Ordered my Alfine H...
 

[Closed] Ordered my Alfine Hub, what chain do I need?

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After last weeks discussion re Alfine Hubs I decided to give it a go and ordered one on Monday to be built up on some nice Stans Rims.

About to order some Middleburn cranks and have a quick question:

I have ordered the 22t Nexus sprocket for the back and am starting with a 30T middleburn on the front. Can I run a 9sp chain with this combination or do I need to go to singlespeed???

Would prefer to use the 9sp chain if poss so I can use old chains off the Yeti / same splitlinks etc.

Thanks in advance 🙂


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 2:26 pm
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I'm no expert, but I can't see any reason why not. You won't get chainsuck....

Although it has to be said I'd be tempted to run something cheap but wider. SRAM 7/8sp chains can be had for £6-ish, and that's my singlespeed chain of choice. IIRC they come with link as well. Maybe try one of those?


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 2:41 pm
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I run a 9 spd with mine and it's fine. It means I can use the same spare bits as my other bikes.

I found the single speed chain would run very close to the chain guidey bits on the hub and sprocket and make an annoying rubbing noise at times.


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 2:47 pm
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Thanks


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 3:04 pm
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Keep the "low maintenance" theme going...

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=15269&src=froogle

Got one on my SS hackbike. It's been outside for over a year now - chain still looks (and runs) great.


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 3:17 pm
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What Hicksy said about the cable guide/chain proximity is true. I use a 9spd and there's only a very small gap (with the guide angled at 45 degrees ish). I use 20T with Middleburn 29T on the front.


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 3:35 pm
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8 speed chain


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 3:49 pm
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I have nine speed on mine so as to have spare parts common across all my bikes, No issues yet.


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 3:55 pm
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well shimano techdocs only lists shim 9 speed chains as part of the alfine group..

http://techdocs.shimano.com

Comfort > Alfine

also alfine chainset docs states 9-7 speed chain

reckon 9 speed is the way to go


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 4:25 pm
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I use 9 speed chains on mine, usually the old ones off my other bike.
30x22 sounds a bit low unless you live in the alps, I run 32x18 on my 29er and it gets a bit spinny


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 8:48 pm
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As Mark says, 30x22 seems very low, although I don't know where you ride! 34x20 on mine, the low gear on that is low enough for me, and I ain't fit. I'll say that after messing with the circlip which holds the sprocket on, changing rings is easier! 9sp chain ok though 🙂


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 8:53 pm
 mboy
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9spd, 8spd, singlespeed, it matters not what chain you use... Though obviously 1/8th inch singlespeed chains are likely to be a lot stronger than a 9speed chain that is designed to shift over a casette smoothly all day long!

34x22 on my Alfined 29er. 30x22 is a tad low, especially if it's on a normal 26" wheeled bike. I recommend a 32x20, or even 34x20 as a starter gear on a 26" bike, 32x22 or 34x22 as a starter gear on a 29er (as 29er wheels are approx 10% larger in diameter).

Drop me an email if you want a gear calculator...


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 9:12 pm
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I use a track chain on mine. Its about 18 months old now, and hasn't stretched at all.


 
Posted : 03/02/2010 9:19 pm