looks can deceive, what you describe sounds like a chain that is stretched or incompatible. even if it looks good I would check there first. what a beautiful bike you have ! very cool
There are two kinds of people in the world, "Those who help themselves to people, and those who help people!"
when was the last time you measured or replaced the chain?
Nigel
Well, since we are talking about quite a small amount of wear (1/8 of an inch "stretch" over 12 inches, that is a stretch of 1 part in 144): this is impossible to judge by eye. If wear is visible on sprockets or chain rings, chain "stretch" is already really bad and everything needs to be replaced.
Nice bike, btw.
The sprocket does look worn to me, as does the chain ring. Regarding the chain, as I said: you cannot judge this from looking at the chain. You need to actually measure it: use an inch ruler and measure over 12 full chain links. I guess that it will be 12 1/8 inch long... at least
Just wanted to say very nice ride
!!!!
Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!
"Does the chain look like it could be stretched...? "
YES
Nigel
The chain is definitely stretched. You can tell by the way that it no longer lines up with the teeth on the chainring and doesn't sit naturally at the bottom or each tooth cut out.
Yep 10-4 to what was said and to Dave M note about not sitting properly on chain ring. The sprocket is worn but its too nice to replace. The valleys are a bit deep but the points not sharp yet.
BTW the chain is measured rivet to rivet center 12" in 12 links. However we know its stretched.
Very nice bike........
Never Give Up!!!
"The chain measures rivet to rivet centers almost 13 links in 12 inches."
That does not make sense, that would mean your chain shrunk. Could be an unusual chain size or mis counted links.
Never Give Up!!!
Do you mean 12 links in 13 inches? Or do you mean including the "zeroth" rivet where you start measuring it is 13 rivets? I als prefer measuring from start of an outside link, much better defined than eyeballing the centre of a link (though today I have a Rohloff Caliber to measure chain wear). The chain stretch is (as remarked above) relatively small, in the order of 1/16 - 1/8 of an inch over 12 full links (in your case probably more like 1/8 or more, judging from the look of the parts), so you have to measure very carefully.
Also note that the chain ring is quite worn. Putting a new chain + rear sprocket on the bike could result in a skipping chain. Then (unless you can find a NOS=new old stock Schwinn Jaguar chain ring, maybe contact the guy who did the restoration?) your options are: getting a reproduction chain ring, a different chain ring or leaving the system as it is. All of those are... not good. You need to pick the one you are least uncomfortable with.
But you can try replacing the chain first (and probably the rear sprocket) and see how this works out.
Hmm 13 "rivets" in 12 inches? I think that is possibly what he is saying?
Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!