Fugazi Dave

Fairly recently, someone posted in the picture thread that the Shadow Conspiracy chain was extremely dangerous for track/fixed gear bikes because it was supposedly a unidirectional chain. I asked for proof, but as far as I can tell it was never given. Still, I am interested in whether or not there is any truth to this. Thoughts, anyone?

Aeroplane

It certainly looks directional, but I doubt it as well.

karmical

it raises a good point with their chains being unidirectional, may be a problem for those that ride backwards, really fast, but in the force under backpressure/skidding i don't feel its a factor.

i've run the chain the other way- don't ask it just happened one late night...rode it a full week before correcting the error with no problems whatsoever, so yeah show me the proof of them being dangerous as well-

Thrillhouse

ok, heres the deal. The Shadow chain is only uni-directional in bmx applications because it prevents the chain from splitting if you grind on it or land on the chain/sprocket. Also since bmxers are running smaller gearing now (28x9 etc) it helps the chain run smoother in the suggested direction. Unless you are getting real gnarly on your fixed, there should be no problem running that chain. I have it on my BMX and can vouche for its quality..

lyledriver

^ +1

All the BMX kids that say their shadow chain broke in the first week didn't install them correctly.

Its a good chain, but prone to stretch.

auk

FD,

As stated, it only applies if you are doing grinds. So, the uni-nazi's can be assured, all is well in FD's application.

They are really tough cahins and it certainly is a godsend to those that have vertical drops and want to run single or fixed. I have one on my mtn. bike and it is allowing me to run single speed without a singulator or the like.

boots

question: are these sentences true?

"using a shadow conspiracy chain makes horizontal drop-outs unneccesary for fixed-gear applications. virtually any frame with any gearing can be made into a fixed-gear with a shadow conspiracy chain."

sivat

I would think that with nothing but half links, you can vary the length of chain to within a half inch, and get pretty damn close to correct chain tension with almost any gear ratio.

spud

with proper tension (read: slack) you'll be fine using it on your track/conversion.

sohi

thats probably true for the first week because the chain stretches like hell. I had to take out a link
after a few days because the chain was already loose and the axle was hitting the end of the dropout.
with the shorter chain the axle was right at the beginning of the dropout (I have very short horizontal
dropouts) but now it is almost in the middle again.

techone

That sounds like hella stretch! How would you measure that? 12 inches per 24 links? It sounds like it should be well beyond the 1/16 stretched beyond use mark.

sohi

probably sound more than it is but the dropouts are relly short

mattman

That was the hardest chain ever to put on till we started using real tools like channel locks not crappy chain tools.