Getting a bigger cog for my SS.. can I just buy links for my chain?

[Evil Chocula]

OK, so there are some hills out here, and 32/16 is kicking my bum.

I'm going to put either an 18t or 20t on... can I just buy a few links for my chain, or do I have to buy a new one?

And, while I'm at it, should I go 18 or 20 tooth?

Thanks yo.

[sdyeti]

You have learned the hard way, EC.

2:1 is HARD

I had to experiment with my chain..taking a link out, putting a half-link back in, etc. Um, 32:20 might be a good one to start with, then go from there if it's too easy.

Originally Posted by Evil Chocula

OK, so there are some hills out here, and 32/16 is kicking my bum.

I'm going to put either an 18t or 20t on... can I just buy a few links for my chain, or do I have to buy a new one?

And, while I'm at it, should I go 18 or 20 tooth?

Thanks yo.

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by sdyeti

You have learned the hard way, EC.

2:1 is HARD

I had to experiment with my chain..taking a link out, putting a half-link back in, etc. Um, 32:20 might be a good one to start with, then go from there if it's too easy.

Totally. You'd be proud of me though, I've really pushing it lately. But, alas, my rides are just too freakin' hard and painful to keep it up.

So, I need some half links then?

[dstepper]

Chains are not that expensive. You can leave the chains the right size for when you want to switch out cogs.

Dean

[chongoblanco]

I like 32/18 and just get a new chain, single speed chains are cheap.
I only put the 20 on when climbing holy jim other than steep stuff its too spinny plus your subject to ruthless sarcasim

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Chains are not that expensive. You can leave the chains the right size for when you want to switch out cogs.

Dean

Thats a good call.

Originally Posted by chongoblanco

I like 32/18 and just get a new chain, single speed chains are cheap.
I only put the 20 on when climbing holy jim other than steep stuff its too spinny plus your subject to ruthless sarcasim

Haha.. cool . Any recs on a SS chain?

[chongoblanco]

I use a no name white bmx chain that has held up great and they are like 10 bucks. the sram pc1 is good too but it cost more

[Abui]

If your frame is built as an SS with horizontal drops or an EBB it will be adjustable to at least cover a 4 tooth difference. That's so a true SS never needs a half-link.

Where the center of that range is the question (it also depends on the chainring size). Your setup may already be capable of 32x16 to 32x20 without changing the chain, or the range may be 32x18 to 32x22, etc.

I like KMC SS chains. Cheap, strong, and durable. SRAM chains are costly, weak, and wear quickly.

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by Abui

If your frame is built as an SS with horizontal drops or an EBB it will be adjustable to at least cover a 4 tooth difference. That's so a true SS never needs a half-link.

Where the center of that range is the question (it also depends on the chainring size). Your setup may already be capable of 32x16 to 32x20 without changing the chain, or the range may be 32x18 to 32x22, etc.

I like KMC SS chains. Cheap, strong, and durable. SRAM chains are costly, weak, and wear quickly.

It's EEB... will moving the EEB back to compensate for the chain length effect the geomotry (noticably)?

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Chains are not that expensive. You can leave the chains the right size for when you want to switch out cogs.

Dean

But a crowbar in your wallet and buy a $18 chain!

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

But a crowbar in your wallet and buy a $18 chain!

"But a crowbar in your wallet, and buy a $18 chain."

What does this mean!?

[Abui]

Originally Posted by Evil Chocula

It's EEB... will moving the EEB back to compensate for the chain length effect the geomotry (noticably)?

I'll just say no. Somebody may be a princess but not me.
Besides, it's an easier gear!


+++ Nashbar had my fav absolute best chain on sale for $5.95. (not today)

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by Evil Chocula

"But a crowbar in your wallet, and buy a $18 chain."

What does this mean!?

It mean the Red Sux got smoked by the Halo's

Oh wait

What Dean said. Don't add and remove links to your chain when you change cogs. Have two chains. One long and one shorter

[foofighter]

where is your EBB currently in the rotation? if it's rotated already to the "3 oclock" position you may have taken up all the adjustment if you know what i'm saying...or did i get that reversed.

[el_d00der1n0]

I've been 32:18 throughout my ss experience. really, unless you have hills that are really steep, or really long, or really long and steep, I think it's perfect. If I was gonna climb Black Mountain with it, I'd want a 20.

[Fired Yo Momma]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

It mean the Red Sux got smoked by the Halo's

Oh wait

What Dean said. Don't add and remove links to your chain when you change cogs. Have two chains. One long and one shorter

I think he means don't be such a cheap arse and buy the chains. Did you run it pass your GF to see if you can buy the chains?

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

I've been 32:18 throughout my ss experience. really, unless you have hills that are really steep, or really long, or really long and steep, I think it's perfect. If I was gonna climb Black Mountain with it, I'd want a 20.

Are you riding a 26'er or 29'er? If you are riding a 29'er I want your autograph

[Abui]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

I've been 32:18 throughout my ss experience. really, unless you have hills that are really steep, or really long, or really long and steep, I think it's perfect. If I was gonna climb Black Mountain with it, I'd want a 20.

Are you riding 26 or 29er?

26" 32:18 = 29" 32:20

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

Are you riding a 26'er or 29'er? If you are riding a 29'er I want your autograph

Originally Posted by Abui

Are you riding 26 or 29er?

26" 32:18 = 29" 32:20

I forgot he was on a 9er. So, go with 20 man!

I'm waiting for an affordable 650b...