Difference between X and O-Ring chains

[Slinn84]

Just checked out the patturn parts web site and noticed that for my thundercat i can get X or O ring chains. Whats the difference between the 2??

How can i tell which type is currently on my bike at the moment??

and also my chain is an endless one which means i have to remove the swingarm to get it off and put a new one on. Can i split the chain or buy a split link chain?? cos removing the swingarm is a b@$|ard of a job

cheers

[Bezzer]

X and O just refer to the cross section shape of the rubber sealing rings in the chain.X ring are supposed to be better ...read dearer. Get whichever you want really, you'll probably end up with one with a soft rivet link, just cut your old one off with an angle grinder, you don't need to take the swingarm off.
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I used to be indecisive but now I'm not quite so sure.

[Slinn84]

taking the old chain off is no problem really

how do i go about putting the new chain on tho? can u safely split a chain and rivet it back together? surley this will create a weak spot just crying out to snap. if it can be done, any reccomendations on tools?

cheers

[BanditsHigh]

The new chain you get will all ready be split and it'll come with a rivet link.

Fit the new chain on with the back wheel off (for ease of access) ... then using a hammer and a heavy weight (a bigger hammer) rivet the chain.

To rivet the chain, put the heavy weight behind the link you are rivetting, and then use the small hammer to 'mushroom' out the head of the link pin (i.e. spread the head of the pin out) ... periodically check the the link is still free to move.

Either that or ...

1) spend £50-£60 on buying a chain rivet tool
2) go down to the local bike shop and get them to rivet it, but then you'd need to remove the swingarm to get the chain on
3) do what I first suggested and then take it down to a bike shop to get it checked/done again (as in rivetted with one of their tools) ... should only cost a fiver or so.

All the best ... Barry