Noob alert: single speed chain question
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,186
Bikes: 2016 Surly Cross Check, 2019 Kona Rove ST
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 284 Post(s)
Liked 313 Times
in
211 Posts
Noob alert: single speed chain question
I have 2 bikes, both set up as singlespeeds--a Kona Unit 29'r MTB and a Surly Cross Check. I pretty much rely on my LBS for all my repairs, etc. though I'm gradually learning basic stuff.
My question is, I'm starting to take longer and longer rides, and have an overnighter coming up and hope to do more of that, so I'm guessing it would be good to be able to fix a busted chain by myself if I had to.
From my measurements it appears the MTB (Kona Unit) has a 1/8" chain, while the Cross Check has a 3/32".
My multitool has no chain tool of any kind, but my research suggests I might not even need one - just have some spare links on hand, is that correct? If so....
For the 1/8" I found this: https://www.amazon.com/KMC-Z410NP-Co.../dp/B004JKJLU2
For the 3/32" I'm unclear on what to get. Would it be this?: KMC Missinglink - 10 Speed, Single Link > Components > Drivetrain > Master Links & Pins | Jenson USA
Am I on the right track here? Any advice appreciated!
My question is, I'm starting to take longer and longer rides, and have an overnighter coming up and hope to do more of that, so I'm guessing it would be good to be able to fix a busted chain by myself if I had to.
From my measurements it appears the MTB (Kona Unit) has a 1/8" chain, while the Cross Check has a 3/32".
My multitool has no chain tool of any kind, but my research suggests I might not even need one - just have some spare links on hand, is that correct? If so....
For the 1/8" I found this: https://www.amazon.com/KMC-Z410NP-Co.../dp/B004JKJLU2
For the 3/32" I'm unclear on what to get. Would it be this?: KMC Missinglink - 10 Speed, Single Link > Components > Drivetrain > Master Links & Pins | Jenson USA
Am I on the right track here? Any advice appreciated!
#2
Senior Member
I carry a KMC missing link for my chain as well. Haven't needed it myself but gave one to another rider a while back. If your chain breaks you most likely need a chain tool. You would need to push out the pins on each side of the damaged link(s) to be able to insert the missing link.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,186
Bikes: 2016 Surly Cross Check, 2019 Kona Rove ST
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 284 Post(s)
Liked 313 Times
in
211 Posts
I carry a KMC missing link for my chain as well. Haven't needed it myself but gave one to another rider a while back. If your chain breaks you most likely need a chain tool. You would need to push out the pins on each side of the damaged link(s) to be able to insert the missing link.
So then, I'd be looking at this, correct?: KMC Missinglink > Components > Drivetrain > Master Links & Pins | Jenson USA
That one is for "singlespeed or 9 speed"
I'm a little confused by the chain size thing--as I say, one of my bikes seems to have a 1/8", while the other a 3/32". This Missing Link doesn't say a spec in that regard. Will it work on both?
There ARE different widths available - 7.4mm, 6.6mm, 7.1mm - but I don't understand those specs.
Last edited by pbass; 01-09-17 at 10:04 PM.
#4
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,780
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3583 Post(s)
Liked 3,396 Times
in
1,930 Posts
#5
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
Each link has two pins. You need to get both pins out to remove the link so that you can use the replacement link. If one pin breaks then you need to get the other pin out to remove the link.
#6
Senior Member
Thanks Jim. I'm totally down with buying a chain tool, I've just been googling all this and getting all kinds of info, some of it conflicting!
So then, I'd be looking at this, correct?: KMC Missinglink > Components > Drivetrain > Master Links & Pins | Jenson USA
That one is for "singlespeed or 9 speed"
I'm a little confused by the chain size thing--as I say, one of my bikes seems to have a 1/8", while the other a 3/32". This Missing Link doesn't say a spec in that regard. Will it work on both?
There ARE different widths available - 7.4mm, 6.6mm, 7.1mm - but I don't understand those specs.
So then, I'd be looking at this, correct?: KMC Missinglink > Components > Drivetrain > Master Links & Pins | Jenson USA
That one is for "singlespeed or 9 speed"
I'm a little confused by the chain size thing--as I say, one of my bikes seems to have a 1/8", while the other a 3/32". This Missing Link doesn't say a spec in that regard. Will it work on both?
There ARE different widths available - 7.4mm, 6.6mm, 7.1mm - but I don't understand those specs.
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,186
Bikes: 2016 Surly Cross Check, 2019 Kona Rove ST
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 284 Post(s)
Liked 313 Times
in
211 Posts
Thanks Guys. Think I'll throw the bikes on the car and head to my friendly LBS and have em help me get it sorted out. I see there's different pin lengths available too for these Missing Links, so I want to be sure I'm getting the right thing.
#8
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
Posts: 2,717
Bikes: '74 Raleigh International utility; '98 Moser Forma road; '92 Viner Pro CX upright
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 939 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
If you have a broken link, you will probably need a chain tool to remove the damaged pieces before you can repair with chain pieces and/or quick-link. Here's one I just bought for ease of packing in a small bag.
