428 chain in 140 links! Impossible?

[JeremyW]

I have recently purchased a new beauty (SRX400) and I am doing a chain and sprockets swap. Unfortunately as I have worked out I want slightly shorter gearing (larger rear sprocket) the standard number of chain links is too short.

I thought this wouldn't be a problem until I found out no-one seems to have quality 428 chain in any more than 136 links!

Why is this? Am I out of my mind expecting to find one that will fit?
Have chain makers world wide failed me?

[Kickaha]

Places like Wilson Brothers,Renold or Blackwoods-Paykel used to have it in huge rolls and you could get it cut to length

http://www.blackwoodspaykels.co.nz/AboutUs.aspx

http://www.renold.com/Company/Addresses/NewZealand1.asp

[JeremyW]

Thanks for that Kickaha, will have had a little look but I will make some further inquiries soon.

I know there is a big difference between good and bad chain, not only in lifetime but in tensile strength. Id be inclined to say running two master links is better than running a poor chain but I am really in the dark on this one. Anyone got any ideas?

I have been told to stay well away from running two master links, but is this meant two clip links? Is running rivet links much better?

[FROSTY:Me]

Cycletreads most likley have it in bulk rolls.
otherwise yea use rivit links

[Squiggles]

can still buy it by the rolls even... cant remember where i saw it for sale tho

[Max Preload]

Any power transmission or bearing supplier (Saeco, Bearing Wholesale etc) will have rolls.

[roadracingoldfart]

Be alert to the trans / bearing houses having bulk roll chain. Ensure it is not "split inner roller chain" Its fine for industrial use but wont last on a m/bike for long. You must have solid rollers as bikes accelerate and decrease speed where most industrial applications are constant rpm. Im sure John Brooks Ltd are in Auck so look for them as they sell DID in some sizes.
Most of Renold are imperial sizes so no good, yes i know its .428 of an inch. But its not a std size apart from bikes.
Cheers Paul.

[Max Preload]

Be alert to the trans / bearing houses having bulk roll chain. Ensure it is not "split inner roller chain" Its fine for industrial use but wont last on a m/bike for long. You must have solid rollers as bikes accelerate and decrease speed where most industrial applications are constant rpm.

There's no reason not to use a curled bush roller chain on a bike - frequent reversing of loads does not affect the design.