Mountain Biking - Singlespeed Chain Recommendations

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workscollective
05-23-07, 04:31 PM
Ok so I've got a singlespeed 29er...love it...

I've got the sram PC-68 chain...which is ok but heavy and the links seem to be a bit stiff to me. I've cleaned, degreased, and lubed it many times. The chain and bike only have maybe 300ish miles on it.

The problem is on the underside of the chain and when backpedaling the links don't straighten very easily. I'm not sure if this is a lubrication problem or a chain problem.

Anyway, I'm not against upgrading especially for a lighter (but still freakin durable) chain.

recommendations please...

pinkrobe
05-23-07, 04:40 PM
Lighter? I can think of a lot easier ways to lose the weight. Since you asked... The SRAM PC-1090R has hollow pins and drilled links. I've been riding one of their old 8-speed drilled-link chains since '97 - it's on its fourth bike. On the new SS, I just used the nigh-indestructible PC48 [$14 at MEC].

edit: The links don't straighten easily when you backpedal? How's your chain tension?
Phatman
05-23-07, 07:44 PM
I've got a PC-1. It seems ok. It's held up to plenty of riding and its cheap. Thats sorta the name of the game with a SS chain anyways.

workscollective
05-24-07, 09:27 AM
Lighter? I can think of a lot easier ways to lose the weight. Since you asked... The SRAM PC-1090R has hollow pins and drilled links. I've been riding one of their old 8-speed drilled-link chains since '97 - it's on its fourth bike. On the new SS, I just used the nigh-indestructible PC48 [$14 at MEC].

edit: The links don't straighten easily when you backpedal? How's your chain tension?

Normally I would be going about the weight in a different way but the bike already weights in at 21lbs. I've got a pair of 4ti eggbeaters on the way...half pound there from my current pedals...the only other place I can really save weight and not spend a total fortune is in the brakes. I've got avid bb7's right now. Thought of upgrading to something like the Formula Bianca's but don't want to go that route yet...

Thanks for the recommendation. Chain tension is fairly snug, got an eccentric bottom bracket so I'll give it a quick check though...
C Law
05-24-07, 09:50 AM
the low end 8 speed sram chains work fine for me.

I thought the PC1 was a bit of overkill
z415
05-24-07, 10:03 AM
[QUOTE=workscollective]...the only other place I can really save weight and not spend a total fortune is in the brakes. I've got avid bb7's right now. Thought of upgrading to something like the Formula Bianca's but don't want to go that route yet...
/QUOTE]

Go to v-brakes. They are lighter and they can stop just as well, if not better, if properly set up and maintained (just don't go in mud). For light weight I would suggest Avid Single Digit SLs - I believe they are 162 grams each so almost half of the BB7s. You can sell your BB7s on eBay and have enough money for the Vees and maybe some left for beer and a burger.