Singlespeed chain? Why bother?

[Andrew_Culture]

The chain on my singlespeed looks like it is about to fall apart so I'm going to replace it before it snaps mid-grunt at some traffic lights and causes me a genital discourtesy.

The chainset on my bike is a standard gearing Shimano Stronglight and the rear cog is taken from a standard 10 speed cassette (I converted to SS by adding LOADS of free hub spacers), so should I buy a normal 10 speed chain rather than spending the extra on a singlespeed chain?

 

[mangid]

I would stick with a narrow chain for narrow cog and chain ring.

An SS, 1/8, chain isn't necessarily more expensive though, £6 for an SRAM 1/8, but having broke those in the past, and them wearing out in a couple of months I must admit to treating myself to Izumi Super Tough these days. Get maybe 6K from one, just mickle it with a couple of baby wipes after a dirty ride, so far no breaks, and even wear. I did try DID for a while, but the bolt wore quicker than the pins, so always ended up with an annoying ticking noise after 3K, before the chain had worn out ....

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I would stick with a narrow chain for narrow cog and chain ring.

An SS, 1/8, chain isn't necessarily more expensive though, £6 for an SRAM 1/8, but having broke those in the past, and them wearing out in a couple of months I must admit to treating myself to Izumi Super Tough these days. Get maybe 6K from one, just mickle it with a couple of baby wipes after a dirty ride, so far no breaks, and even wear. I did try DID for a while, but the bolt wore quicker than the pins, so always ended up with an annoying ticking noise after 3K, before the chain had worn out ....

£55 for a chain! Wow! Mind you, it would probably be worth it. I've just worked out I've done 4000 miles on this chain, and it would have been a cheapie to start with!

 

[mangid]

I know, it's a guilty pleasure ;-)

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I just gave my bike a good clean and noticed the rear cog was really badly shark toothed, so I replaced it (how I love the simplicity of maintaining singlespeed bikes). Definitely time for a new chain!

 

[fossyant]

That's gone !

Stick with a 3/32 when running that kit.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

That's gone !

Stick with a 3/32 when running that kit.

I'm now off to the Interwebs to figure out what 3/32 means

 

[fossyant]

I'm now off to the Interwebs to figure out what 3/32 means

Standard chain.

1/8th is a single speed 3/32 referred to geared for 8 speeds? You could easily run a 8 speed chain as they are stronger than 10.

 

[TheDoctor]

If you're after economy, my SS has been running perfectly on a £3.99 7 speed chain from Asda.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Smart, I'll go for this chain then http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-hg50-78-speed-chain/

 

[mangid]

Smart, I'll go for this chain then http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-hg50-78-speed-chain/

Did you order a quick link, or do you go with the connecting pin ?

I know I fretted with the connecting pin on my Road Bike ;-) Not had any issues, but always seems a bit more phaff ....

Bolt, nut, and loctite, you know where you are then

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Did you order a quick link, or do you go with the connecting pin ?

I know I fretted with the connecting pin on my Road Bike ;-) Not had any issues, but always seems a bit more phaff ....

Bolt, nut, and loctite, you know where you are then

I'll use the connecting pin, I finally figured out how to use them!

 

[Smurfy]

Fifty-five notes for a SS/Fixed chain!!!!!!!

I'm willing to pay that for an EAI cog, but the cog should last for years, whereas the chain most certainly won't.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I normally buy the 1/8 chain for my fixed from the LBS near work, cost about a tenner and gives me about a years use, about 3000 miles, until they closed down I used to buy the six pound chains from the bike stall in Coventry Market, used to give me the same life as the ten pound chains.

 

[Roadrider48]

I saw a SS 1/8 chain on the Wiggle site for £8. It was a gold colour!