Re: [CR] I have chain hang-ups, doctor. Please help me.

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From: "David Snyder" <dddd@pacbell.net>
To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <c0f.e12a43c.340a9c97@aol.com> <008401c7edcf$2fac4260$4001a8c0@compaq> <1CFD4459-5298-4742-880D-B4E56E6601DD@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [CR] I have chain hang-ups, doctor. Please help me.
Date: Sun, 2 Sep 2007 18:53:28 -0800
reply-type=response

Yes, noisy and fast-wearing. Many older chains seemed similarly so, but the better ones were/are... ...probably better. But, the subsequent Uniglide "Narrow" model, and similar current (6-7-8-speed) HG-91 chains are bushingless design, which allows the inner links to flex as parallelograms, greatly reducing the tendency for cross-chaining to cause frictional interaction between inner and outer plates. The 1981, 600-equipped Bianchi Super that I just bought and rode has the original, earlier model Uniglide. I immediately found that it actually squeeks (!) just 30 miles after applying my usual, diluted "dry" lube, so I upped the percentage of oil in the bottle and now it has well exceeded the 30 miles I got from the initial lubing, without squeeking. With just 6 cogs the chainline isn't too challenged, and it's working well, but experience tells me the newer chains will be quieter and easier shifting.

Modern pedals and chain are sometimes the only additions I make to a "new" (old) bike. Modern chains are that good. And, this Bianchi needs a better saddle than this (ouch) buffalo Kashimax!

David Snyder Auburn, CA usa

Chuck Schmidt wrote:


>I tried Shimano Uniglide chains in the early 1980s and found them to be
>noisy. This was also the word on the street back then... maybe shifted
>slightly better but noisy. I like Sedis and Regina much better back then.
>Just sayin'. . .
>
>
> On Sep 2, 2007, at 7:07 PM, David Snyder wrote:
>
>> That's what I like to hear.
>> No, not merely that your hi-performance bike's drivetrain is suddenly
>> working better with the addition of a less esteemed brand's O.T. chain,
>> but that you stayed up until after 2am getting a vintage bike working to
>> acceptable standards.
>> No, YOU the man!
>>
>> David Snyder
>> having just finished riding my just-bought 1981 Bianchi Super in
>> Auburn, CA, usa
>>
>>
>>
>> Bob Hansen wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Good idea David,
>>> I see exactly what you mean about the bulged side plates. That does
>>> make
>>> perfect sense as you describe the actual shifting and I can almost
>>> visualize
>>> the alternating wider openings of the bulged plates helping to simply
>>> dropping
>>> a hooked chain around the tooth...
>>>
>>> I have a couple of spare silver Sunrace chains, so before I had even
>>> finished writing this e-mail, I have just tried one. Amazing. I can
>>> immediately
>>> see a dramatic improvement in shifting.
>>>
>>> You the Man David!
>>>
>>> Thanks Much!
>>> Bob Hanson, Albuquerque, NM, USA
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> David Snyder wrote:
>>>
>>> Bob,
>>> Your PC-58 chain has straight-sided sideplates that don't really reach
>>> out
>>> far enough to go fully over the teeth under certain conditions. I've
>>> also
>>> had this problem with the previous Sedisport chains on Maillard
>>> Helicomatic
>>> cogs. Very annoying, this unwanted, sudden freewheeling.
>>>
>>> Switch to a chain with bulged-out outer sideplates. Pioneered in the
>>> modern
>>> era by Shimano with their Uniglide chains, and available today in
>>> their
>>> HG-91 model.
>>>
>>> Others, including KMC, Sunrace, YBN (IRD) and SRAM (with their latest
>>> 851/951(?) models), have also adopted this design, but most super-
>>> narrow (9
>>> & 10sp) chains use flush pins and beveled, but not bulged-out
>>> sideplates.
>>>
>>> The Shimano-style chains also grab vintage chainring teeth more
>>> aggressively
>>> for easier shifting up front. Shimano's current chains are also
>>> definitely
>>> among the very longest lasting.
>>>
>>> The Sunrace 8-speed chains come in a bit narrower than Shimano's HG-91
>>> and
>>> are my current favorite for friction shifting because they are less
>>> finicky
>>> about precise shift lever position. These attach traditionally with
>>> normal
>>> press-fitted pins, are inexpensive, seem to be long-wearing and have
>>> an
>>> attractively polished finish.
>>>
>>> David Snyder
>>> preferring Uniglide sprockets above all others in
>>> Auburn, CA