SS question. absolutely necessary non ramped?

[FyrFytrRyn]

so, my front ring is un-ramped, but i have a 20T rear that is, i also plan on using a non BMX chain. ive heard that the MTB chains aren't as strong as the bmx ones. well, if i can stand up and crank on a derailer'ed bike with that chain, why cant i on a SS? am i missing something? if the chain didnt jump on the sprocket before why would it now? some one clear this up for me??? thanks in advance.

[tkblazer]

i'm no ss expert, but i tihnk it should work to get ya going, but make sure to have good tension on that chain of yours. no idea on the chain issue as i've never broken one

[klutter]

I don't run a bmx chain either, instead I use an 8 speed chain and it's good enough. I think the only reasons why a chain would jump are:

1. chain alignment is a bit off
2. chain tension is too loose

[genusmtbkr5]

Definitely use an 8 speed chain at the very least. A 9 spd chain will break when you torque down, remember, you'll no longer have a granny gear or any of the big cogs. I bought a single speed chain at Performance for $11.99, it's the same width as an 8 spd.

[guero]

you need a purple chain.

[dubjay]

Apparently when you have a derailleur, it'll help keep that chain on a ramped cog. So without it, the chain may want to wander off.

I would change the cog to an unramped version just because I wouldn't want to risk dropping a chain while mashing up a hill.

[Abui]

Originally Posted by FyrFytrRyn

so, my front ring is un-ramped, but i have a 20T rear that is, i also plan on using a non BMX chain. ive heard that the MTB chains aren't as strong as the bmx ones. well, if i can stand up and crank on a derailer'ed bike with that chain, why cant i on a SS? am i missing something? if the chain didnt jump on the sprocket before why would it now? some one clear this up for me??? thanks in advance.

The ramp is there to grab the side plate and help lift the chain over the teeth. If you're running with a tensioner it should be set up to center the chain - avoid the ramp. Without a tensioner you want even tension so that the chain doesn't wander over to the ramp.

I would never stand and crank hard (pull up on the handlebar) on a geared bike.

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by FyrFytrRyn

so, my front ring is un-ramped, but i have a 20T rear that is, i also plan on using a non BMX chain. ive heard that the MTB chains aren't as strong as the bmx ones. well, if i can stand up and crank on a derailer'ed bike with that chain, why cant i on a SS? am i missing something? if the chain didnt jump on the sprocket before why would it now? some one clear this up for me??? thanks in advance.

As everyone else says, just make sure your Chain-line is really straight. I've seen people use 8, 9, and BMX chains. As long as the chain line is straight, and your frame is reasonably laterally stiff that will solve most your problems. Just buy a BMX or a 7/8 speed chain because they're cheaper 9's.

Unramped chainring with it's taller teeth are nice but it really doesn't matter. However, the 20T cog, well, buy a $5 BMX cog or a $20 Surly (if you've got a aluminum cassette body). The taller teeth in the back is worth it.

[FyrFytrRyn]

i don't need the purple chain guero, but i do need that sticker! i guess ill have to order the 20 un-ramped. LBS doesnt have anything bigger than what i found there. i do have a 16,18 un ramped. i guess ill just run the 18. and if i go with the 18, that means no ramped gears, so that means i might as well go buy a bmx chain. next question..since both sprockets dont seem as wide or beefy as a traditional BMX set up, is it okay to run a bmx chain on them? or so i use a reg. mtn chain on un-ramped sprockets?

[Abui]

Originally Posted by FyrFytrRyn

i don't need the purple chain guero, but i do need that sticker! i guess ill have to order the 20 un-ramped. LBS doesnt have anything bigger than what i found there. i do have a 16,18 un ramped. i guess ill just run the 18. and if i go with the 18, that means no ramped gears, so that means i might as well go buy a bmx chain. next question..since both sprockets dont seem as wide or beefy as a traditional BMX set up, is it okay to run a bmx chain on them? or so i use a reg. mtn chain on un-ramped sprockets?

I use a BMX chain (KMC from Nashbar $6.95). KMC has never failed me (SRAM did). I like the BMX link it's so easy to take off and clean the chain.

[2wheel_lee]

Definately use non-ramped cogs in the back. Assuming you're using a chainring and cogs with the correct width for a 9S, you can use any chain you want (I don't know about 10S, though).

I've been using 9S chains on my SS for several years now, and I've never had a problem...except once when I was looking for a very small cog so I could do a road ride. I grabbed a ramped cog from a cassette and installed it onto my King SS hub, and it derailed the first time I stood up to crank up a hill. Fortunately, I was simply doing a test on a hill near my house, and I was somewhat expecting that, so it wasn't a problem. I was not using a tensioner (no need with a 1x1).

[FyrFytrRyn]

i snap KMC's about once every few months on my bmx bike, so i switched to the shadow chain. ill go with a 7,8, or 9 speed chain. i modified an old suntour derailer (cut some stuff off, bent some stuff, added super stiff springs) so i got the tension covered, assuming it needs it. thanks guys!

[2wheel_lee]

BTW, KMC makes Shimano chains.
It's important to replace your chains from time to time. I did it back when I raced BMX and I still do it now; I replace chains about every 6 months, depending on use (I have a few bikes these days that I ride, so it's not as often on each).

[FyrFytrRyn]

yeah, i replace chains often aswell. mtb, street bike, dirt bike, bmx all get new chains pretty often, especially the moto.