Sorry guys, newb. chain question...

[Mordecai]

Hey folks, I was wondering the benefits of 1/8" chains over 3/32" chains. I ride fixed on the road alot and have always used the latter.

[melville]

Hey folks, I was wondering the benefits of 1/8" chains over 3/32" chains. I ride fixed on the road alot and have always used the latter.

Some of us like to think we have the power to rip the teeth off a 3/32" cog. It happened to someone somewhere once and we've all extrapolated that to our own experience.

Nowadays it may be easier to find 1/8" chainrings in trackie sizes than 3/32". Also, if you are using a bushingless chain (pretty much every 3/32" chain made since 1989) you may be losing an almost unmeasurable amount of efficiency compared to a true roller chain, which all the 1/8" chains are.

[Mordecai]

wow really? 3/32 have more "stretch"?

[melville]

wow really? 3/32 have more "stretch"?

No, not that so much. Cog strength is the main thing.

[Mordecai]

what do you think of LeveL 3/32 cogs in terms of track duty?

[The Carpenter]

If you run a 1/8" chain you can use 3/32" or 1/8" rings and cogs. This comes in handy if you need to borrow a ring or cog. If you run 3/32" chain and need to borrow, you'll have to find someone with 3/32"

[Six jours]

It really doesn't matter. 3/32" is designed to derail, so chainline is more critical on a track bike when 3/32" is used. Otherwise there's no practical difference.

[Mordecai]

Thanks for the input all. I just look at some of those 1/8'' chains and cant help but wonder if they are more burly. Thats where the "stretch" question came from earlier. Thanks again. See you out there...

[The Carpenter]

If you're really worried, you can use one of these.....
http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/CH4100