‘Best’ single speed 1/2” x 1/8” chain……?

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sevenfourate

Devotee of OCD
I’ve been using KMC Z1 wide chains on my BMX’s:

https://ebay.us/m/zwWOzt

But the last two chains; seem to have quite severe tight / loose spots. And they sounds ‘tinny’ compared to how I remember a few years ago……..

Which means setting chain tension / stopping chain slap on the rear-stays is ‘difficult’ on micro gearing.

What’s a decent (Silver ideally) chain right out the packet. That will likely have no tight spots. And wear well without excessive stretching ?
 

Sharky

Legendary Member
Location
Kent
My understanding is that tight/loose points are not due to the chain, but slight imperfections in the chainring.
The chain's tightness needs to be set at the tight point. If you set the chain at the slack point, you'll possibly get a grinding noise as it goes through the tight spot.
 
OP
OP
sevenfourate

sevenfourate

Devotee of OCD
My understanding is that tight/loose points are not due to the chain, but slight imperfections in the chainring.
The chain's tightness needs to be set at the tight point. If you set the chain at the slack point, you'll possibly get a grinding noise as it goes through the tight spot.

Yup. Tension set at tight spot of course.

With micro gearing and the chain running so close to rear stays - doesn't take much excess slack to get into constant / potential frame rub.

INTERESTING on the issue may be sprocket not chain. Bike is freshly built. Chain is brand new from reputable source. Sprocket is likely a mediocre brand / quality. That I’ve been debating upgrading. So I think I’ll start there…..

Appreciate that. Helpful 🙏
 
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