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Generally sizes are described as 'pitch by length'.
For example 520-118 - this has a pitch of 520 and is 118 links long.
It's actually the distance between the chain pins.
Loads, but commonly used there are the following:
Chain | Pitch | Width | Roller Diameter |
---|---|---|---|
415 | 12.70mm | 4.88mm | 7.75mm |
420 | 12.70mm | 6.35mm | 7.75mm |
428 | 12.70mm | 7.75mm | 8.51mm |
520 | 15.88mm | 6.35mm | 10.16mm |
525 | 15.88mm | 7.85mm | 10.16mm |
530 | 15.88mm | 9.53mm | 10.16mm |
532 | 15.88mm | 9.53mm | 11.10mm |
630 | 19.05mm | 9.53mm | 11.91mm |
632 | 19.05mm | 9.66mm | 12.68mm |
Well, unless you want to go measuring it you just need to look on the side of some of the links.
Most motorcycle chain brands stamp the size here.
Standard is a regular chain. We normally only sell these for smaller road bikes. For example GN125, Varadero 125s, CB250 etc
Heavy Duty is the most popular for mid sized bikes on the road. Also most MX bikes can run a HD chain.
O-ring is what almost every road bike over 400cc takes. It's also used on some MX bikes, especially for enduro use. They retain lube better than HD chains.
X-ring is like a better o-ring. An x-ring chain can retain grease for longer due to the shape of the rubber rings. (If you took a cross section of one it is an 'X').
The o-rings keep the lubricant contained which reduces wear on the chain - therefore your chain lasts way longer!
X-rings are one step better again at retaining lubricant.
A split link should be installed with the closed end facing the direction of travel.
The reason for this is so that if it hits a branch or stone that the link isn't popped off the chain.
For road bikes I'd suggest every 300-500 miles.
For off-road/motocross bikes it's much more regular as the conditions will strip the chains dry. I'd suggest on every ride and certainly after every power wash.
With any bike you want to ideally apply chain lube and don't ride the bike for 30 minutes or more. This will give it time to dry in.
The short answer is NO.
WD40 is good if you want to clean chain lube and dirt off you chain.
It's terrible if you want to lube it. It's so thin that it will fling straight off. If you're on a road bike it'll fling straight all over your clothes and your back tyre.
Use proper chain lube. It comes out of the can thin, penetrates the chain and thickens out as it dries on.
If you're out of adjustment is a general rule that you need to change your chain.
Also if you can pull your chain off the rear sprocket and there's a gap it's time to change.
If you're changing the chain you almost always need to change your sprockets at the same time - they wear together.
Fitting a good chain onto old sprockets is asking for trouble.