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What size chain?

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What size chain?

Old 01-10-12, 07:24 AM
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What size chain?

I am looking for a new chain and am inundated by the number of options.
There are chain listed at 7sp, 8sp, 9sp.
I have 8 sprockets on the back wheel, 3 on the pedals.
My old chain has 110 links.
The bike is a hard tail MTB.
Any other specs I should be looking for?
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Old 01-10-12, 07:30 AM
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You want to get an 8sp chain (#of sprockets on the rear wheel). It will likely be longer (more links) than your old one so you'll have to shorten it. Removing/installing chains is a relatively easy task. If you've never done it before, aearch for online tutorials.
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Old 01-10-12, 10:03 AM
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I'll suggest that for ease in installation and removal (such as for cleaning) that you get a chain with a removable "quick-link" master link. KMC, SRAM, Wipperman, etc. offer these.
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Old 01-10-12, 10:15 AM
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You have an 8 speed rear, so all you need is an 8 speed chain, any 8 speed chain by KMC, SRAM (quick link chains) or Shimano will do fine; they will all have more links than needed, so will need to be shortened.
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Old 01-11-12, 07:59 AM
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A 9 speed and even a 10 speed chain will work just fine and even will run quieter. If you have the money just get a kmc, but pretty much any brand will work just fine. +1 in the advice about the missing link.

Good luck.
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Old 01-11-12, 08:03 AM
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Originally Posted by ultraman6970
A 9 speed and even a 10 speed chain will work just fine and even will run quieter.
A narrower 9 or 10-speed chain is likely to skate on the teeth of or fall between chainrings of a crank spaced for a wider 8-speed chain. The OP should stick with an 8-speed chain.
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Old 01-11-12, 08:06 AM
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I have used a wippermann 10 speed in a 8 speed bike because i did not have anything else moving around, shift even better than the 8 speed chain. In a 6 speed or 5 I wouldnt do it, I agree with your but 8 if everything is dialed "right" the 10 speed chain will work just fine. Even u can run 11 speed campy on a 10 speed kmc chain.
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Old 01-11-12, 08:09 AM
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Not sure what the point of running a 9 or 10 speed chain would be, it may work, with a lot of rubbing, but 9 & 10 speed chains cost more than a 8 speed chain.

What's the point on spending more money on a part with will compromise performance, when the correct part can be bought for less.
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