Cold weather prep for a chain?

[Buck Masterson]

OK, I'm not sure if it is the fact that it is below freezing here in Illinois, or if it is because I'm a fat ***, but I have snapped 3 chains in 3 weeks. First one was from Wally World, second one was from target, and the third one was from a local bike shop. (Arm and a leg for this one). Anyway is there something I am doing wrong besides keeping it nice and oiled, or should I just give up until spring? I am so glad that I use a "girls" frame for my winter bike or else my voice would be a higher octave after this last snap. I cringed for a bit until I remembered no bar.

 

[CCR]

WOW :shock: Snapping a chain a week ! Are you pulling a tractor or somethin :mrgreen:

Are they snapping at a master link ?
Are you putting too much tension on them ?
Your not splicing in old links to make them longer are ya ?

otherwise I would think either you've ran into some bad luck or everybodys just selling you junk chain. :?:

 

[user 135]

Single speed chain or multispeed? CCR pretty much nailed what to check for.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Yeah Walmart chains are junk, I've snapped a few myself, Actually the chain I run now is off of a '50's Schwinn and it works better than the new Wal-mart chain. I tow a trailer with mine and haul scrap....... I really punish my bike.

 

[KJV]

sure the alignment is straight?
chain ring bent ?

 

[Buck Masterson]

The master links have not snapped, I'm going with the bad luck theory. I just got back from a ride with no problems, because I was also wondering if the alignment was messed up. It is a bike that sees salt, rain, mud, and once in a while is submerged in the river! The chain that is on it now came off of my buddy's LaJolla. (single speed) He bought a new one that is close to the color of his bike. Anyway don't seem to be any problems with it. I can understand the made in China stuff being junk, but my LBS is not real reliable and have been known to sell stuff that is less then quality to people, but being the only one within 100 miles I at times have no choice.

 

[CCR]

Im familiar with bad luck and yes, it often comes in "3"s :lol:

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Yeah it's bad when I go to the scrapyard with a pair of small cutters and get bike chains by the pound cheaper and better quality than the ones at Walmart.

 

[scrumblero]

if you torture it that much you might try waxing it...

I learned the hard way not too buy the cheapest chain on the shelf, at 21 stone I put some serious stress on those little links ... :lol:

 

[ckdesigns69]

I am currently using garage door opener chains. I had five or six old openers back in my shop at work that the motors were shot on so, I got smart and took off the chains. Plus, each unit has two to three master links on it where the cables connect. I ended up saving the hanging hardware for fabrication parts! Someone from here told me to use them and the next day, I was pulling them apart! I can do about three bikes per opener!

 

[Buck Masterson]

I like that idea! I'm going to be moving in a few months, maybe I'll "borrow" the ones on my garage door when we leave! lol

 

[Bettleguise]

I doubt it's bad luck, you are prob not doing something right. I can pull 800 pounds on a cargo trike with a standard chain, it doesn't snap.

 

[Buck Masterson]

I think it was bad luck, the 4th chain is doing just fine. I even pulled my little homemade trailer to the grocery store this morning with no problems. That stuff happens. I'm not going to sweat it though. Its also a little warmer now too, I think the frigid cold had something to do with it.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

I like that idea! I'm going to be moving in a few months, maybe I'll "borrow" the ones on my garage door when we leave! lol

I can see the CNN story now, A local man was killed today after the cheap Wal-mart bike chain on his garage door gave way letting the door plummet onto his car killing him instantly. Xing Chong the company CEO said this, " Our bike chains are meant to be used for children's bikes and other low stress situations. We can not be held responsible for people's misuse of our products. The family said they plan to take legal action against the home's previous owner for shoddy maintenance.

 

[ckdesigns69]

Plus Buck, the chain on these openers, looks heavier duty than bike chain. They fit the sprocket on a bike nicely and don't seem as cheap and flimsy as bike chain. :wink: