O Ring Chain Vs X Ring Chain

As the two plates push on either side of the o ring it distorts to have two flat sides to its shape.

O ring chain vs x ring chain.

Casual riders and racers more often prefer a standard chain most notably because of cost but also the weight savings. Dubbed the x ring chain prox s o ring style chain offering features a qx style o ring. The sealing rings then have two purposes. O rings were available first and the ring is literally o shaped.

It uses x ring seal to keep lubricant usually grease in place. To keep the internal lubrication in and to keep the dirt out thus vastly improving the durability of the chain. The o ring chain debuted in 1971 while the x ring has been around for about 10 years or so and has become a popular choice for off road riders. Like the standard o ring chains it is also used in high performance motorcycles.

Qx refers to the specific shape of the o ring which results in less rubber surface area touching the chain plates while still sealing in grease. It has higher performance in terms of durability lifetime and power loss than non o ring chains as it has less friction than o ring chain while. In some cases they will last as much as three times longer than a standard roller chain. An x ring dirt bike chain is newer far newer actually than the standard non o ring chain that probably propelled the first bicycle.

The x ring design is similar to the o ring design in almost every way except to increase the efficiency of the chain the design was altered to an x style ring where the contact point of the ring would only be on four points. As upon pressing these type of rings come in contact with lesser surface area and hence less drag coefficient is generated with same efficient sealing property as o ring chains provide. O ring chains are virtually maintenance free after installation. O ring chains have a longer operational life than roller chains especially under off road conditions.

O ring chains also stretch less and last far longer than the standard chain. The only maintenance required is the occasional application of lube to the chain. This is great for. Prox x ring chains operate with approximately 40 less friction than a comparable o ring chain.