Hi, I've been researching chains for my GG TXT 250 Pro, having just made my debut returning to the sport after 22 years(!) and decided I want the'proper' 520 trials chain from Regina (being approx. 250g lighter than an R1 or equivalent Regina RX3). This is where the problems start. It seems that all UK suppliers are being provided with Regina 'trials chain' with 'gold side plates' (EBORO), that is actually the most basic 520 chain primarily designed for road bikes up to 250cc, and according to Regina's own website suitable for trials bikes up to 125cc! Look on the trials tab here: http://www.reginachain.it/eng/products/range.shtml The 'proper' (EBXL) chain which is recomended up to 350cc trial can be seen here: http://www.reginachain.it/eng/products/pro...fessional.shtml This is not presently imported into the UK by anyone (I know, I asked Regina after wasting my time with a lot of suppliers trying to chase one down). The EBXL will be OEM on some bikes.
Sorry for rambling, but the point of this story is that we in the trials community can get the 'proper' Regina chain imported (I am not saying it's the only make out there, but having researched it, it's the one I want to try). This could help those of us that want less unsprung weight (a lot of the chains weight is on the back wheel while riding) helping to improve suspension performance (the rear wheel and other 'unsprung' weight has less inertia and therefore can move up to absorb bumps more easily and perhaps more importantly the spring can push the whell back down a bit quicker to regain contact with the all importnat grippy bits!! (Yes, I know the damper also controls that rate, but if you have a heavier chain than standard you need to consider your damper settings with that in mind). I'm not trashing the idea of a heavier or even o-ring or x-ring chains altogether. It's down to personal choice, what suits you and what you want to use it for.
So, here is a question. How many people out there would go for the the 'proper' chain like the EBXL if given the choice? I would think there would be a premium in price over the motocross chains (eg R1, Regina RX3 etc) that seem popular though. The EBXL uses similar materials for the pin for the aforementioned chains. I do not know about the rollers. The weight saving appears to be in the use of thinner side plates made of higher grade (alloy) steel allowing it to take more stress within it's smaller cross section (- Sorry, I'm a mechanical engineer if you didn't work that out already!) I'll look forward to seeing what opinions are out there....
Cheers,
Mark