Chain alignment tolerances

[markocosic]

How forgiving are the chains typically usually used on FSAE of misalignment?

In the limit could they take 2.5 degrees of twist and 8mm offset over a two foot length? Wouldn't ordinarily be run at those angles, but could be asked to.

How daft would transmitting braking forces (as well as acceleration forces) through a chain be? Presumably you'd have to watch tensioning arrangements carefully but else (just prior to) lockup would be no worse than (just prior to) wheelpin?

[threehondas]

I think in the 70's some guys put brakes on the front sprocket on some cutting edge motorcycles to cut down on the rotating mass... But they were soon thrown away/made illegal since when you break your chain you loose your rear brake (not that you use it much anyway on a bike).

I'd hate to think what this would do to the bike jacking...

Someone else ever heard of this rumor?

[threehondas]

Actually that was a really dumb post. the rotating mass would be the same.

Unsprung mass however would be lower.

I swear I've seen this setup before...

[Agent4573]

to answer the last question asked, just prior to lockup wouldn't be nearly as bad as just prior to wheels spin. You gotta remember which way your weight is shifing in each case. I've down shifted my bike hard enough to slide the rear tire, so i would assume that braking through the chain wouldn't be a problem at all. Not sure about the 2.5 degree twist though.