Chain recommendation wanted for old 80s Japanese bikes
12-19-09, 09:41 PM
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Chain recommendation wanted for old 80s Japanese bikes
Hey folks,
Forgive me if this has been discussed before. I did a search, and didn't come up with a good answer.
I'm looking for some new chains for my old 80s Japanese bikes, e.g. Centurion Super LeMans, Nishiki International, Bianchi Limited, etc. Back in the day I bought Sedis Sport Chains, but I can't seem to find them now. Either they don't make them anymore, or they go by another name.
What would be a good chain to replace the old ones on my Suntour regular and Ultra freewheells?
Thanks, in advance.
Rip Van Winkle
Forgive me if this has been discussed before. I did a search, and didn't come up with a good answer.
I'm looking for some new chains for my old 80s Japanese bikes, e.g. Centurion Super LeMans, Nishiki International, Bianchi Limited, etc. Back in the day I bought Sedis Sport Chains, but I can't seem to find them now. Either they don't make them anymore, or they go by another name.
What would be a good chain to replace the old ones on my Suntour regular and Ultra freewheells?
Thanks, in advance.
Rip Van Winkle
12-19-09, 10:01 PM
#2
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I've had pretty good luck with 6 or 7 speed Z chains (KMC makes them). They're not pricey, and they work every bit as well as the Sedisports. Most LBS have them. If not, they probably can order.
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Last edited by USAZorro; 12-19-09 at 10:05 PM.
12-19-09, 10:47 PM
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Chains are a consumable item. They all pretty much work the same unless you have some special need like super rustproofing treatments or the like.
Buy the cheapest ones that your LBS has, or do as I do and buy them in bulk from eBay.
Buy the cheapest ones that your LBS has, or do as I do and buy them in bulk from eBay.
12-19-09, 10:55 PM
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Cheap for a flipper=KMC. Something slightly nicer for a personal bike=SRAM. Almost every single bike I own is using a SRAM chain. Sedis became a part of SRAM BTW.
12-20-09, 09:32 AM
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What redxj said. If it's your personal ride, throw on a good SRAM chain. I put a PC-850 on my Atala Grand Prix. If you're aiming to sell for profit, KMC Z chain.
12-20-09, 09:37 AM
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really? do they have a funky pin or can I reuse the same one? I really miss those old Sedis Sport chains.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
12-20-09, 10:01 AM
#8
Disraeli Gears
Any of the SRAM, Wipperman, even KMC chains in 3/32“ width will work well with the non-Ultra Suntour freewheels. SRAM PC-58, which I think has been rebranded PC-870, is what I'm using. With the Ultra freewheel I have, it's somewhat sensitive to width. Never had trouble with the original Sedisport, but the SRAM replacement does have a bit of ”hitch“ that I can feel intermittently. Functions fine, but I actually think it's the removable link catching a bit on the adjacent tooth of larger sprocket when in center cog (7-speed). Can't repeat it with bike in stand, and it also disappears when I'm pushing hard -- ”cruise“ is where I feel it. I've been meaning to try removing the removable link; but it's too darn convenient for simply removing the chain to clean it. Don't quote me, but Wipperman may be a tad narrower chain, as well as more expensive; you might check that out.
Occasionally NOS Sedisports appear on eBay; that's another option if you don't mind breaking the chain by pushing pins.
Occasionally NOS Sedisports appear on eBay; that's another option if you don't mind breaking the chain by pushing pins.
12-20-09, 10:07 AM
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12-20-09, 10:28 AM
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really? do they have a funky pin or can I reuse the same one? I really miss those old Sedis Sport chains.
12-20-09, 10:46 AM
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you know that stupid pin like on a hyperglide chain. I nver used a 'master link' on a multispeed is this a good idea?
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12-20-09, 10:54 AM
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Oh that funky pin. No, cheap and simple, nothing funky. I've used many chains with masterlink on multi-speed bikes, never had a problem. They can be a bi*ch to break though.
12-20-09, 11:12 AM
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I have been using the SRAM 8-speed chains (PC-8xx) on my Suntour ultra 6 and ultra 7 freewheels, both friction and index, with great success. They have virtually the same outer width as the Sedisport chains that they replace. The no-tool quick link is a great convenience, and I've not had any problems with it affecting shifting or coming loose while riding. They seem to be very durable with no evidence of stretching to date.
12-20-09, 12:10 PM
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I have used the SRAM 830 and 870 chains on my old Shimano and Suntour stuff. It works great and the master link is very convenient. The 870 chain looks especially nice against polished components. The 830 has a darker finish.
12-20-09, 05:57 PM
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Thanks, guys. I knew you wouldn't let me down. That's the beauty of this message board. You guys are great.
Redxj, thanks for the info about Sedis becoming part of SRAM. I suspected as much.
Charles Wahl, thanks! I didn't know there was another way to break a chain besides pushing a pin out!
Back in the day, that was about the only way to go. As I remember, there were a few chains that offered master links back then, but I don't think they were considered reliable, and I didn't know anyone that had one. I still carry around a chain tool in my emergency tool kit.
Now you see why I call myself Rip Van Winklke. Everything has changed.
Thanks again guys for having patience with a question that has probably been asked at least a few times before.
Redxj, thanks for the info about Sedis becoming part of SRAM. I suspected as much.
Charles Wahl, thanks! I didn't know there was another way to break a chain besides pushing a pin out!
Back in the day, that was about the only way to go. As I remember, there were a few chains that offered master links back then, but I don't think they were considered reliable, and I didn't know anyone that had one. I still carry around a chain tool in my emergency tool kit. Now you see why I call myself Rip Van Winklke. Everything has changed.
Thanks again guys for having patience with a question that has probably been asked at least a few times before.
