TomM

I will be installing a larger chainring on my fix gear bike which will require the chain to be longer. The chain has about 600 miles on it and I've been told I can just add links to it. My question is this: Can I use links from a different brand of chain as long as they are they same width?

dsm iv tr

I don't think it would hurt to use whatever brand you like provided you keep to the same width. That said, those links might be more or less worn than your current chain is.

Why don't you replace the chain with a new, longer one? The reason I say that is because I replace my chain at 1000km, and 600 miles is about 1000 kilometers. I can feel the sloppiness in pedaling at that point, and notice increased side-to-side sloppiness too.

YMMV, of course.

operator

You might want to start by telling us WHAT chain you have.

z415

You might also need half-links since you are setting up a fixed gear.

tellyho

I wouldn't mess around with combining chain mfrs. I'd buy a new chain.

G piny parnas

buy a new chain--- track if this is your brake!?!?!?!?!!?!!?

lymbzero

There are many different types of chains.
The profile of a KMC 510 and KMC 710 are different even though they are both the same width.
They should link together but the smooth continuity might be affected.


A different manufacturer's chain will probably result in the same discontinuity.

If you're the type that really doesn't care about mish-mashing, then go for it add some links, see if you like the ratio.

I used to use KMC-510HX on all my single speed bikes, I usually just grab links from old chains and add to other old chains if I'm changing ratios.

However I'd probably just get a new *nicer* chain onces you've found that it all works.

TomM

Thanks for the info which has convinced me to just buy a new chain.

BCRider

I mixed a chain to make it longer but it was from the same maker and by chance used the same size pins. The size of the pins would be the big issue. If the pins don't fit it's a non starter.