Using a chain that is wider than the ring and cog
#1
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Thread Starter
Using a chain that is wider than the ring and cog
Is there any reason NOT to do this on a fixed gear application?
Lets say you have 3/32 running gear and you use a 1/8 chain.
To take it another step further, lets say you use 3/32 running gear and you use a 3/16 chain.
Are there any problems doing this that I need to be aware of?
Lets say you have 3/32 running gear and you use a 1/8 chain.
To take it another step further, lets say you use 3/32 running gear and you use a 3/16 chain.
Are there any problems doing this that I need to be aware of?
#2
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For a fixed-gear or single speed application there's no problem using 1/8" chain with either or both 1/8" and/or 3/32" rings and cogs.
I'm not familiar with 3/16" chain, but with a 1/2" pitch it could probably work.
I'm not familiar with 3/16" chain, but with a 1/2" pitch it could probably work.
#3
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If you already have the stuff, try it and see. If you have to buy the stuff, buy the correct sizes.
#4
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chains are sold by width and pitch. Pitch has to match. There is a bit more flexibility with width; but you have to test to make sure that it will work in your application.
#5
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I ride fixed gear with 1/8" components. I believe @JohnDThompson rides fixed as well.
This is the correct answer. It isn't a problem.
I've also never heard of 3/16 components.
-Tim-
I've also never heard of 3/16 components.
-Tim-
#6
Really Old Senior Member
I/8" chain should be more than "strong enough".
Anything larger is going to add weight and probably more friction with the likely larger side plates etc.
Sometimes too much of a good thing isn't.
Anything larger is going to add weight and probably more friction with the likely larger side plates etc.
Sometimes too much of a good thing isn't.
#7
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Regarding 3/16" chain, I had not heard of that either. Did a little searching on Sheldon's site, and found this:
"For the true retro fixed-gear fan, another option is 1" x 3/16" chain. This used to be common on track bikes. This requires special sprockets with only half as many teeth as standard 1/2" pitch sprockets. Serious old-time trackies used "block" chain, which had no rollers. This is no longer available. Roller chain is still sometimes findable in this size."
"For the true retro fixed-gear fan, another option is 1" x 3/16" chain. This used to be common on track bikes. This requires special sprockets with only half as many teeth as standard 1/2" pitch sprockets. Serious old-time trackies used "block" chain, which had no rollers. This is no longer available. Roller chain is still sometimes findable in this size."
#8
Junior Member
KMC make cheap 3/16" chains.Not sure why you would need one though as 1/8" seems to be strong enough for the best track riders in the world. KMC K910 Strong 3-16 Chain | Chain Reaction Cycles
#10
Hello
Is there any reason NOT to do this on a fixed gear application?
Lets say you have 3/32 running gear and you use a 1/8 chain.
To take it another step further, lets say you use 3/32 running gear and you use a 3/16 chain.
Are there any problems doing this that I need to be aware of?
Lets say you have 3/32 running gear and you use a 1/8 chain.
To take it another step further, lets say you use 3/32 running gear and you use a 3/16 chain.
Are there any problems doing this that I need to be aware of?
#11
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Read the first review here: KMC K910 Strong 3-16 Chain | Chain Reaction Cycles
Also: https://www.amazon.com/KMC-Chain-Sin.../dp/B000C1YPB2
Lots of sprockets for 415 chain.
Also: https://www.amazon.com/KMC-Chain-Sin.../dp/B000C1YPB2
Lots of sprockets for 415 chain.
#12
Full Member
Thread Starter
UPDATE:
3/16 chains are now installed and everything turned out VERY nice.
The chains are doing a very good job of compensating for chainline being off by small amounts in 1/8 and 3/32 running gear.
Very smooth, very quiet.
If however chainline is off by more than what the width of the 3/16 chain will allow, you will know it RIGHT AWAY. In this scenario, the chain will not be forgiving at all.
3/16 chains are now installed and everything turned out VERY nice.
The chains are doing a very good job of compensating for chainline being off by small amounts in 1/8 and 3/32 running gear.
Very smooth, very quiet.
If however chainline is off by more than what the width of the 3/16 chain will allow, you will know it RIGHT AWAY. In this scenario, the chain will not be forgiving at all.
#13
Full Member
Thread Starter
UPDATE #2
So, installing these 3/16 chains on 3/32 running gear has made it very easy to see what needs to be done to improve chainline considering how unforgiving they are plus their width. After playing around with this a bit, and after seeing very clearly how the chainline is, I decided to do what I need to do to improve chainline without going to extremes.
I was able to get all 5 of my bikes very close to perfect chainline. They run an 1/8 chain and run very nicely.
In conclusion, I find that the 3/16 chain is a great tool to check chainline on a bike that uses 3/32 running gear. But it is not likely that one will have to run the 3/16 chain long term. The bikes ran good with the 3/16 chains, but not as good as they do now with better chainline and the 1/8 in chain.
So, installing these 3/16 chains on 3/32 running gear has made it very easy to see what needs to be done to improve chainline considering how unforgiving they are plus their width. After playing around with this a bit, and after seeing very clearly how the chainline is, I decided to do what I need to do to improve chainline without going to extremes.
I was able to get all 5 of my bikes very close to perfect chainline. They run an 1/8 chain and run very nicely.
In conclusion, I find that the 3/16 chain is a great tool to check chainline on a bike that uses 3/32 running gear. But it is not likely that one will have to run the 3/16 chain long term. The bikes ran good with the 3/16 chains, but not as good as they do now with better chainline and the 1/8 in chain.
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