Will 1/8” chain cause more wear on 3/32” rings and cogs?
02-22-20, 07:00 PM
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Will 1/8” chain cause more wear on 3/32” rings and cogs?
I have a new-to-me single speed bike that I replaced the rear cog with a larger cog for a more reasonable ratio for my 47 year old legs. I needed to add a half-link for tire clearance, but when I went to buy it, the mechanic told me that I needed a 3/32” chain because I had 3/32 cog and chainring. He said that I would wear out the 3/32 ring and cog out very fast if I ran a 1/8” chain.
I know that a 1/8 chain will last longer, but I can’t see why it would be to the detriment to the chainring and cog unless I had a horrible chain line.
Is there any truth to what I was told? Sounds like an old wives tale. If someone actually has seen it, do tell.
I know that a 1/8 chain will last longer, but I can’t see why it would be to the detriment to the chainring and cog unless I had a horrible chain line.
Is there any truth to what I was told? Sounds like an old wives tale. If someone actually has seen it, do tell.
Last edited by aggiegrads; 02-22-20 at 07:06 PM.
02-22-20, 07:28 PM
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Nah. I run a 3/32" 24T Nexus cog on my Raleigh Sports with no ill effect. Still have the 1/8" chain and chainring.
02-22-20, 08:50 PM
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...on one bike where I did this, it made weird noises. And miraculously, the weird noises stopped when I went to a narrower chain.
I think the weird noises were from the chain slipping around sideways on the narrower chainwheel teeth, but like a fool I did not take videos and document my results scientifically.
I tend to associate weird noises with wear, but I don't know why. Doesn't seem to have so much effect back on the cogs, weird noises wise.
I think the weird noises were from the chain slipping around sideways on the narrower chainwheel teeth, but like a fool I did not take videos and document my results scientifically.
I tend to associate weird noises with wear, but I don't know why. Doesn't seem to have so much effect back on the cogs, weird noises wise.
02-22-20, 08:52 PM
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No problem running 1/8" chain on 3/32" cogs or chainrings.
02-22-20, 10:15 PM
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Hasn't been true in my experience, wonder where he got that.
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02-23-20, 02:03 AM
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You should trim that cable and crimp an end on it.
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02-23-20, 09:23 AM
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In my limited anecdotal experience, since we're talking bikes with single front and rear sprockets . . .
My bike with a 3/32" chainring and rear sprocket turning an IGH with a 3/32" chain, made occasional weird and snappy chain/sprocket noises when I first got that bike. As an experiment, the problem went away when I angled the rear wheel/sprocket toward the front chain ring. The problem went away for good when I installed a flat rear sprocket and aligned the rear wheel straight again. It turned out that the original rear sprocket's dish caused a bad chain line with a single speed chain (less side "flex") and I couldn't flip the sprocket's dish due to the chain hitting the 8 IGH cover.
Now, my other bike (single speed) came with a 1/8" chainring and chain, but a 3/32" rear sprocket. It has a good chain line. I'll let you know when I start to see wear problems. That might be a long time considering I'm not a high mileage rider.
My bike with a 3/32" chainring and rear sprocket turning an IGH with a 3/32" chain, made occasional weird and snappy chain/sprocket noises when I first got that bike. As an experiment, the problem went away when I angled the rear wheel/sprocket toward the front chain ring. The problem went away for good when I installed a flat rear sprocket and aligned the rear wheel straight again. It turned out that the original rear sprocket's dish caused a bad chain line with a single speed chain (less side "flex") and I couldn't flip the sprocket's dish due to the chain hitting the 8 IGH cover.
Now, my other bike (single speed) came with a 1/8" chainring and chain, but a 3/32" rear sprocket. It has a good chain line. I'll let you know when I start to see wear problems. That might be a long time considering I'm not a high mileage rider.
02-23-20, 12:42 PM
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Yeah, I don’t plan to do high mileage on this bike. I bought it to be my bar/lock-up bike.
I view the 1/8 chain as indestructible, but the 3/32 probably is too for my intents and purposes. I’m just curious why he seemed so adamant that I would destroy my ring and cog.
I view the 1/8 chain as indestructible, but the 3/32 probably is too for my intents and purposes. I’m just curious why he seemed so adamant that I would destroy my ring and cog.
02-23-20, 02:14 PM
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Yeah, I don’t plan to do high mileage on this bike. I bought it to be my bar/lock-up bike.
I view the 1/8 chain as indestructible, but the 3/32 probably is too for my intents and purposes. I’m just curious why he seemed so adamant that I would destroy my ring and cog.
I view the 1/8 chain as indestructible, but the 3/32 probably is too for my intents and purposes. I’m just curious why he seemed so adamant that I would destroy my ring and cog.
* I switch gearing between winter (42/18) and the other seasons (45/16).
