3/32nds or 1/8th Chain?

[Road Master]

Hi! I'm in the process of purchasing a 1990s Dyno. The chain ring is just chrome which seems a little boring to me. I started looking around on some sites for a replacement when I came across one that I liked and it was listed as 3/32nds. I just assumed that all sprockets that are on a one piece crank using a 1/2" pitch chain are all the same width. I'm only used to working with skip tooth chains so it struck that maybe they come in different widths. I figured chains for deraillers were a different width than single speeds but I don't know what is what. If someone can give me a quick run down of what size chain goes with what type gearing system it would be very helpful. Thanks alot. Robert

 

[socal_jack]

Re: 3/16ths or 1/8th Chain?

There are BMX drive components(meant for grinding) that use 3/16ths chains KMC 415H makes the chain.

 

[Road Master]

Re: 3/16ths or 1/8th Chain?

Isn't KMC the outfit that makes all those pretty colored chains? Do they make them in more than one size?

 

[socal_jack]

Re: 3/16ths or 1/8th Chain?

Yeah they make all the pink etc stuff, in the 415H I think there's only balck and chrome, used black on this one with BMX chainring and cog.

I see you did an edit, 3/32nds from KMC I've used also for single speed builds, really need the thinner cogs and chainrings and your chainline needs to be spot on.

 

[deorman]

1/8" is standard for coaster and internal gear bikes. 10 and 21 spd bikes use 3/32". I'm pretty sure single spd freewheel bikes come in both sizes, I would expect 3/32" to be more common, but I don't know for sure.

 

[Carbon]

I have always known 1/8th chains to be stronger than 3/32 chains, because they are thicker. If you do go with a 3/32th chain, make sure both front and rear sprocket will accept it, 3/32 is narrower mainly used on deraileur bikes.

 

[socal_jack]

I have always known 1/8th chains to be stronger than 3/32 chains, because they are thicker. If you do go with a 3/32th chain, make sure both front and rear sprocket will accept it, 3/32 is narrower mainly used on deraileur bikes.

Perhaps true of multi-speed chains but a single-speed 3/32nd chain is extremely strong, like a KMC Z610HX or K810. No where near the side-to-side flex like a multi-speed chain.

 

[Bicycle808]

I have always known 1/8th chains to be stronger than 3/32 chains, because they are thicker. If you do go with a 3/32th chain, make sure both front and rear sprocket will accept it, 3/32 is narrower mainly used on deraileur bikes.

Basically, what carbon said. The rule is basically that you can run the fatter chain on the thinner cog/sprockets, but you can't run the thinner chain on the fatter cog/sprocket. So, you can run the 3/32" chain only if you have both a sprocket and a cog that are designed to accept it. Best bet? Run whatever you want gears-wise, and use the 1/8 chain. No worries.

hth
-rob

PS +1 to the guy who said that ss-secific 3/32" chains are plenty strong; it's true. But, all other things being equal, the 1/8" is stronger.