How do I order a replacement chain

[Chazmo]

Hi gang,

As some of you know, I/we were left high and dry by the demise of Juiced last year. I’d like to replace the chain on my RipCurrent S (fat bike) as I clean everything up after quite a bit of riding. Any idea how I order a new chain? The documentation in the owners manual mentions the following about both the crank and the chain, but this seems to not be specific enough for me to (easily) find a chain. I realize that a new chain may need to have a couple of links popped off and a new locking link is needed too. Any advice on how to do this myself? It doesn’t seem like rocket science, but I’m not sure what measurements need to be followed to get the right fit.

Chain Ring
Pro Wheel 52T
Crank Length: Aluminum CNC | 170 mm
Outside and Inside Aluminum Chain Guide

Chain
9 Speed Chian
Rust Buster
128 Links

 

[DaveMatthews]

Hi gang,

As some of you know, I/we were left high and dry by the demise of Juiced last year. I’d like to replace the chain on my RipCurrent S (fat bike) as I clean everything up after quite a bit of riding. Any idea how I order a new chain? The documentation in the owners manual mentions the following about both the crank and the chain, but this seems to not be specific enough for me to (easily) find a chain. I realize that a new chain may need to have a couple of links popped off and a new locking link is needed too. Any advice on how to do this myself? It doesn’t seem like rocket science, but I’m not sure what measurements need to be followed to get the right fit.

Chain Ring
Pro Wheel 52T
Crank Length: Aluminum CNC | 170 mm
Outside and Inside Aluminum Chain Guide

Chain
9 Speed Chian
Rust Buster
128 Links

I "think" Rust Buster is a KMC brand name, so I'd look for a 9 speed KMC 128 link

 

[Chazmo]

I "think" Rust Buster is a KMC brand name, so I'd look for a 9 speed KMC 128 link

Thanks, Dave.

I’m going to study the chain carefully and see if I can figure out what (if anything) is etched on it. I see that there are some markings on some of the pictures of KMC chains. For the record, I’m not finding an appropriate match with web searches.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Thanks, Dave.

I’m going to study the chain carefully and see if I can figure out what (if anything) is etched on it. I see that there are some markings on some of the pictures of KMC chains. For the record, I’m not finding an appropriate match with web searches.

I think I'd email KMC. If they supplied the original chain they should know.

 

[Gionnirocket]

The Rust Buster coating is part of the KMC entry level chains.
I'd upgrade to a KMC X9 or E9. On these chains the rust buster is known as EPT

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Chazmo: The biggest issue is to find a 9-speed chain that is at least 128 links (or longer). That is not very easy as such long chains are only made for e-bikes and are pretty rare. What I could find is:

• KMC E9 E-EPT, 136 links (comes with a quick link)
• SHIMANO CN-E6070, 138 links (comes with a connecting pin)

(The product links are only examples).

When you do a search, make sure the chain is for 9-speed and really long (that is, has 128 links or more); you will need to shorten it before the install.

 

[indianajo]

9 speed is important (width), # links is important. Brand and series not important IMHO. All chains since ~1950 have been 1/2" link length. Rust buster should not be important if chain is lubricated often enough. I've used 3 different KMC chains and also Suntour chain since it comes in a 132 link pack for my stretch frame. All lasted about the same - ~5000 miles. I use SUS46 hydraulic oil about every 2 weeks to lubricate the pins and prevent rust, since I ride in the rain frequently. Also known as Type A or F ATF (not dexron or mercon, those contain detergent), air tool oil, and 3in1 oil.

 

[Chazmo]

Thanks for all the great advice, gents!!!!! I’ll post a few pictures when I get to this. The bike’s had over 1000 miles since I cleaned it thoroughly.

FYI, I’ve got about 1/2 of that mileage on this chain, @indianajo, but I’m going to replace it now when I pull the rear wheel off and clean it and the gears/derailleur. I ride a lot in crappy conditions too — especially this past winter — which has taken its toll on the drivetrain including bending the chainring and (I think) stretching the chain. Also, thanks for the advice on lubricants. Do you use a standard chain lube in addition to hydraulic oil?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Chazmo, a thousand miles and the chain already stretched past 0.75%? You must use a lot of motor power...
Use an automotive brake cleaner for degreasing the chain. Then apply a bike chain lube: a droplet on each roller. Wipe clean and dry (the lube should only stay inside the rollers). Bike chain lubes come as Universal, Dry or Wet. Use whichever you want. No mineral oil: it only attracts dirt.

 

[Chazmo]

Nope — leg power, Stefan. I have a hub drive on my Juiced RipCurrent. The chain has 2300 miles on it though, and I think I damaged it a bit when I jammed up my front crank and bent my chainring. The chain’s been coming off the chainring occasionally since then. Anyway, no point in trying to keep it since I’m going to do surgery on the bike soon to clean the rear-end (especially).

 

[Stefan Mikes]

2300 miles

OK.
I added procedures to lube the chain above.

 

[Chazmo]

Oh, I forgot to mention that I have a spare chain from my parts bike, but that chain is a pretty big mess, and I think I’ll replace rather than raid the parts bike for that nasty chain.

 

[indianajo]

Do you use a standard chain lube in addition to hydraulic oil?

No. Just 10w oil without detergent.