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I've been running a PC991 chain on my singlespeed for a few months now and I'm amazed at how much it continues to stretch, which is kind of irritating as I'm forever having to take up the slack via the ebb (not something that's easy to do on the trail). Once this chain inevitably dies, I suspect I may need to replace the drivetrain with something more SS-friendly. Currently running a middleburn uno chainring & gusset double six cog (all 3/32). Should I be looking to go 1/8 next? Are the wider chains less prone to stretch? Cheers!
I was changing SRAM chains at least once every 9 months (I'd bought a few at once, thinking they'd be good) on my SS. They just seem a lot softer than everything else. Ran some KMC chains after and now a Connex. The KMCs tended to last twice as long, and it's looking about the same for the Connex. All mine were/are 8spd.
I found a 1/8 chain (SRAM PC1) moved side to side too much which resulted in the chain working its way off under power on bumpy ground. Gone with a KMC 8 speed chain now which has not come off since I got it, but can't comment on stretch.
I use a 1/8" chain and it doesn't stretch all that much, to the extent that I can't really remember when I fitted it or how many miles it's done... Think my current one is a KMC. I keep an eye on it with a Park chain wear tool and replace when it has stretched more than 1%.
edit - I also run a 1/8" Uno ring up front, so can't comment on how a 1/8" chain would work an a 3/32" Uno...
I'm running a KMC chain which is doing well which I got from Charlie the Bikemonger, whose got plenty of single speed and hub gear specific chains. It stretched early on but I haven't adjusted it for ages. I'd be a little wary of constantly adjusting the ebb if it is a pinch bolt type as you can end up with the indents too close together. I don't adjust mine unless the chain has fallen off twice in one ride. And when you do replace the ring and cog make sure you get something reversible.
As I got 3 years out of the first chain and the current one is fine after 18 months of off road commuting all year round I don't worry about chain stretch and drivetrain wear.
chains don't stretch
No they wear but the apparent effect is stretching. Does anyone really think that they actually stretch?
chains don't stretch
helpful, thanks...pin & sleeve *wear* then, resulting in an effective lengthening of the overall chain. 🙄
thanks for the useful replies everyone else 🙂
+1 for SRAM chains (or at least the PC-1) stretching, mines going on the MTB which at least has a tensioner.
I found a 1/8 chain (SRAM PC1) moved side to side too much which resulted in the chain working its way off under power on bumpy ground. Gone with a KMC 8 speed chain now which has not come off since I got it, but can't comment on stretch.
Interesting... I've a 1/8th chain on a (tight and well aligned) 3/32 drivetrain, and it falls off constantly. Think I'll be going 3/32 for the new chain, thanks for the theory!
avdave2 - Member
I'd be a little wary of constantly adjusting the ebb if it is a pinch bolt type as you can end up with the indents too close together. I don't adjust mine unless the chain has fallen off twice in one ride.
That'll be a set screw type EBB then - a pinch bolt type won't leave any indentations. I don't think that I'd want my chain coming off once during a ride, let alone twice.
The best chain that I've used is the KMC 610HX.
That'll be a set screw type EBB then - a pinch bolt type won't leave any indentations.
Yes sorry set screw it is.
KMC Z82 8 speed chains are well regarded down here.
cheers guys. Is there much benefit in going with a full 1/8 setup rather than full 3/32?