CHAIN DRIVE

The gear chain is a wearable part and therefore the lifespan cannot be measured in riden kilometers, due to the applicated use, the shifting method of the rider and the condition of the chain itself, the lifespan of the gear chain can vary enormously. Naturally the starting quality of the chain plays a very important role.

In high performance use, the bicycle chain recieves up to 500kg of force. Therefore, an extremely high level of surface pressure of 300kg/mm2 is to be found here in the chain links. When the chainrings up front are smaller, the amount of force applied upon the chain is increased and with it, the amount of surface pressure in the links (e.g. on all MTBs with compact drive, microdrive, and hyperdrive C). The amount of surface pressure also rises when the chain is running at an angle so that the contact area is reduced.

Even though the Rohloff chain with its optimal patented linkage system that reduces the amount of wear caused by the surface pressure, it still needs to be lubricated just like any other type of bicycle chain. Without this lubricating film between the contact surfaces, an abrasive friction will occur within the linkage parts and this will lead to a quicker wear of the chain.

One of the essential wear factors is the amount of penetrated dirt within the chain linkages. Hard particles (e.g. sand) could enter the chain and lie on the above surface of the bearing collar, this sand then starts to work like sandpaper. Material from the pin surface will be slowly worn away, a little lubrication helps even if this occurs. Without this vital lubricative film, the lifespan of the chain can be drastically reduced. To fully understand this effect, we will turn back to the sandpaper example: Dry sandpaper is very abrasive. When however, it is used with a lubricant (e.g. water), the abrasive effect is conciderably reduced. With oil as a lubricant, the abrasiveness of the sandpaper has hardly any physical effect.

The manufacturers can increase the lifespan of the chain by designing an optimal linkage system, precise finishing and the use of an extremely hard pin surface.

The user can conciderably increase the lifespan of the chain simply by regularly cleaning and controlling the condition and lubrication of the chain.