S/S chain question!

[guero]

Last night I went to Robs to have him assist (well put on my 22 tooth cog) and I didnt bring my bike. So, I get home and put the wheel in the drop-outs, loosen up the EBB and try to lace the chain on the teeth and it is super tight. I didnt force it and didnt want to risk breaking the chain or bending a tooth if thats possible. The old cog was a 20 tooth, so I'm thinking I need a new chain. Am I right? Or could I not so simply add a couple links?

I was looking at Jenson and saw "singlespeed chains" by KMC and was wondering if that would be the right chain to get. (im a total s/s nOOb).

Here is a link:
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...eed+Chain.aspx

[SAR_boats]

Hey, I am not a SSer but remembering from my old BMX days it depends on what kind of budget you are on. If you are good at breaking chains and piecing them back together then 1 link ought to do it. But if, like me, you break a chain and put a link in only to have the chain self destruct then buy new.
I think the KMC singlespeed chains are just a marketing ploy because you could just as easily buy a 9-speed SRAM chain with the powerlink master link and size it to fit.

[Burner]

Yes, you can always add or remove links... then adjust ebb again. Try to find a length that with just an ebb adjustment you can swap between 20 and 22t cogs. Some chains allow for half links, though I haven't tried them.

I use KMC z610

I've had bad luck with the sram SS chains breaking on me.

[dstepper]

On my One-9, I can use a 18 to 20 tooth cogs and not have to change the chain. When I put on the 22 tooth cog I have another chain I use. KMC BMX chains are cheap, last one I bought was like $9.

[guero]

Thanks guys. I should have counted the links on my chain. Right now, I'm looking at the different s/s chains on Jenson and they vary between 112-116 links. I'd hate to buy one that is too short. Maybe I'll run home at lunch to count. That KMC I was looking at on Jenson is only $7.00 (plus shipping).

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by guero

Thanks guys. I should have counted the links on my chain. Right now, I'm looking at the different s/s chains on Jenson and they vary between 112-116 links. I'd hate to buy one that is too short. Maybe I'll run home at lunch to count. That KMC I was looking at on Jenson is only $7.00 (plus shipping).

Every SS chain I have ever brought has been way long.

[guero]

So you think I'd be safe ordering the 112 link one steppie?

[1x1clyde]

Hey Bret,

I have had great luck with KMC, especially if you want some color...blue, red, pink , green and they are $6 a chain!

[dhshuttlemonkey]

I had to remove a link when I went from a 22t to a 20t cog. With a EBB and standard dropouts you'll have to add a link to go up to 22t. I used a Sram 8 sp chain w/ a powerlink and never had any problem with the chain ever coming off.

[ShinKen]

how about the hollow link types? I've had one for a while and has never gving me shiaat!! well besides that one time on Old camp but than again that was the quick relase link that gave up the bootie

well now that I got a new set of Cranks, Ring, BB I wonder if I should change the chain too? (like Jeff suggested). does the Width really matter? what size should I use for the White Industries Freont Ring?
Guero sorry for highjacking the tread but maybe this info can help u too ehh!!

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by ShinKen

how about the hollow link types? I've had one for a while and has never gving me shiaat!! well besides that one time on Old camp but than again that was the quick relase link that gave up the bootie

well now that I got a new set of Cranks, Ring, BB I wonder if I should change the chain too? (like Jeff suggested). does the Width really matter? what size should I use for the White Industries Freont Ring?
Guero sorry for highjacking the tread but maybe this info can help u too ehh!!

Short answer is yes...change the chain. Matt's (Burners) chain choice is the one.

As much as you ride you will be replacing that aluminium front ring in a couple of months. I got 4 months out of mine. Start saving now for that bling Boone chainring.

[tkblazer]

damn jose steppin up on the eno cranks

[guero]

Thanks Neil, I saw all the different colors and was thinking of getting the Gold one, but I am just gonna stick with the silver. How late is Adrenaline open? I want to order from Jenson, but the shipping is about 90% of the cost of the chain!

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by guero

Thanks Neil, I saw all the different colors and was thinking of getting the Gold one, but I am just gonna stick with the silver. How late is Adrenaline open? I want to order from Jenson, but the shipping is about 90% of the cost of the chain!

The Path will have a better choice of Single Speed parts. Be carefull in there, it is hard getting out...leave your credit card at home.

[guero]

Both shops (Path & Adrenaline) are far away for me, I live in Long Beach and work in downtown Long Beach, There are a couple shops in the area, I'll have to call and see if they carry s/s chains.

[Burner]

Brett, don't worry about chain length, you will have to remove links for any of them, then carry them in your pack as spares in case you break the chain.

Jose, I always put a new chain on with any new drivetrain part.... chains are cheaper and worn chains cause a lot of wear (more on a geared bike though). I definitely see some Boone in your future too.

Originally Posted by dstepper

The Path will have a better choice of Single Speed parts. Be carefull in there, it is hard getting out...leave your credit card at home.

I wasn't that happy with their chain selection the other day... tube selection even worse. Thought that was strange since they have the best of everything, always.

[guero]

Right on Matt, I called Jax ::shudder:: and they have a KMC Z410 for $9.00, I may go pick it up at lunch. Another LBS, Jones has it for $16.00 (ouch!). Now if I could only find my multi-tool with the chainbreaker. (Jax wants $10 for an install. Jones also has "Giant" brand one for $7.00, it is made by Shimano...should I stick with the KMC?

[Burner]

Originally Posted by guero

Now if I could only find my multi-tool with the chainbreaker. (Jax wants $10 for an install. Jones also has "Giant" brand one for $7.00, it is made by Shimano...should I stick with the KMC?

Don't pay for a chain install, put that money toward a breaker. Never hurts to have a spare, and just carry the multitool one on your rides, that's what I do.... I use this tool, it has a pretty good built in breaker:
+++ CrankBrothers - 2006 +++

[guero]

Nice, I have a Topeak multi-tool that has a breaker on it, I'll look before I buy a new one. I think I'll go get the KMC then at lunch.

Thanks again everyone!

[Kid A]

G- funny that this pic was on front page as started to read this post. that is your old rig, right? care to shed a tear?