3 ms·

If this chain is truly more efficient and/or durable, I would expect them to be selling to two specific markets: - BMX: This market would be all over anything

If this chain is truly more efficient and/or durable, I would expect them to be selling to two specific markets: - BMX: This market would be all over anything that would be an improvement in durability, and frankly a percentage would just do it for the different tooth design. - Auto: Admittedly, the site for the company that is making this new chain mentions automotive in a blog post, but I don't see anything specific to an automotive product. A more durable and efficient timing chain is something I'd expect most of the automakers to care about.

dharmab 6y ago
Tangent: BMW has developed a new diamond-coated chain for motorcycles which they claim requires no regular maintenance. (Motorcycle chains, which are external and near the ground, have to be cleaned and re-lubricated every 300-500 miles for maximum life.) https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/08/27/m-endurance-motorbike-chain/ https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/08/27/m-endurance-motorbike-cha...
- calvinmorrison 6y ago
  Another point: BMW Motorrad has used driveshafts on their bikes since the 80s. In a conventional setup much like a automobile. The only real majntaining is to lube the end gear which sits in a kind of differential housing (there's no diff, but imagine how a car's driveshaft connects to the rear axle). My bike (a k75) has it and well it's pretty cool!
  - dharmab 6y ago
    That's only on the touring models, where the lower maintenance intervals justify the weight and inefficiency. The smaller off-road models like my F750GS and the performance-oriented models like the S1000R use chains for durability/repairability and efficiency.
    - bch 6y ago
      It’s every K and R bike they’ve make since the 1930s (for the R models), including touring bikes but also the GS (which perhaps is a tourer these days, granted), R Nine T (street/sport), R18 (bobber/cruiser), and R1250R roadster.
  - jacquesm 6y ago
    Since the 80's? Much further back: 1923 to be precise.
- loeg 6y ago
  What do they make the cogs out of?
  - dharmab 6y ago
    Motorcycle sprockets are usually made from steel (longer lasting) or aluminum (lighter). The sprockets need minimal cleaning and lubrication and usually wear out at the same time or after the chain, in my experience. The chain and sprockets are replaced as a set, as using a new chain on a worn sprocket can accelerate wear.
    - loeg 6y ago
      If the chains are coated in super hard diamond, won't the sprockets wear much faster?
collyw 6y ago
BMX? Most BMXers I see use pretty minimal setups, only one brake if at all. Durability is more relevant to a fall than for actual power transmission, they only have one gear.

dharmab 6y ago

Tangent: BMW has developed a new diamond-coated chain for motorcycles which they claim requires no regular maintenance. (Motorcycle chains, which are external and near the ground, have to be cleaned and re-lubricated every 300-500 miles for maximum life.) https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/08/27/m-endurance-motorbike-chain/ https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/08/27/m-endurance-motorbike-cha...

calvinmorrison 6y ago
Another point: BMW Motorrad has used driveshafts on their bikes since the 80s. In a conventional setup much like a automobile. The only real majntaining is to lube the end gear which sits in a kind of differential housing (there's no diff, but imagine how a car's driveshaft connects to the rear axle). My bike (a k75) has it and well it's pretty cool!
- dharmab 6y ago
  That's only on the touring models, where the lower maintenance intervals justify the weight and inefficiency. The smaller off-road models like my F750GS and the performance-oriented models like the S1000R use chains for durability/repairability and efficiency.
  - bch 6y ago
    It’s every K and R bike they’ve make since the 1930s (for the R models), including touring bikes but also the GS (which perhaps is a tourer these days, granted), R Nine T (street/sport), R18 (bobber/cruiser), and R1250R roadster.
- jacquesm 6y ago
  Since the 80's? Much further back: 1923 to be precise.
loeg 6y ago
What do they make the cogs out of?
- dharmab 6y ago
  Motorcycle sprockets are usually made from steel (longer lasting) or aluminum (lighter). The sprockets need minimal cleaning and lubrication and usually wear out at the same time or after the chain, in my experience. The chain and sprockets are replaced as a set, as using a new chain on a worn sprocket can accelerate wear.
  - loeg 6y ago
    If the chains are coated in super hard diamond, won't the sprockets wear much faster?

collyw 6y ago

BMX? Most BMXers I see use pretty minimal setups, only one brake if at all. Durability is more relevant to a fall than for actual power transmission, they only have one gear.