Chain for 6 speed Cassette for 1980s road racer
12-03-19, 08:20 AM
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Chain for 6 speed Cassette for 1980s road racer
Looking around to buy the right chain. I’ve read about different outer widths, even amongst 6, 7, and 8 speed cassettes, though chains for those sizes are grouped together. Not certain if my 1980s Nashbar Race SIS should have 7.8mm outer width chain or 7.4mm. Also don’t want a heavy chain that might be labeled as mountain/road but better suited for a heavier bike. And, when I find a chain with the correct width and acceptable weight, anything else I need to check to ensure it is compatible with my Shimano 600 (perhaps EX) groupset (with front and rear derailleurs)?
12-03-19, 08:50 AM
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I run '8 speed' chains. SRAM & KMC
190lb masher.
Keep it clean, lubed.
Shift moderately.
190lb masher.
Keep it clean, lubed.
Shift moderately.
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12-03-19, 08:57 AM
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12-03-19, 09:01 AM
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Any 7 or 8 speed chain ought to be fine.
12-03-19, 09:40 AM
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If I have shifting probs with a new chain properly tensioned, the first thing I check is condition of freewheel/cassette.
"Friction makes it all so simple."
"Friction makes it all so simple."
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12-03-19, 10:45 AM
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Glad to see that we're beyond the time when people would recommend old, standard-width (~8mm) chain for 6s freewheels.
When Shimano finally introduced their first narrow chain (UG-Narrow, a truly modern chain), a new standard had been set for best shifting on 5-8-speed freewheels and cassettes.
The earlier Sedisport was highly innovative as a bushingless narrow chain, but Shimano took what was learned there and spent years developing a better chain for their newer-style sprockets. Everyone else (among those who remained in business) then copied Shimano's work once the applicable patents had expired or a licensing agreement had been reached.
Sometimes even an 8s chain won't play nice with an older crankset's sprocket spacing, but it's worth it to do a bit of beveling to the smaller ring's teeth (or even bending the teeth a half-mm) to realize the shifting benefits of modern chain.
When Shimano finally introduced their first narrow chain (UG-Narrow, a truly modern chain), a new standard had been set for best shifting on 5-8-speed freewheels and cassettes.
The earlier Sedisport was highly innovative as a bushingless narrow chain, but Shimano took what was learned there and spent years developing a better chain for their newer-style sprockets. Everyone else (among those who remained in business) then copied Shimano's work once the applicable patents had expired or a licensing agreement had been reached.
Sometimes even an 8s chain won't play nice with an older crankset's sprocket spacing, but it's worth it to do a bit of beveling to the smaller ring's teeth (or even bending the teeth a half-mm) to realize the shifting benefits of modern chain.
12-03-19, 01:42 PM
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I prefer the Shimano HG-71 just because Shimano and I like to use my chain tool. But if I get caught needing a chain, REI always has a shiny Sram PC 870.
12-04-19, 12:29 AM
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+1 on SRAM 8 speed chains
12-04-19, 10:32 AM
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+1 on SRAM 8 speed chains
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