BMX - 1/8" Chain with 3/32" parts.

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Analog
08-04-06, 06:17 PM
Ok, I apologize in advance if this is an incredibly stupid question, but I don't usually post in this forum, and couldn't find anything with the search.
So:
Can somebody give me a reasonable explanation why BMX'ers (as far as I know) always use 1/8" chains, but a majority of the freewheels and chainrings(and chainwheels), utilize 3/32", at least in the catalogs that I've checked?
Also, I'm a mechanic, and work in a bike shop, so I don't need an over-simplified answer, I'm just curious about the wild world of BMX.
Thanks!

SoDa_76
08-04-06, 11:58 PM
bmx simpley kicks the balls off any other sport
wethepeople
08-05-06, 01:03 AM
They're stonger.

We need stronger for when we smash it up on stuff doing grinds, a smaller chain wouldnt take as much.

Brian
08-05-06, 07:59 AM
Also, I'm a mechanic, and work in a bike shop, so I don't need an over-simplified answer, I'm just curious about the wild world of BMX.
Thanks!

Mechanic/WD40? I'm worried.
dooley
08-06-06, 10:28 AM
bmx has used 3/32 for a long time, I'm pretty sure my first bmx had a 3/32 chain back in the early 80's. 1/8 chains have also been in regular usage too, though normally on single speed beach cruisers or 3 speeds. Eventually people started using 1/8 chains, maybe because they thought they were stronger, maybe because of availability.
The change to thicker teeth came later.
People run 1/8 now because the teeth are stronger, even if the chains aren't.