Interchange of chains
 

I'm rebuilding a bike (I keep asking questions about it) and find I have the perfect amount of knowledge to be amazingly dangerous to my bike. :twitchy:

My latest problem is the chain. I put a seven speed chain on without realizing. It is cut to have the same number of links as the old chain, and seems OK. However, I was told today (scolded) that the pitch is different and that shifting and wear will both be improved if I put the 8 speed chain on.

Sound right?

Brian

Seven and eight speed drivetrains use the same chain, completely interchangeable. Chains for derailleur-equipped drivetrains are usually labeled as eight speed, nine speed, and ten speed these days, with nine speed chains being narrower than eight speed, and ten speed chains being narrower than nine speed. As for 5, 6, 7, and 8 speed drivetrains, they can all use "eight speed" chains.

In regard to chain length, here's a link to Sheldon's site explaining the process for sizing a chain.
http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#chain

I thought so.

Any advantage in a SRAM chain vs a nonBrand for 1/3 the price?

Never mind the last question. I see it has been fully discussed here before. Sorry.

It was? Was there a concensus?