#9
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
You just need to know if you have a narrow or wide chain and the LBS should be able to sell you the correct links or you can order it online.
I am 100% certain that if you have a wide 1/8" chain then the KMC brand missing link you need is CL-555.
-Tim-
#10
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7346 Post(s)
Liked 2,453 Times
in
1,430 Posts
1/8" chains don't break on the road, as a rule. Derailleur (3/32") chains didn't, either, until we got 8-speed and above chains, because they're made with tighter tolerances. I believe a major factor causing breakage on the road is improper installation.
I don't carry chain tools for two-day trips. The risk just doesn't justify it.
I don't carry chain tools for two-day trips. The risk just doesn't justify it.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#11
Senior Member
My LBS guy doesn't like KMC chains for some reason, but I've never had a problem with them or the missing link. My multi-tool has a light duty chain tool. Given that I already have that with me, carrying the extra link is no biggie.
#12
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7346 Post(s)
Liked 2,453 Times
in
1,430 Posts
KMC chains have been champions for me, and I recommend them.
But it's very hard to disengage one of those links without the proper tool to compress it. If I wanted to prepare for chain repairs, those pliers would be in my kit.
But it's very hard to disengage one of those links without the proper tool to compress it. If I wanted to prepare for chain repairs, those pliers would be in my kit.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#13
SE Wis
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 10,501
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2742 Post(s)
Liked 3,389 Times
in
2,052 Posts
I've always been able to do it by hand up to 9 speed chains. Once I got to 10 speed I could not. I made a set of pliers from a pair of mig welding pliers I found in the road by filing/grinding
#14
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
1/8" chains don't break on the road, as a rule. Derailleur (3/32") chains didn't, either, until we got 8-speed and above chains, because they're made with tighter tolerances. I believe a major factor causing breakage on the road is improper installation.
I don't carry chain tools for two-day trips. The risk just doesn't justify it.
I don't carry chain tools for two-day trips. The risk just doesn't justify it.
#15
Banned
That extra 1/32nd of an inch in chain width will not be a Burden.
are both bikes 1 speed or is the other a [5,6,7,8] speed Derailleur drivetrain?
are both bikes 1 speed or is the other a [5,6,7,8] speed Derailleur drivetrain?
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,186
Bikes: 2016 Surly Cross Check, 2019 Kona Rove ST
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 284 Post(s)
Liked 313 Times
in
211 Posts
Both are single speed. Not even chain tensioners in the equation---as SquidPuppet says, just going around in a simple circle!
It's starting to sound like maybe I shouldn't worry so much about this, since a ss chain rarely, if ever, breaks?
Last edited by pbass; 01-10-17 at 02:17 PM.
#17
Banned
I Prefer old style full bushing chains .. pins wider, not flush , side plates wider than the Rollers ,
and the bushing sleeve supports the full width of the roller and the pin , for more wear life.
and the bushing sleeve supports the full width of the roller and the pin , for more wear life.
#18
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
@noglider and @SquidPuppet make a good point.
Keep them clean and lubed, replace proactively and I've never had a chain fail once since starting to ride in 1977.
The problem improper installation and lack of maintenance. The "Splice old and new chain" thread is a perfect example.
Keep them clean and lubed, replace proactively and I've never had a chain fail once since starting to ride in 1977.
The problem improper installation and lack of maintenance. The "Splice old and new chain" thread is a perfect example.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,186
Bikes: 2016 Surly Cross Check, 2019 Kona Rove ST
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 284 Post(s)
Liked 313 Times
in
211 Posts
I went ahead and bought a small portable Lezyne chain tool that fits both 1/8 and 3/32 size chains, and the shop gave me a 3/32 Missing Link and a 1/8 master link (the kind with the little clip). Upon examining it all with my bikes when I got home, I see that I have a 1/8" chain on the MTB, and a 3/32" on the cross bike. The links they gave me look like the proper fit (without actually installing them, but they LOOK exactly right to my eyes).
So, now I've got the tool and one of each size spare links, fwiw (after all my hand-wringing over it, if I DIDN'T get this stuff I'd prolly be the guy who's chain would break out there in the boonies for no good reason
So, now I've got the tool and one of each size spare links, fwiw (after all my hand-wringing over it, if I DIDN'T get this stuff I'd prolly be the guy who's chain would break out there in the boonies for no good reason
#20
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
I suggest that you ask the LBS for an old worn out chain and practice repairing it at least once at home in a controlled environment.
You don't want to be using the chain tool for the first time out on the road.
You don't want to be using the chain tool for the first time out on the road.
#21
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7346 Post(s)
Liked 2,453 Times
in
1,430 Posts
@TimothyH gives great advice!
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,186
Bikes: 2016 Surly Cross Check, 2019 Kona Rove ST
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 284 Post(s)
Liked 313 Times
in
211 Posts
Great idea. I'll stop by the LBS and see if they'll give me an old one to practice on!
#23
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
@TimothyH gives great advice!