The o rings actually somewhat self lubricating rubber inserts that fit in between the outside link plates and inside roller link plates seal in lubrication and seal out.
What does an o ring chain look like.
The o ring chain looks beefier and feels quite a bit heavier too.
The x ring type chains are more modern chains with x shaped rubber ring placed in between the chain plates to seal the grease filled inside the chain components.
It has higher performance in terms of durability lifetime and power loss than non o ring chains as it has less friction than o ring chain while.
As upon pressing these type of rings come in contact with lesser surface area and hence less drag coefficient is generated with same efficient sealing property as o ring chains provide.
Upon first glance if you had to choose one solely based on visual durability the o ring chain fits the bill.
First the o ring chain consists of o shaped rubber fittings o rings placed in between each link of the chain.
You can use either the o ring chain or not o ring chain for our bike is around 65 at my local shop you need to change your sprockets as well as the chain they must ware together or the chain will ware out much quicker.
Like the standard o ring chains it is also used in high performance motorcycles.
These fittings are filled with a manufacturer installed lubricating grease that forms a protective barrier over the entire chain.
They look like this.
The o ring chain operates the same as a roller chain except for in a couple of very significant areas.
The x ring chain is a specialized type of sealed roller chain used to transfer mechanical power.