Bicycle Mechanics - Which chain to use with Alfine group set?

Hi,

I have convereted one of my commuters to an internal Alfine hub. The frame has vertical dropouts so I am looking at ordering some of the half links to try to get some proper tension without using the tensioner. Up until now I have been using the Alfine tensioner but the chain is making an absolute racket going through the thing and I am starting to wonder if I the guy who helped me order the parts perhaps made an incorrect recommendation. Although he speaks only Japanese and I get on only a little with the language so that added some complications :D

So, my point being.. is I have been using a shimano hg 9 speed chain up to this point with the alfine, tensioner and shimano capreo crankset. Should I be using a 1/8 chain for this even with the tensioner? I am looking at ordering a nexus 1/8 chain and a 1/8 half link to help solve this problem. But, I figure even with the tensioner this racket should not be coming out of the setup. For example if I peddle backwards you can really feel things binding up in the tensioner... kinda clacking if you know what I mean.

Anyhow, any recommendations on chains would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

I am using an 8 speed chain (SRAM, I think) with my Alfine hub and it works fine. Smooth and quiet.

Thanks John... maybe I will just wait for the nexus chain and the half link thingy and try to lose the alfine tensioner...

Make sure the chain is routed correctly through the tensioner. There may be tabs on the side plates that the chain is supposed to be going under but is instead routed over (should make more sense when you look at it). Seems like a fairly common mistake to mis-route a chain based on reading these forums.