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After many years off the bike I've returned and am riding a Pearson singlespeed. This has a 3/32 chain.
I ride on forest trails, disused railway tracks and tarmac.
The chain gets full of crud and needs cleaning, but it doesn't have any split links. I'd like to use a Sram Powerlinkfor ease of use. I can't find one of the correct size.
Does anyone know if one exists, if not is there a suitable alternative chain that I could use?
A quick google seems to indicate 1/4 should fit, and that 7 or 8 speed chains will work.
Has anyone got experience of this sort of set up and know what will best allow me to quickly remove, clean and replace my chain?
Any* chain will work.
8speed will probably be cheapest. Just buy an 8speed link to go with.
*Including singlepeed chains they'll just be loose side to side.
Edited
KMC Z610 3/32 is a good single speed chain that also comes with a speed link.
KMC Z610 3/32 is a good single speed chain that also comes with a speed link.
Is the correct answer, 3/32 is also the same as 6/7/8 speed so quick links for those fit.
Singlespeed chains are much stiffer side to side than normal chains which helps them not get shaken off and makes them last longer, they won't shift very well if you run them on a cassette.
1/8 chain is the standard for BMX but is overkill as the plates are the same thickness, therefore has the same strength (but the thick chainrings and rollers survive grinding better). There's an argument it's weaker because it's not supported by 3/32 (or narrower) sprockets very well too but I've not found that borne out in reality (i.e. it's never snapped on me if I've used it).
Some of the numberings is counter-intuitive, 10speed is sometimes referred to as 1/4" chain. But that's the outer width. 3/32 and 1/8 refer to the thickness of the sprocket the chain will sit on.
Wow, thanks guys. Some good info there.
Excuse my ignorance but what is the difference between a 3/32 and 1/4 chain? Is it just the width, or something more esoteric?
[url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sram-pc1-nickel-single-speed-chain/rp-prod22772 ]I use one of these [/url] It's been great comes with a snap lock link which works well (it could be whats on your current chain btw)
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Wow, thanks guys. Some good info there.
Excuse my ignorance but what is the difference between a 3/32 and 1/4 chain? Is it just the width, or something more esoteric?
Sorry, I edited mine to clarify whilst you were posting.
thisisnotaspoon:Some of the numberings is counter-intuitive, 10speed is sometimes referred to as 1/4" chain. But that's the outer width. 3/32 and 1/8 refer to the thickness of the sprocket the chain will sit on.
Basically, 3/32 chain and compatible sprockets and chainrings are pretty much the optimum.
Avoid SRAM track chains, they're notoriously crap.
Shimano's options are fine, but tend to be either cheap or Dura Ace.
KMC Z610 (they do umpteen different coated and rustproof versions but it's all the same chain) is the de-facto standard by which most SS chains are measured. They do an X1 chain as well which is a bit posher £25 Vs £10 online).
Been using the above KMC's for years. No need to change.
Thanks again for all the info. Some stuff I never knew!
I've found a 3/32 chain as mentioned above. I'ts on click and collect so I can examine it before I pay for it.
15 years off the bike and I seem to have forgotten everything I knew!
KMC "singlespeed" chain from the LBS (who aren't particularly cheap) was £7
I have used KMC Z610HX chains for about 5 years and never had a problem. But I have noticed that the joining link/speed link/missing link is now non-reusable according to KMC.
http://www.kmcchain.eu/chain-KMC_Z610_HX_Silver-touring_city-narrow
Very easy to clean a singlespeed chain on a bike. I use muc-off and a really stick scrubbing brush. I also use Finish Line 1-step which cleans and lubricates in err 1 step 😉
Pliers to open and close the links are very useful
I used to have a full toolkit and do all my own maintenance and bike building. All tools have gone along with the knowledge of how to use them. I'm on a learning curve.
Or go the whole hog and invest in putoline and not bother with cleaning 🙂
I have used Wipperman 808 chains for years and they are great.
They have a connecting link that is just pushed/pulled by hand to join/break and they last well without rusting.