Wippermann Chain Test Video

www.CantitoeRoad.com/connex - Wippermann commissioning bicycle chain tests from RWTH Aachen University in Germany. This video shows chainwear testing of Connex chain vs. other popular bicycle chains on the market. This video shows how that test is being conducted and points out the different items of interest found in results chart.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• bicycle
• chain
• bike
• connex
• wippermann
• SRAM
• shamano
• campagnolo
• analysis
• commentary
• tips & tricks

[at220vanier]

If the chain barely wears out, wouldn't you expect that more wear is imparted on the cogs and rings instead proportionally? I would be curious to see tests showing how a stronger chain could wear the cogs (sprockets or cassettes) quicker.

But thanks for this well explained test. In itself, it shows that these chains are sturdier.

[CantitoeRoad]

@at220vanier

Cogs and chain rings are worn by worn chains. If you replace your chain before it’s worn out, you’ll never (ok, almost never) have to replace your drive train. The reason for this is that a worn chain is longer than a new chain so, instead of the driving load being evenly distributed across all the teeth of the cog as it is with a new chain, a disproportionate amount of the load is borne by the leading teeth. The exact same situation also occurs at the chain ring.

[CantitoeRoad]

@at220vanier

With a worn chain, even when there is pressure on the pedals, you can lift the chain off the chain ring at the 3 o’clock position. This is because there is so much slop in a worn chain that only the teeth at the 12 o’clock position are under tension. Instead of the load being evenly distributed across 26 teeth (assuming you’re using a 52-tooth chain ring), the load is focused on the 4 or five teeth at 12 o’clock. The more worn the chain, the worse it becomes.

[CantitoeRoad]

@at220vanier

When it’s new, a cheap chain isn’t going to wear a drive train any more or less quickly than a high quality chain. The difference is that cheap chains will wear up to three times more quickly than Wippermann, so you get into the “danger zone” much sooner. A cheap chain isn’t so cheap if you have to replace it three times as often as a good one.

[Begbucks]

Wippermann still in business? Back in my day (early 90's) I wished for your coveted Titanium ($300) chain lol

[at220vanier]

Thank you for taking the time to clearly explain and support your test method and conclusion. I now understand better how you arrive to that conclusion and concur. You made a very good argument and I'll be better off with this information, with a new first choice in chains for my next change...

Regards.

[CantitoeRoad]

@mekore Since youtube doesn't allow links in the comments you can visit our CantitoeRoad(dot)com site and search for the blog post on "Chain Stretch" or go to this link on bit.ly /jnq5X4

[CantitoeRoad]

@shapirus Not yet.

[shapirus]

Were any tests like this conducted for some 9-speed chains?

[CantitoeRoad]

@mekore We can't start from zero because we are measuring the length of the chain. If the manufacturer manufactres a chain that is longer than the reference point, we can't shrink the chain. We have to start from whatever length the chain is out of the box.