single speed chain?

[mntlion]

So I've seen a few on ebay, listed as 1/2" x 1/8" . Is this just a thicker and stronger (less strech out) chain that still fits the normal rings? same lenght spacing, just stronger?

[AfroMullet]

So I've seen a few on ebay, listed as 1/2" x 1/8" . Is this just a thicker and stronger (less strech out) chain that still fits the normal rings? same lenght spacing, just stronger?

The plates are shaped differently. Yeah, SS chains are normally stronger.

[Lunch]

So I've seen a few on ebay, listed as 1/2" x 1/8" . Is this just a thicker and stronger (less strech out) chain that still fits the normal rings? same lenght spacing, just stronger?

Are your chainrings 1/8 or 3/32? That should dictate the chain you get. 1/8 is best for SS (for reasons already stated) but may be a little harder to find if you have a chain emergency.

[Hugh Jass]

If you're using a SS crankset and rear cog, you need a SS chain. A regular Shimano geared chain won't do. SS chains are thicker and burlier to withstand the torque and strain. SRAM makes some good ones. You can use a BMX chain on a SS too.

[marshalolson]

i have had good luck w/ sram pc-7x and kmc z-chains (both bmx) on my singlespeed over the years.

[gravitylover]

If you're using a ss chainring and freewheel use the SRAM PC1. Should cost about $10. If you are using a geared chainring and cog try a SRAM PC 48 or 59 chain, they will far outlast most others and should cost quite a bit less, $20/25. 1/2 x 1/8 is thicker/wider and a different pitch so it won't fit geared cogs/chainrings. Don't bother with KMC, they suck.

[mntlion]

1/2 x 1/8 is thicker/wider and a different pitch so it won't fit geared cogs/chainrings.

thanks THAT was what I was looking for.

[marshalolson]

Don't bother with KMC, they suck.

interesting... what have you seen go wrong with them? i've used this chain on my fixed gear w/o any issues... actually though it was pretty nice compared to a pc-1
http://home.earthlink.net/~kmcchain/english/z510hx.html
just curious.....

edit: clarifying

sorry for the hijack!

[wintermittent]

If you're using a ss chainring and freewheel use the SRAM PC1. Should cost about $10. If you are using a geared chainring and cog try a SRAM PC 48 or 59 chain, they will far outlast most others and should cost quite a bit less, $20/25.

I use PC 1s, too. They're great for 1/8" rings and cogs. If you plan on using 3/32" standard size cogs, do what gravitylover suggests and get a 7 or 8 speed (rather than a weaker, skinnier 9 speed) SRAM chain. That's a great idea.

Careful about 3/32" chainrings and cassette cogs, though. Many are pinned or ramped to aid in shifting. If your singlespeed chainline isn't exacto perfect, or Venus is out of alignment from Saturn, your chain is going to jump all over the place and frustrate the bejesus out of you. Invest in cheap, plain vanilla 3/32" rings and cogs WITHOUT pins or ramps.

1/2 x 1/8 is thicker/wider and a different pitch so it won't fit geared cogs/chainrings. Don't bother with KMC, they suck.

Sorry, I gotta call bullshit here.

1/8" width chains will ride on 3/32" width teeth. It's not the ideal situation, but it's possible.

"Pitch" is the measured distance between chain rollers. Modern 1/8" and 3/32" chains both are 1/2" pitch.

I have great luck with KMCs, especially the galvanized Rustbusters. The fixie loves Rustbusters, and she ain't gentle on chains.

[mntlion]

so will a 1/8 chain work on a geared chainring and cog?

[wintermittent]

Will it work? I say yes until somebody proves me wrong. FAR from ideal, though; for example, you might experience wear problems because of the wider chain on narrower teeth.

Should you do it? I say no. Not unless you simply can't/won't get a solid 7 speed/8 speed chain like gravitylover suggested. And, even if you used your existing 3/32" geared rings and cogs, you're still prone to throwing your new 3/32" chain if your geared parts have shift ramps or pins.

Ideally, you should get a fresh chain, ring, and cog, sans shift ramps and pins. I prefer the burly safety factor of 1/8" parts, but I know several singlespeed racers that do just fine with 3/32" parts, too.

Have you been running this rig as a singlespeed, or is this a new project?

[mntlion]

just starting to ride the bike, fall winter project

91' Alpine star, WB 90mm fork, XTR BB ring (34) and cranks, ? 19T cog, ENO ecc disc hub on the way to mavic 317 now a bontrage 28H to 213 rim, XTR V brakes R, Magua disc F, Kenda quick tires.

right now the chain link is perfect and the chain lenght is just a bit too tight at 34/19 but when the eno shows life will be better. 34/20 WAY too loose.

After a few rides with stock chain I started to blow the side pins of the chain. (as the lenght is a bit too small/too much chain tension) ENO will solve this I hope

[gravitylover]

Actually you are right, the pitch is 1/2" on both. Oops. It's the width that's different. You'll be okay with a geared ring on the front like a vuelta road ring without ramps but a 1/8 bmx ring will be much better. I think Odyssey makes a 34/110 (not sure though). You may be right about the kmc rustbuster, I just have a thing for the pc-1. We've had too many kmc mtn bike chains self destruct on the trail. They really don't like to have pins pushed back in, it stretches the hole and blows up pretty soon after that(usually while downshifting on a muddy hill).

[wintermittent]

gravitylover: Totally agree w/you about your SRAM recommendations. IMHO, the removeable Powerlinks on SRAM chains (like the PC 1) are much nicer than the removeable link on some of the KMCs. I just use the KMC Rustbusters because they're easier to come by than a SRAM Saltshaker or a Wippermann. [/hijack]

XTR BB ring (34) and cranks
ENO ecc disc hub on the way

right now the chain link is perfect and the chain lenght is just a bit too tight at 34/19 but when the eno shows life will be better. 34/20 WAY too loose.

After a few rides with stock chain I started to blow the side pins of the chain. (as the lenght is a bit too small/too much chain tension) ENO will solve this I hope

That White Ind. ENO hub looks sweet, good call. I was reeely close to buying one. Let us know how it works out... It will definitely make your chain tension problems go away.

M950/952 XTR ("old" XTR, I'm guessing that's what you've got) is 4-bolt and 112mm BCD. That sorta limits your chainring options. Hopefully, you won't have any chain jump problems because of the shift ramps on the chainring.

I did a quick search and couldn't find any 112mm 4-bolt 34T rings without shift ramps/pins. Salsa (Harris Cyclery link) has a nice 3/32" one that's cheaper than the Shimano XTR ring, but it too has ramps/pins. Couldn't find any 112mm bashguards, either. A bashguard would help keep the chain on.

Anyone else singlespeeding on an XTR crank?

[marshalolson]

i hear jericho's spiderless set-up is dope... or pickup a 4 bolt xt spider.

[mntlion]

I have the old outer 4? tooth ring as a bash guard so if I have issues I can just play with getting an inner one, or set the chain line to the outside a bit more?
KMC Z-410 singlespeed chains

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

do it or just keep the shimano HG or IG 73 that is on the bike now