Bicycle Mechanics - Non-index chain? Does it make a real difference?

I recently bought several of these (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AYFRUE/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00) for my old Centurion, which runs a 6-speed freewheel. When I received the chains however, I noticed that on the front of the package was printed "Non-Index." It never even occurred to me that there would exist such a thing as a non-index chain, and now I have three of them. The only information a cursory googling turned up is this old thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/703452-KMC-Chains), which describes the difference in form, but not in function.

My question is, does it really make a difference? Will something terrible happen if I use them with an indexed shifter? Should I return them and buy different chains?

Sacrifice one and report back. nothing terrible will happen, the worst thing would be that you get a rubbing noise from either the front derailleur cage or the pulleys/cassette.

With a 6 speed, you should be fine.

As long as they are "derailleur" chain (3/32"), not 1/8" single speed or track chains your 6-speed freewheel will do ok with them. If you use them with a indexing shifters the shifting may not be real snappy but they should work adequately.

that just means they wont shift as quick and snappy when changing gears as chains made for indexing.

Since it's 6-speed spacing, it will work.

But if you're using a Hyperglide-type freewheel, the shifting will be abrupt, noisy and may overstress this chain's rivets if used the way Hyperglide drivetrains were intended to be used, i.e. shifting under heavy load.

I run a stardard chain on a 6 speed indexed system, should work.

Thanks everyone. The freewheel that I was going to use with these chains is one of these (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G0X2DA/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00). It does appear to have shifting ramps - will that cause me trouble? I'm not likely to be shifting under serious load (commuter bike, downtube shifters), but I'd rather play it safe than have a chain break at a bad moment.

Unless you abuse it terribly that chain won't break and if you abuse it enough ANY chain will break. All we are saying it it might not shift wonderfully well, you won't be in danger.

What model chain is it? There are many features that can make a chain "non-index", but some are more problematic than others.

What model chain is it? There are many features that can make a chain "non-index", but some are more problematic than others.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AYFRUE/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?tag=5336714512-20-2147483553-20

You'll be fine with that one for regular riding on the road. Clunky shifting perhaps, but you be the judge and please report back to let us all know how it works.

I think its more for IGH and single speeds.. but probably like old Regina/Reynolds Chain ..
full width bushings. [I got a Whipperman chain of that type for my R'off]
a sleeve connecting the inner link plate.. the rollers slide on that
[you can see the edge of the bushing]
bushing-less chain is more laterally flexible
they form the edges of a bushing out of the metal from punch forming the hole, hot.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AYFRUE/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?tag=5336714512-20-2147483553-20That's a bushingless chain and will work with 6-spd indexing just fine. It does have the lateral-flexibility to shift gears with a derailleur. Howver it doesn't have the narrow plates with beveled edges to slide down over the next cog smoothly. It may ride on top of the cog and cause some chatter before finishing the shift.