Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Determining chain width by measuring teeth

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Hummeth
01-28-11, 09:32 AM
I need to replace the chain on my winter commuter (Bianchi BuSS) that I recently got on Craigslist. I don't really trust that the bike currently has the right sized chain (1/8 vs 3/32) Is it possible to determine the correct chain width by measuring the teeth on the drivetrain?

yummygooey
01-28-11, 10:18 AM
Yes. Just use some calipers or a ruler and measure them. A 3/32" chainring should be about 2mm, and a 1/8" chainring should be about 3mm. The difference may seem small, but at this scale it should be pretty obvious. Make sure you're measuring the tooth, and not the ring or the tapered edge of the tooth.

If you have another bike with a known chainring size, you could try comparing to that.
mihlbach
01-28-11, 11:28 AM
Well, if the bike is rideable, then it has to be the right size. A 3/32" chain will not work with a 1/8" drive train. All other combinations are "correct".

dbwoi
01-28-11, 02:06 PM
Just google some pics and eyeball it. It's pretty easy to tell.