what do you all run for chains?

I am building my fixie up, can buy either one and drivetrain accordingly.

What are the indications for each, or is there nominal differences??

dano

what do you all run for chains?

I am building my fixie up, can buy either one and drivetrain accordingly.

What are the indications for each, or is there nominal differences??

dano

I have both and notice little difference.

I pick the crankset I want to use and buy the chain and cog accordingly...

If the deal I find on a crankset that has a 1/8" ring, I'll go with 1/8" chain and cog..

If you use a chainwhip to remove cogs, you'll need a 1/8" whip...It's just another expense that some people don't think about.

so, Dave, the 3/32 is more consistent w/9-10 spd chains?

thanks for the info
dano

There are no 1/8th in multi-geared bikes these days.

so, Dave, the 3/32 is more consistent w/9-10 spd chains?

thanks for the info
dano

II pick the crankset I want to use and buy the chain and cog accordingly....

As it happens, both my fixies use old road cranks that I've adapted (I'm cheap), so it's 3/32. I don't think there's any functionla difference.

so, Dave, the 3/32 is more consistent w/9-10 spd chains?

thanks for the info
dano

There's no reason to use more expensive 9-10 speed chains with a fixie. Use cheap 6- 7-8 speed. Chains wear more slowly on a fixie, too.

so, Dave, the 3/32 is more consistent w/9-10 spd chains?

thanks for the info
dano

Correct. You can use a 9 or 10 speed chain with a 3/32 cog and ring. For what it's worth you can also use a 1/8 inch chain on a 3/32" cog with no issues...

you'll need a 1/8" whip...It's just another expense that some people don't think about.


also, some chain tools don't handle 1/8", so you might need a new one

3/32" 7/8 speed "road" chains are a little more forgiving of imperfect chainlines than 1/8". But you need 3/32" cogs and compatible chainrings.

If you have trouble procuring one, you can convert a 3/32 whip to 1/8 with extra bits of chain. I've done it twice with no problems.

I wouldn't consider using a 9/10 speed chain on a 3/32. Much to flexible or narrow. Even many 8sp chains are too flexible for fixed gear use.

If the chainline is straight, when does chain flexibility come into play?

Interesting comment on the chainwhip. Back in college I fabbed my own whip when money was tight. Take 1/8 chain, a metal handle and voila! Might actually work better fabbing your own cause you can make an extra long handle for leverage when your trying to spin off the cogs.

If the chainline is straight, when does chain flexibility come into play?

Very few people have perfect chain lines. Flexibility in the chain or running a 1/8 on a 3/32 significantly increases the chance of dropping a chain under load, expecially if you are running the chain at the proper tension.

I don't think its in ones best interest to compensate for a mis-aligned drive train by using a 3/32 chain, there are enough relatively inexpensive fixes that will ensure safety more so than a flexible chain.