Chain Life

[tallpaul]

I found that my Haibike FullSeven chain had stretched about one links worth over about 1200 miles. Mix of hills, bike paths, a little off road. It started to make noise despite being clean and well lubed.
So I went into my local eBike store (literally around the corner from my house, how lucky can I get!).
They sell, rent and service Haibikes, among others. The very on top of it fellow there said the chain he recommends is the KMC X10e Sport Bicycle Chain specifically made for Bosch and other drive trains.

Runs quiet now, lubed it with Dry lube.

Anybody have any experience with this chain? I am hoping to get more then 1200 miles I got with the Shimano chain that came with the bike.

BTW, in the 1200 miles logged on the bike has been very reliable and a lot of fun to ride!

 

[rich c]

Does your Haibike have a Bosch or Yamaha? 1700 miles on my 2016 Haibike XDURO Full Seven S RX, no chain issues yet.

 

[Roxlimn]

I've been using a Yamaha PW powered to commute to and from work on asphalt, fire roads, and occasionally very bad potholed streets. Over 3000 miles. No issues.

 

[tallpaul]

My bike is powered by Bosch Performance Line. Seems you all have gotten many more miles on your chain.
I didn't have any issues with the chain and derailleur but constant noise from the chain when pedaling. At first I would clean and lube the chain and it would quiet down but after maybe 50 miles or so it would be noisy again. Switched from dry lube to ChainL with the same results. And the last attempt or so to lube and quiet the chain was unsuccessful, still noisy after the lube.
While in the shop for the new chain the Sprocket Equalizing System (S.E.S) bearing was replaced as it exhibited some binding as it rotated. It was replaced with an upgraded ceramic bearing.
I would say my riding is not severe at all, mostly smooth paved bike paths and an occasional stretch of dirt path.
I do try to keep the bike and all its running gear clean and well lubed. I hope this eBike specific chain will outlast the original Shimano.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

My bike is powered by Bosch Performance Line. Seems you all have gotten many more miles on your chain.
I didn't have any issues with the chain and derailleur but constant noise from the chain when pedaling. At first I would clean and lube the chain and it would quiet down but after maybe 50 miles or so it would be noisy again. Switched from dry lube to ChainL with the same results. And the last attempt or so to lube and quiet the chain was unsuccessful, still noisy after the lube.
While in the shop for the new chain the Sprocket Equalizing System (S.E.S) bearing was replaced as it exhibited some binding as it rotated. It was replaced with an upgraded ceramic bearing.
I would say my riding is not severe at all, mostly smooth paved bike paths and an occasional stretch of dirt path.
I do try to keep the bike and all its running gear clean and well lubed. I hope this eBike specific chain will outlast the original Shimano.

Have you cleaned the complete drive train?
Like the chaining, cassette, derailleur etc.

I am amazed that people get less than 1000 miles on their chain. I don't do off-road stuff but mostly on-road. Chicago winters are harsh and in the last 14 months, I put ~5000 miles on my Xduro Trekking Speed bike and had to replace the chain only around 4000 miles. Granted, I never the use Turbo, 99% Tour mode and I clean and lube the drive train every 250 miles.

 

[rich c]

You aren't talking about the noise from the sprocket equalizing system are you? They do have the side guides pretty tight to the chain with that design to keep the chain clean if riding in mud, there would naturally be more noise from that as compared to my Trekking bike for example. When my son road it for the first time, he told me I needed to adjust the derailleur. Then I showed him the idler.

 

[motostrano]

Yes. Pretty normal. Chains and brake pads get worn out quicker on than regular bikes with the Ebikes. Particularly EMTB
Joe

 

[tallpaul]

rich c, yes, I did replace the SES bearing but it was the chain making the noise as best as I could tell.
It is really hard to isolate sounds as you are zipping along.
I did remove and inspect the SES side guard and found that it was not rubbing there.
I try to keep all the drivetrain components clean to answer Ravi's question.

I think I need to take into account that I am almost 200lbs, did ride the first few hundred miles in Turbo or Sport mode as I got back into riding for the first time in maybe 50 years (had motorcycles in between). Now I like to put more of my own power into it and stretch the distances that the 400W battery can deliver.

And I can see what Joe from Motostrana says about quicker wear on components on an eBike. After all the bike alone weighs twice what a non eBike equivalent would be, and the torque loads I would assume are much greater.

