Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Cranks/Chainrings

I'm about to start a fixed gear project, and I need to throw in some 165 cranks with a single chainring (fixed gear, right...). I'm tempted to just buy a track crankset, since it would be nice to have the 1/8" width, to boot. However, I can't afford that. Is there a way to buy a less expensive crank, and put an 1/8" chainring on? Thanks a ton.

Why the 1/8" passion? Is it a strength thing? If so, you can do a search on the forums and find that people throw 1/8" chains just as much as 3/32".

As for the cranks, I'm pretty sure you can use any cranks with a common BCD(bold circle diameter), either 144 or 130, and find chainrings to to fit.

If it's the thicker chain you're after. I could be wrong but I think I remember doing a search on this and finding 1/8" chains work with 3/32" cogs and chainrings. I know from experience it doesn't work the other way around.

I'm sure people will correct me if I'm wrong.

happy fixing.

1/8" chains will work with 3/32" sprockets. It won't work the other way around.

If you have a 110mm BCD crankset, you can find a few 1/8" chainrings on ebay (designed for BMX). With a 130mm BCD crankset, your only choice (that I know of) is the TA Alize, which is usually about $50.

The difference between 3/32" and 1/8" is marginal, at best. Bushingless chains are less common in 1/8", so they tend to be a little heavier (and more expensive).

As it has been stated many times, there's no way you're going to put more torque on that chain than is applied by low front ring gearings. 3/32" chains are perfectly capable of handling anything your legs can dish out.

I found a set of cranks for $5 at my LBS. They were in the back in a box and mix-matched (sugino R and shimano L) . Even came with a 42 tooth ring (144 bcd). They are great to get you going or on a beater. Go to the old bike shop that sells used and new stuff and ask to dig around in the back. You will be amazed at what you find.

With a 130mm BCD crankset, your only choice (that I know of) is the TA Alize, which is usually about $50.




I believe 130 BCD is the Shimano road standard... so there are usually plenty of older rings available on the cheap. FSA also makes some decent rings in a variety of teeth.

Yeah, but it is difficult to find a 130 chainring for a 1/8th chain. Most track chainrings are 144. But as it has been said before, you can run a 1/8th chain on a 3/32th ring just not the other way around.