Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Chain longevity

So I'm going to build up a new set o' wheels, and I figure I'll start with a new chain and cog. On my beater fixie, I have been running $9 KMC BMX chains but those things stretch fast and, even though I'm farily meticulous about chain cleanliness and chain lubing, I still have to readjust chain tension every 45-50 miles, and change the chain after ever 600 miles or so. I was thinking it was high time for me to get something that will go more miles without too much stretching. Since I'm going to get a new cog, I could go with 1/8" or 3/32".. I don't care, I just want whats going to last the longest. I have no experience with legitimate track chains, and I imagine the best ones are built with strength in mind rather than stretch resistance ( I could be wrong). Just wondering if any of you have been noting how many miles you are getting out of your chain..and what chain.

I'm interested in this thread too. I've been through 2 PC-1 nickel plated chains in 6 months. They're cheap enough that I don't mind replacing them 4 times/ year, but other recommendations would be nice.

after riding KMC chains for a while, i tried the SRAM and izumi eco chains out. i've found the SRAM to last the longest before stretching to the point where it became annoyingly clicky on my chainring. it lasted about 10 weeks under relatively aggressive conditions. the others all got noisy after about 8 weeks. admittedly, this was all before i started riding with a slacker chain, so i'm relatively certain that my negligence caused a great deal of the stretching.

The Izumi V Super Toughness is about as good as it gets. Definately worth the extra scratch.

The Izumi V Super Toughness is about as good as it gets. Definately worth the extra scratch.


Yes, lovely chain; wish I had one, but heres how I looking at it...If its going to cost 3-4 times as much as another chain, am I going to get 3-4 times as many miles out of it? If not, then its not worth it to me. I want the chain with the lowest cost/miles ratio.

Yes, lovely chain; wish I had one, but heres how I looking at it...If its going to cost 3-4 times as much as another chain, am I going to get 3-4 times as many miles out of it? If not, then its not worth it to me. I want the chain with the lowest cost/miles ratio.

best bang for the buck? KMC 510HX chain, $7 at nashbar. buy a couple.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/images/kmc%20kool%20superlight.jpg

I've only been running this for a few months, but the guy at the shop said he's been running one for over a year, no stretch at all. I believe it, this thing is burly. $30ish.

Yes, lovely chain; wish I had one, but heres how I looking at it...If its going to cost 3-4 times as much as another chain, am I going to get 3-4 times as many miles out of it? If not, then its not worth it to me. I want the chain with the lowest cost/miles ratio.


As far as I've been able to acertain - yes it will last 3-4 times as long as less expensive chains. I have yet to come across anyone who mentions replacing one of these. They're also incredibly smooth and quiet, much more so than less expensive chains. I'd guess that a properly maintained V would last at least a year or longer.

for those of you who go through a chain in a couple months, how many miles does this correspond to?
I tend to get 4-5000 km out of a SRAM PC-48

i ride about 24-40 miles a day, so that 4-5000 km life seems about right in my case.

I've been riding an HKK Vertex daily since New Years, no complains, no stretch, no wear. Really solid, highly recommend it, though it is pricey.

As far as I've been able to acertain - yes it will last 3-4 times as long as less expensive chains. I have yet to come across anyone who mentions replacing one of these. They're also incredibly smooth and quiet, much more so than less expensive chains. I'd guess that a properly maintained V would last at least a year or longer.

i own one as well... fantastic chain. took the master link off it, & care for it regularly (being rain season and all). also no complains, no stretch, no wear. "a plate of buttered smoothness" - track*