Chain tubes when to replace where to buy

[NUKe]

A couple of my chain tubes on the grasshopper are starting to split at the ends, which I suppose is to be expected, I have put insulating tape around, and the work fine.

1. How do you know when they need replacing
2. where to buy
3. Are there different types, Are some better than others,

[[XAP]Bob]

Replaced mine when they got chewed by the sprockets. ICE sold them, so I'd go to the manufacturer/dealer....

[squeaker]

A couple of my chain tubes on the grasshopper are starting to split at the ends, which I suppose is to be expected, I have put insulating tape around, and the work fine.

Splitting or slot worn by the chain? If the latter then I suspect that either the alignment is not good (I trashed the first set on my Grasshopper due to shoddy re-assembly ) or you've done a massive mileage. I bought a replacement set from Bikefix (including fittings) then made sure of the alignment this time
I've been advised on the BHPC forum that irrigation tubing like this is OK, but I'm not convinced yet about its friction characteristics as it's LDPE rather than PTFE. I would say that the tubing ICE uses is noticeably low in friction

PS: it's relatively easy to trim the split ends off and re-flare using a hot air gun and suitable round ended object, but if the wear groves go a long way up the tube then it definitely is replacement time.

[NUKe]

Thanks guys

the stuff marked PTFE is Almost certainly made from LDPE and either impregnated or coated with PTFE. My problem with irrigation tubing would be its UV and oil resistance.

I don't know the life of the current tubing, as I bought the bike second hand.

At least I know I can get a set from Bike fix they don't list them But I think I might let it run a little while longer.

Martin

[UpWrong]

I bought from BikeFix but it was pricey. Next time I might try here http://www.toxy-liegerad.de/Components-spares-accessories/Chain-drive/Chain-tube-per-m::100241100.html

[Stradageek]

I bought 30m of irrigation tubing which has lasted me and my laid back friends for years.

I had concerns that it looked 'softer' than the original tubing and might be 'draggy' but all fears proved groundless, being 'softer' it is much less prone to embrittlement and cracking and it is undegraded by oil over the 10 years I've been using it.

Only downside is the need to invest in a length of dowel rod to assist straightening the tube (with a hot air gun) as it comes as a wound reel.

[NUKe]

Splitting or slot worn by the chain? If the latter then I suspect that either the alignment is not good (I trashed the first set on my Grasshopper due to shoddy re-assembly ) or you've done a massive mileage. I bought a replacement set from Bikefix (including fittings) then made sure of the alignment this time
I've been advised on the BHPC forum that irrigation tubing like this is OK, but I'm not convinced yet about its friction characteristics as it's LDPE rather than PTFE. I would say that the tubing ICE uses is noticeably low in friction

PS: it's relatively easy to trim the split ends off and re-flare using a hot air gun and suitable round ended object, but if the wear groves go a long way up the tube then it definitely is replacement time.

SQEAKER you were exactly right. It completely disintegrated this evening taking with it the spring bracket which goes behind the chain idler . I assume this can be bought from bike fix I'll give them a ring tomorrow.

[NUKe]

I bought 30m of irrigation tubing which has lasted me and my laid back friends for years.

I had concerns that it looked 'softer' than the original tubing and might be 'draggy' but all fears proved groundless, being 'softer' it is much less prone to embrittlement and cracking and it is undegraded by oil over the 10 years I've been using it.

Only downside is the need to invest in a length of dowel rod to assist straightening the tube (with a hot air gun) as it comes as a wound reel.

Might give this a go next time, for now I want to get back on the road.

[Geoff.D]

I've been advised on the BHPC forum that irrigation tubing like this is OK

Thanks for this reference, squeaker.
I don't currently have any tubes on my bike. The advantage of this, of course, is quieter running. But the disadvantages are occasional oil marks on my leg (or leggings) and some "slap" on the chain stay. I've been toying for a while with making a new idler and incorporating tube mountings. You might just have given me the prompt to get off my backside!

[NUKe]

OK I have the chain tubes and brackets on their way from Bikefix. The only reference I have for fixing is the grasshopper manual. any gotcha's on the fixing of the tubes and brackets.

What do you use to flare the ends? I thought hot airgun and ball of hammer?

[squeaker]

OK I have the chain tubes and brackets on their way from Bikefix. The only reference I have for fixing is the grasshopper manual. any gotcha's on the fixing of the tubes and brackets.

None that I recall, other than being dead fussy about alignment on the powerside to avoid the mess shown in the attached

What do you use to flare the ends? I thought hot airgun and ball of hammer?

Hot air gun and wooden file handle (wood so as not to cool the tube too fast).

[squeaker]

A few pix of the current, seemingly durable, set up using genuine HPV tubes and fixings.

[NUKe]

That's brilliant Squeaker thank you.

[Elizabethsdad]

There is always something like this:-
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Round-Co ... m/p/109639
for a cheap diy job

[NUKe]

Now I have received the new ones from Bikefix, I realise that the old ones were just LDPE tubing. Will be fitting tonight. must remember to keep turning the tubes to prolong their life. Think I will be swapping to the LDPE one when these wear out, providing I don't wear out the brackets again . Also I notice from Squeaker's pictures, I have the wrong clamp at the front on the lower tube.

Once again thanks for all the help