Chains! Split link or Rivet link??

[crickleymal]

As I understand it, a split link is every bit as strong as a riveted link when under the correct tension, which is why a lot of the big top fuel and modified drag bikes use them for easy of maintenance..... But they are only as strong under a pulling load, but when a chain becomes worn and gets lateral side to side movement and under load the weakest point obviously becomes the spring clip.


Now bearing in mind the dragbike argument that most people use to justify the strength of a split link is majorly flawed as most drag bikes have little or no rear suspension movement so therefore very little chain slack compared to a modern road bike and those bikes will have the chains binned after a few race meetings. Where as a road bike will keep that chain for up to 20K (or longer) it will wear enough to give scope for the chain to have some side to side movement especially when downshifting this is enough for a spring clip to potentially fail and therefore have the chain fail.


I hope this clears things up a little.....

Yup, thanks