As title really, im about to buy new chains for both of my SS bikes just as a little treat before winter sets in
What do you recommend? Something purposeful and well marketed, or the cheapest rust resistant 3/32 chain from halfords?
Bike Forum
Favourite SS chain
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Posted 7 months ago #
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The £8 gold one from KMC(?). Silly to spend more IMO.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I just use a decent SRAM 9 speed chain.
most manufacturers concentrate their efforts on geared stuff so it tends to be better quality.
I think it was a surly blog I read where they recommend doing this too.
Posted 7 months ago # -
The 0.75% worn one that comes off my road bike.
Posted 7 months ago # -
The 3/32 Onza one from velo solo thats actually a KMC Kool Chain in a Onza box
Posted 7 months ago # -
Charlie Bikemonger says no real advantage to quarter inch stuff. Heavier too.
I'm on a nickel plated KMC speed, I think. Cheaper than 9 speed.
Edit: eighth inch, not quarter!
Posted 7 months ago # -
Just about any 1/8" KMC, not worth spending more than £10
Posted 7 months ago # -
Posted 7 months ago #
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Anything that takes a powerlink.
Posted 7 months ago # -
+1 for the kmc z510 hx.
Posted 7 months ago # -
2nd cheapest SRAM 9 speed chain for me.
They seem to be durable enough and one of my reasons was demonstrated last week: a geared rider's chain snapped and I was carrying the right powerlinks to fix it for them.
Posted 7 months ago # -
The KMC 610 Rustbuster singlespeed is brilliant.
Zinc coating to keep the rust away and single-speed to be rigid and not whip off the sprocket or chainring.
Price is almost too cheap at £6.Get them whilst you can.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25653
Posted 7 months ago # -
clubber - Member
The £8 gold one from KMC(?). Silly to spend more IMO.It would have to be the gold one wouldn't it Clubber!
Posted 7 months ago # -
Of course
Posted 7 months ago # -
bugger, pretty sure i threw away a worn 9spd chain only a couple of months back!
not to worry, lets see how CRC do on delivery time
Posted 7 months ago # -
Whatever comes off the geared bikes when it's too worn to stay on
Posted 7 months ago # -
I use a 1/8 chain but that's because my sprocket is 1/8.
If you have chain length issues (because there isn't enough adjustment in your sliding dropouts or EBB (or tensioner if, like me, you use one) then a half link chain will be a blessing.
Posted 7 months ago # -
KMC 710 - it's my favorite by dint of it being the only one I've ever used - 1/8th (what does that even refer to anyway?)
Posted 7 months ago # -
KMC Z510HX is the best SS chain imo. I always used them for bmxing and never snapped one.
Posted 7 months ago # -
SRAM PC870 for £12ish. 6-8 months on my regular bike which is longer than the PC850 and about 4x the life of a PC830. I didn't like KMC's 3/32 offerings.
Posted 7 months ago # -
bimbler
1/8th" is the width of the chain, 1/2" is the pitch - the distance between pivots
Posted 7 months ago # -
Gold 1/8th chains available from the big ASDA Walmart stores at £2.98 each. I clear the shelves of them when I go and replace every month or two to keep it sweet
Posted 7 months ago # -
KMC Z610HX
Posted 7 months ago # -
ditto kingtut as to me the whole point of SS is keeping things simple and cheap. Thats includes not washing them.
As I don't change those chains often I prefer a 4 quid one from Asda. Last for ever and I can use 2, 1 soaking in oil then draining, the other on the bikePosted 7 months ago # -
I didn't like KMC's 3/32 offerings.
Strangely their 3/32 geared offerings didn't wear well and i'd not buy them again, but the single speed hx series have proven much more durable even in 3/32 (to me at least).Posted 7 months ago # -
SRAM PC1. Cheap and bullet proof
Posted 7 months ago # -
Yet another votey for KMC 510s ( or even 610s if you fancy 3/32nd).
Cheap as chips, strong, and even come with a quick link thingamajig.
Use them for track and fixie.Posted 7 months ago # -
3/32 is just as strong as 1/8"
Wider is not stronger.... the myth occurs becaiuse 1/8 chains are intended for track or BMX, so the plates are built burly. 3/32" chaina are designed for lighter geared use, so less burly. But the KMC Z610hx is a 3/32 bmx chain, same as the 1/8" z510hx but ligter due to being narrower.Its...
3/32"
light
riveted pins for more strength
silver
never had a failure in 6 years of selling and using thses.
dead cheap at £12 inc postage... and available here... http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/kmc-z610-hx-chain-332-41-p.aspSorry, but you got me on my specialist subject... would be shit boring for the viewers if I ever did mastermind.
Posted 7 months ago # -
the joining link looks more secure on the HX CtBm is stocking
i went with the 610RB from CRC as it was half the price, but now i will ride it 'knowing' the link is weak and about to induce a balls stem disaster - get what you pay for
Posted 7 months ago # -
quick links.... I never use them.
A chain will always break at its weakest link, so why introduce a convenient but weak link. I just rejoin the KMCs with a normal pin.
If you use the quick link to get the chain off for cleaning, then just buy a fresh chain, they cost less than fish, chips, pickled egg + onion, a guiness and a nice icecream. Small sacrifice to make... better that than your daddy batteries* being smashed on the stem.
* Ladies can insert their own filthy slang.
Posted 7 months ago # -
If you use the quick link to get the chain off for cleaning, then just buy a fresh chain, they cost less than fish, chips, pickled egg + onion, a guiness and a nice icecream.
not suprised that's your advice as you sell them.
I'd rather have the meal and keep the chain going longer by making a little effort rather than chucking good stuff away.Posted 7 months ago # -
Forgot to say ..on the very rare occasions that i have had chains snap it's never been at the powerlink ( if one has been fitted )and I'm no lightweight.
Posted 7 months ago # -
KMC810SL is really nice.
I usually buy mine on visits to Oz. Never seen them here.
Posted 7 months ago # -
SRAM PC1 is positively the worst chain I have ever used. It stretched to an unusable length inside 6 rides, and kept throwing itself off the rear cog despite being correctly tensioned and a good chainline.
Replaced it with a cheapo KMC 8spd chain, which was about a million times better.
Posted 7 months ago #
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