Singlespeed chain h...
 

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Singlespeed chain help

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Is anyone else having a problem with KMC Z1 singlespeed chains?

The last 3 I have bought,  from a shop with real people, have stretched very quickly (not worn out) after a hundred or so miles of riding.to the point where I have run out of adjustment on my Singular.

It never used to be like this with the older KMC Z610 from Charlie of bikemonger fame.... where they would stretch initially but after a few re tensions would be set for the year or two.

What's going on?  cant blame Brexit for this one... What chains are other singlespinners using?


 
Posted : 11/02/2023 1:57 pm
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I have similar problem. Not a kmc z1 though as tried one but wouldn’t fit my chsin  ring


 
Posted : 11/02/2023 2:14 pm
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If the chain is too slack at the forward EBB position, you just need to take a link out and swing it to the rearward position?


 
Posted : 11/02/2023 3:03 pm
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I’ve used 9,10, and 11 speed XTR chains on SSs for years. Really durable IME.


 
Posted : 11/02/2023 3:18 pm
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yeah, I don't **** about with "SS" chains; just get a decent 9/10 one (I don't buy xtr, mind 😲 )


 
Posted : 11/02/2023 4:37 pm
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I have a KMC single speed chain that is lasting really well e1 EPT series I think


 
Posted : 11/02/2023 4:41 pm
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SRAM pc830 at £4.99 a pop.

They last ages, and cheap enough to have a few spares in stock.

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sram-pc830-7-8-speed-bike-chain/rp-prod26313

*Edit...

pc850 is also £4.99 currently

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sram-pc850-8-speed-bike-chain/rp-prod21295


 
Posted : 11/02/2023 6:17 pm
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Odyssey Bluebird  .


 
Posted : 11/02/2023 6:34 pm
 Del
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I'm not as cheap as that Tom - I buy pc951 for about 12 quid. I went through the whole single speed chain thing including using the fancy track racing ones. Geary chains last just as long if not longer and are lighter.

Also play nicely with modern thick/thin chainrings.


 
Posted : 11/02/2023 6:46 pm
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@Del. Cheap? Moi? 😉😘

They do last well though, no point (imo anyway) paying more.


 
Posted : 11/02/2023 6:49 pm
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Glad it's not just me! I've been using KMC 1/8 " chains for years and the past 2 chains have stretched to the point I ran out of adjustment really quickly.

I have replaced them with another KMC but it's listed as suitable for e-bikes, was around twice the price £17.

So far I've only had to adjust it once, whereas the others I was re-tensioning it after every ride


 
Posted : 11/02/2023 8:19 pm
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What chain do you guys recommend for a 12 speed XT chainset in singlespeed guise?


 
Posted : 12/02/2023 1:24 am
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I have found KMC Z1 narrow EPT chains that I have used recently have been okay.


 
Posted : 12/02/2023 7:20 am
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SRAM PC1 chain for me. Bullet proof. It does stretch quite quickly but doesn’t need much fettling after a re-tension or two.


 
Posted : 12/02/2023 9:12 am
 Del
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What chain do you guys recommend for a 12 speed XT chainset in singlespeed guise?

running the PC951 on a '12s' SLX.


 
Posted : 12/02/2023 9:26 am
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Thank you @dawson so its not only me suffering with KMC super cheese chains then...

As the main crank cog on my bike is 1/8th wide what geared chain would work on this please?


 
Posted : 12/02/2023 12:08 pm
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@Del

Thanks, running a 9 speed chain will keep the costs down.


 
Posted : 12/02/2023 1:03 pm
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As the main crank cog on my bike is 1/8th wide what geared chain would work on this please?

None, you will need a single speed 1/8th chain or change your chain ring to 3/32th (which I am guessing is what you mean by crank cog)


 
Posted : 12/02/2023 1:40 pm

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