Classic & Vintage - Chain recommendation

It is time for a new chain. Looking for recommendations.

Currently running:
Suntour Pro Compe 5-speed freewheel, 14-28.
Sugino crank 48, 34.

Also, at what point should one consider replacing the freewheel too?

Thanks,

Replace the freewheel when its worn (i.e. Teeth severely misshapen, skipping. Poor/no shifting). Or if you just feel like it. While I still love my old reginas, the new freewheels (Shimano, IRD, Sunrace) with the ramps do shift better but also make more noise. However you won't find any 5 speeds around so if you are running 120mm spacing eBay is going to be your best bet. At 126mm your options aren't really limited.

I would suggest an old sedis sport chain but the closest I think you can get to that is something like an SRAM 8s chain (I like the PC-870 myself).

I would suggest an old sedis sport chain but the closest I think you can get to that is something like an SRAM 8s chain (I like the PC-870 myself).

I'm happy with my SRAM 8s chain. I like a silver chain.

SRAM makes fine chains, but I have also used KMC Z chains with excellent results on older drive trains such as yours. Smoother shifting and less noise has been my experience.

http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=2460

(I like the PC-870 myself).
The SRAM websie lists PC-830, 850, 870, 980 with absotively posilutely no information about their differences. (Nicely informative website, innit?)

So what are their differences?

Silver or brass is pretty, functional and lightweight is even nicer, low cost is a good thing too.

I read somewhere that the higher number means that it can handle more torque load. Some are stainless steel so it is more rust resistant. I tried the low end one 830 and it works fine. You might want to get the stainless steel version if you are going to be riding in the snow/rain a lot.

... Also, at what point should one consider replacing the freewheel too? ...

I end up replace the FW literally 8 times out of 10 that I install a new chain. (I find out the very 1st time I mash the pedals to sprint any really steep incline.)

I like the Sunrace FWs just fine in combination with cheap KMC Z50 chains.

FWIW, I bought the SRAM 8s chain because it was a.) 8 speed and b.) silver. On nearly all of the freewheel equipped bikes I've restored I put a brown, KMC Z-30 chain on them. Hard to beat for $6.

It is time for a new chain. Looking for recommendations.

Currently running:
Suntour Pro Compe 5-speed freewheel, 14-28.
Sugino crank 48, 34.

Also, at what point should one consider replacing the freewheel too?

Thanks,

Are you shopping for a standard length chain or a very looong chain?

Are you shopping for a standard length chain or a very looong chain?

A looong chain? Is my spelling that bad?:) I figure a long chain can be made into a bunch of smaller ones, but no, I'm looking for about 112 links in an old-fashioned 5-speed freewheel width. Nothing complicated... Actually I need two of them (two bikes), so I suppose a very looooooong chain might do.

Actually I have an old, lightly used Sedis but I figure newer chains might work better.

A looong chain? Is my spelling that bad?:) I figure a long chain can be made into a bunch of smaller ones, but no, I'm looking for about 112 links in an old-fashioned 5-speed freewheel width. Nothing complicated... Actually I need two of them (two bikes), so I suppose a very looooooong chain might do.

Actually I have an old, lightly used Sedis but I figure newer chains might work better.

I thought you might be shopping for a tandem chain ;)

The SRAM websie lists PC-830, 850, 870, 980 with absotively posilutely no information about their differences. (Nicely informative website, innit?)

So what are their differences?

Silver or brass is pretty, functional and lightweight is even nicer, low cost is a good thing too.

I use the 870 as well because of the quality to price, but mostly because I like using the powerlink versus the Shimano pins. The difference between the 850 & 870 is that the 870 has nickel plated outer plates, the 850 doesn't. They both have chrome plated pins, I don't think the 830 does. I believe the 980 has nickel plating on both outer and inner plates.

Something like...830-black unfinished chain, 850-grey chain, 870-silver plates/grey links, 890-all nickel. I like PC-870 normally price against value. Amazon normally has them for $18.


The SRAM websie lists PC-830, 850, 870, 980 with absotively posilutely no information about their differences. (Nicely informative website, innit?)

So what are their differences?

Silver or brass is pretty, functional and lightweight is even nicer, low cost is a good thing too.

Been using the Nashbar tandem chain (rebadged KMC Z72 line) for years. Item is often on sale for 1/2 price or less. Works great for a 5 to 8 speed bike. Elongation is approximately 0.005" per 12" after 1500 miles if chain is properly maintained. My cruising speed is 17-18 mph in the city. If you want a little more bling and durability then step up to KMC's X8.93 line.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_175396_-1_201521_10000_200425

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CH309Z07-Kmc+X893+Chain.aspx

I read somewhere that the higher number means that it can handle more torque load. Some are stainless steel so it is more rust resistant. I tried the low end one 830 and it works fine. You might want to get the stainless steel version if you are going to be riding in the snow/rain a lot.

Who makes a stainless 8 speed chain?