New chain and sprockets

[Kerry_129]

Very valid point on the diminishing rate of return the more you spend - the continued tool analogy is a good one, and maybe that $80 RK is the 'Craftsman' chain.

I can also see a 2-1 front/rear swap being fine, especially if you're not running the chain to the ragged edge (I don't either, and generally swap it once I start to see any kinking). Not like a little faster (maybe negligible) rate-of-wear is going to be a catastrophe, especially on a small/lightly-ridden street bike. I guess my mindset is just that since there's always SOME wear, it should be changed always (and I've read/heard that point several times, I think mostly from chain/sprocket mfgs - go figure ).
I did know a guy years ago who went down pretty hard due to a nearly-new snapped chain, though I wasn't with him at the time - supposedly it wasn't at the master-link & the pin just shattered. Never had a problem with one myself - but I do consider it a 'critical component' since a failure could potentially hurt/kill you & probably would give zero warning & why I advised to be a bit paranoid of the least-expensive ones out there.

Lon - I'm not so fond of 'arguing', but I like a good discussion/debate too as long as they stay friendly. Sorry if I sometimes come off as arrogant or know-it-all in expressing my opinions in writing, I don't mean to & I don't think that my opinions/views are the only 'right' ones (hardly!).

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by Kerry_129

Very valid point on the diminishing rate of return the more you spend - the continued tool analogy is a good one, and maybe that $80 RK is the 'Craftsman' chain.

I can also see a 2-1 front/rear swap being fine, especially if you're not running the chain to the ragged edge (I don't either, and generally swap it once I start to see any kinking). Not like a little faster (maybe negligible) rate-of-wear is going to be a catastrophe, especially on a small/lightly-ridden street bike. I guess my mindset is just that since there's always SOME wear, it should be changed always (and I've read/heard that point several times, I think mostly from chain/sprocket mfgs - go figure ).
I did know a guy years ago who went down pretty hard due to a nearly-new snapped chain, though I wasn't with him at the time - supposedly it wasn't at the master-link & the pin just shattered. Never had a problem with one myself - but I do consider it a 'critical component' since a failure could potentially hurt/kill you & probably would give zero warning & why I advised to be a bit paranoid of the least-expensive ones out there.

Lon - I'm not so fond of 'arguing', but I like a good discussion/debate too as long as they stay friendly. Sorry if I sometimes come off as arrogant or know-it-all in expressing my opinions in writing, I don't mean to & I don't think that my opinions/views are the only 'right' ones (hardly!).

No fair!!!!! But you're an engineer, I LOVE debating with engineers!!! I'm not suggesting that he doesn't swap it, I only gave that as an option because it can be a fucking pain to get the old one off!!! Again, I've heard stories of chains breaking for no reason-btw was it a name brand chain? hee,hee, I just find it far fetched. Improbable not impossible imho. My biggest problem has always been the "no warning" aspect of these situations. I've had lots of dealings with chain in industrial applications and without fail they have always shown signs of wear before they've broken. This out of no where scenario is hard for me to swallow. I mean how far did they let the thing stretch? Were there kinks? Was the chain properly adjusted? Aligned? I agree that it's a critical component BUT I also know that it is something that is highly quality controlled for that very reason. At least as much as brake pads or tires. NOBODY wants that lawsuit or reputation!!! A couple guys go down due to failures and it would be over for almost any chain manufacturer these days.