New Renthal products
 

As my chain and sprockets have nearly reached the end of their life, although not completely worn yet, I have called B&C Express in anticipation of a unexpected failure and was about to re-order same set again. The last 2 kits I've got from them have lasted me a decent amount of miles. The kit I normally get from them consist of their Renthal sprockets and a Tsubachi Gold X-Ring chain.


However I was lucky enough to be answered on the phone by the most knowldgeable person in B&C Express and I asked him what was available that would last me even longer than the last two kits I got from them. He said that there is a new rear sprocket made by Renthal which is made out of Hard anodized alloy and it is expected to be even more durable than their normal alluminium ones.

Renthal�s Hard anodised sprockets feature all the benefits of our regular aluminium rear chainwheels but also have increased resistance to wear. Hard anodising is an integral surface coating, which significantly increases the hardness and wear resistance of the chainwheel surface. Hard anodising is performed under stringent conditions and involves passing an electrical current through the chainwheel whilst submerged in a dilute solution of sulphuric acid at 0∞c. Renthal�s combination of a very high strength base material and an exceptionally hardwearing surface result in significantly increased chainwheel life.


The front sprocket is still the same but the chain is a new product by Renthal called the R4 Road Chain SRS (Self Regulating Seal) here are the specs.


RR4 A Racing Chain
Renthal�s RR4 A highly specialized lightweight 520 sealed ring chain developed exclusively for Superbike racing applications where a combination of lightweight and durability are a must. Utilizes Renthal�s Self Regulating Seal (SRS) technology to increase service life. The specially developed Self Regulating Seal (SRS) ring is preloaded during assembly creating a spring effect. As the chain wears, conventional o-rings and x-rings loose their seal, however the SRS ring has the ability to unload itself during use keeping a tighter seal against the side plates. This offers increased longevity as the specially formulated grease remains trapped around the critical pin and bushing area longer while also keeping dirt, water and other contaminants out.

• SRS ring technology enhances chain flexibility and offers smoother operation than standard o-ring chains
• Chain features high alloy steel plates and pins, solid bushings and rollers, shot peened side plates for added strength and gold side plates
• Chain comes pre-stretched from the factory so less adjustment is needed during initial break in
• Every chain comes with a pair of latex gloves for mess free installation

These are the pics of my new drive kit.
Total price? �114 for the lot as opposed to �93 for Tsubachi x-ring/Alloy Renthal Sprockets.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...0/DSC01716.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...0/DSC01717.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...0/DSC01719.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...0/DSC01720.jpg

Great technical info from Capt"engineer"moto there, would have liked to have seen a picture of the latex gloves though.......

Alan you are so demanding.... you know if you are good boy I'll get you to fit that set of chain and sprockets for me.

Here's a pic of your favourite latex items

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...0/DSC01721.jpg

But what is with the knots???????????????

They are old sailing knots used on ships in the old days. A present from one of my clients.

I have used the hard annodised sprockets before and they definitely last longer, the one I'm waiting for is the new twin ring sprocket which is currently only available for off road bikes but B&C / Renthal are planning to introduce for road bikes, see the link:
http://www.renthal.com/twinring.asp
In the meantime,I've just ordered one of the Super sprox from OTR these should last really well as they use steel teeth
Let me know what you think to the chain capt as I'll need a new chain shortly

And they are on!

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...2082007274.jpg

isn't that chain a bit loose ?

You think that's loose, you should see mine! :eek2:

In fact I have seen it. I saw the pic after or during your recent long trip :D Scary!!

I've taken a link out to do me until a week Saturday (new C&S kit going on) and it's still stretched!!! Fingers crossed it gets me through next week and especially next Monday :107:

Anyone taking a tow rope?

That looks about right to me. My chain looks like that but everytime I check it I've got 1.5 inches of slack from in line with my wheel rim. 1.5 inches is minimum, 2 inches is maximum. I know what ya mean, it does look deceptive.

One thing I would check after 50 miles is that the tensioners on the ends of the swinging arm are still tight. They have a habbit of coming loose on my bike.

They don't do ropes with the same sprocket sizes as chains!

No Miguel it's not loose it has been adjusted as per manual with the correct 40-55mm slack with me sitting on it. But as it says on the box it's a pre-stretched chain which will not need adjusting for a long time therefore the mechanic suggested to be on the safe side and measure the slack with the rider weight included as otherwise it will be too tight

The way I read the manual is 40-55mm without the rider on it. I'll have another read tonight just to be sure.

Good. What do I know about mechanics and chains anyway :015:

No the manual doesn't say anything about the rider, but contrary to this we originally set the slack at 40-55mm without me on it, but when I sat on it, the slack was much less, hence we adjusted it again.

Fran, don't take this the wrong way, but did you eat all the pies?

lol I must have

The chains should be adjusted whilst on a level surface, on a bike stand so you can easily rotate the wheel with NO rider on it. The manual is not 100% clear if the rider is on or not but it is with the rider not on the bike. If the rider was on it then the measurements would vary depending on weight.