Bicycle Mechanics - What speed chain should I be looking at

I have a bunch of old 80's ten speed bikes laying around, and recently I've been cleaning them and fixing up the odds and ends. Most of them need new chains, but I have a strange feeling modern 10 speed chains wont be necessary on a "LeGrande Seville".

So could I get a more in depth explanation of chain speed compared to gears?

--Aaron

You need generic 3/32" chain. Sometimes this is known as "8 speed" or "7 speed" chain. Really, any chain will work besides singlespeed, 9 or 10 speed chain. Don't get spendy on the chains for these bikes, unless you are going to upgrade the whole drivetrain.

One important distinction for folks that haven't been around biking for the past few years is the modern definition of "10 speed". In the 70's and 80's the term was used to refer to almost any road bikes, because most of them had 10 speeds. Modern "10 speed" componentry means that it's designed to work on rear casettes with 10 cogs (gears) making the bike a 20 or 30 speed system (depending on how many chainrings there are.)

The real bargain in modern 7/8-speed chains is Shimano's IG90. typically $15 or so and strong as an ox.

This is just a good a deal. If not better. SRAM 8 speed. $9 USD shipped
http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=K1004

The real bargain in modern 7/8-speed chains is Shimano's IG90. typically $15 or so and strong as an ox.

I'll second this. I think I paid less than $12 from Nashbar, and found some 8-sp SRAM Powerlinks on eBay for a couple of bucks. Good suggestion -

- Wil

I know this is going to receive a response, but here goes anyway.
I tried a SRAM PC-68 with a six speed rear. It did not work (skipping). I put a Shimano HG on the bike, no skipping problems. I noticed when I recently purchased another PC-68, SRAM changed the claims on the package and deleted their reference to suitable for six speed rear application. Please don't misunderstand me, I like SRAM chains and I use them whenever I need to replace a chain used with a seven or eight speed rear, but not six (or five). YMMV.

I like the Wipperman 808 Connex chain. For $20, you get nickel plating and a master link.