 

[rocky289]

I have a SDURO Full Nine RC.
Done 6500k's mostly offroad
Still on original KMC x10e EPT chain.
Chain gauge showing minimal wear.
Used only Squirt chain lube from new
I have a friend with same bike on same conditions.
Replaced his chain about 3500k.
He uses engine oil on his chain.

 

[tallpaul]

I have a SDURO Full Nine RC.
Done 6500k's mostly offroad
Still on original KMC x10e EPT chain.
Chain gauge showing minimal wear.
Used only Squirt chain lube from new
I have a friend with same bike on same conditions.
Replaced his chain about 3500k.
He uses engine oil on his chain.

Wow, that is good news about the chain.
Would you know if the KMC x10e EPT chain. the same as the KMC x10e Sport chain?
Also a good endorsement for Squirt, I'll look for it.
Thanks!

 

[Sweetwater]

Wow, looks like I just got bit by the chain stretch.
Rode it last week and put it up for the weekend.
Took it down today and it puttered immediately.
Up on the bike rack to find the chain is skipping and not seating on the small cog above the motor.
No damage to any teeth but I'm not going to take a chance.
Chain replacement tomorrow, 1500 miles on my 2016 Haibike XDuro Fullseven S Pro.

 

[tallpaul]

That's a bit more mileage I got out of my chain. The guy at SD Fly Ride said Haibike is recommending the KMC X10e which is an ebike specific chain. I had a Shimano HG-X before. I think Shimano now makes an eBike chain as well.
So I finally was able to quiet down the chain. After using White Lightening Dry and then ChainL wet, neither of which worked well, I tried MucOff C3 Ceramic Lube, after thoroughly cleaning the chain. It is now super quiet! But I find that after about 50 miles it needs a re-apply. Talking with some knowledgeable bike guys they thought that wasn't unusual to need reapply lube. I don't mind, it takes a couple of minutes and to have it run silently is worth it's weight in gold to me!

 

[Sweetwater]

Yes, I've read the recommends for the KMC chains.
I found a reasonable price on a KMC X11e and established a good contact with a local ebike technician.
He had never ridden the CX Performance Speed and was really interested in it.
I had him take a ride around the lot and he's a convert like me.
lol

 

[tallpaul]

The KMC X11e is for an eleven speed cassette. Our bikes have a 10 speed (if I recall correctly that we have the same Haibike Fullseven S RX) so the X11e will not work.

 

[Sweetwater]

The KMC X11e is for an eleven speed cassette. Our bikes have a 10 speed (if I recall correctly that we have the same Haibike Fullseven S RX) so the X11e will not work.

FullSeven S Pro has an 11 speed cassette. I had to go count cogs to be sure. I think there are a couple other minor differences between the bikes. Thanks for making me double check.

 

[tallpaul]

Aha, you have S Pro. Thought we had the same, sorry to bother you. Chain should be about $45 or so. I have learned the long way around that there are some important chain protocols. I am not a good typer, if you want call me and I'll share my experience. I'm at 619-518-8424.

 

[Nova Haibike]

The KMC X11e is for an eleven speed cassette. Our bikes have a 10 speed (if I recall correctly that we have the same Haibike Fullseven S RX) so the X11e will not work.

Actually, an 11-speed chain will work on a 10-speed system. The only difference between a 10 and 11 speed chain is about half a millimeter in outside width.

 

[Dmitri]

I've been using KMC X11e and KMC X1 respectively on my bikes and, sad to say, even on a Rohloff system that's supposed to give a (theoretical) 6-8 times the durability, once those chains get dirty, they seem to get annihilated, i.e. stretch out fairly quickly. I try to clean them but it doesn't seem to help much.

My latest attempt at this puzzle is to go for a Wipperman Connex chain... those are supposed to be more durable (well, they're twice as heavy, that might help), we'll see how it goes. I'm still trying to figure out why nobody makes heavy-duty chains specifically for ebikes. Missed market opportunity?

 

[rocky289]

Any chain will wear out quicker if you leave grinding paste on it.

 

[Nova Haibike]

I'm still trying to figure out why nobody makes heavy-duty chains specifically for ebikes. Missed market opportunity?

I'm not sure how they could make the chains any more heavy duty without giving up something else, such as going to fewer gears, or making the chains less flexible (and poorer shifting).