chain would still stretch and adjustment and or replacement would be necesary, however, half link should get you home and not stranded 40 miles out walking home.

Big guy here too. 330 lbs January 2016. 280 lbs today. Bike riding partly responsible.

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KMC Z510 HX might work as it is for fixie, track and BMX. My son rides a fixie and his chain looks like it came from a motorcycle it is so beefy. I think it is probably from a freight bicycle or a tricycle, which have wider chains. Some motorcycle chains are 1/2 inch pitch but the rollers are probably different and probably won't fit the bicycle sprocket. My son told me that you need a strong chain if you are going to rely on it to stop a fixie. I don't ride fixie so I know nothing about the chains for sure, just guessing ,but a tricycle chain might be stronger.
 

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