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Is Anyone Using A Cheap 8 Speed Chain On Their FG?

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Is Anyone Using A Cheap 8 Speed Chain On Their FG?

Old 05-13-09, 12:04 AM
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Is Anyone Using A Cheap 8 Speed Chain On Their FG?

Is anyone here using a cheap 8 speed chain on their FG bike? I can't find any decent 3/32" chains locally, and really don't want to go for expense of mail order.

Rust is a problem here do to the wet climate and my habit of being an all weather commuter. I can find SRAM Salt Shaker PC-38 chains for around USD 8 (I've used one on my IGH winter bike with no issues), or fully plated SRAM chains for USD 40, which is pure insanity.

Any reason why I shouldn't try the cheap SRAM chain? Of course I do run brakes.

Thanks!

EDIT: THIS IS NOT A 'WHAT CHAIN DO YOU USE' THREAD. THANKS.

Last edited by Cyclist0383; 05-13-09 at 11:20 AM.
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Old 05-13-09, 12:25 AM
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I just replaced the old KMC 8 speed chain on my bike with... you guessed it ... another KMC 8 speed chain.

Why ?

Because I wore it out over some 4000 plus km of riding.
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Old 05-13-09, 12:26 AM
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Ziemas - The SRAM chain should be just fine.
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Old 05-13-09, 03:49 AM
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TomiCog guy is recommending SRAM PC-58. You can be sure it is a good bet because people there go fixed Off-Road / touring with their chains.

https://tomicog.blogspot.com/
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Old 05-13-09, 04:36 AM
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I run a cheap road 6/7/8 speed chain that I bought from WALMART on my FG.

https://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...ct_id=10400600

No problems so far.
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Old 05-13-09, 07:05 AM
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KMC Rustbuster 410. Your local shop should be able to order one up. They run about $12 retail. I use them on my road fixed, MTB fixed and MTB single speeds. Been running them for years, literally have put thousands of miles on them and haven't had any issues.
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Old 05-13-09, 07:26 AM
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6, 7, 8 speed chains are fine for fg/ss applications. I use them on my fixed MTB...usually SRAM, but generally whatever is cheap. Keep it clean and lubed and rust shouldn't be an issue. I always wear my chains out long before they develop significant rust. The only chains I would avoid are the KMC 410 series BMX chains (the low end of KMC's product line) , which seem to wear faster than other chains I have ever used. Also avoid chains over $20...a waste of money. Otherwise, any chain is fair game as long as its wide enough.
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Old 05-13-09, 08:24 AM
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I run a cheap road 6/7/8 speed chain that I bought from WALMART on my FG.
ditto
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Old 05-13-09, 08:56 AM
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I've been using SRAM PC850 chains on my ss/fg bike. At $17 they're more of a mid-price chain, IMO, but they're still cheaper than what I put on my geared bike. I've been doing a lot of solo long distance on my singlespeed and I don't really trust super-cheap parts not to leave me stranded.
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Old 05-13-09, 10:09 AM
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I run these:
https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=K3133

Super quite, strong, cheap $13 shipped, and reliable. I have run SRAM's hollow-pin 9 sp chains on my SS and honestly can't tell the difference between that $60 chain and the KMC listed above.
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Old 05-13-09, 10:14 AM
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I'm using a 5/6 speed Izumi chain cause its 3/32 which fits my 3/32 crankset and 3/32 cog. As long as you take care of a chain, it'll be fine and will not break
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Old 05-13-09, 10:34 AM
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Thanks for the replies folks, but I'm not in the US. I'll try the PC-38 and report back. The PC-58 is USD 35 here, so I'm giving it a pass.
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Old 05-13-09, 10:58 AM
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Kmc z610hx
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Old 05-13-09, 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Geordi Laforge
Kmc z610hx
Not available locally, and shipping is quite expensive.
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Old 05-13-09, 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Geordi Laforge
Kmc z610hx
I think the point of the OP, was that the choices were limited.
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Old 05-13-09, 11:09 AM
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cant a bike shop order one for you?
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Old 05-13-09, 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Geordi Laforge
cant a bike shop order one for you?
Nope. The last time I tried to order a part that wasn't in stock I was told it would take 18 months.
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Old 05-13-09, 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Ziemas
Nope. The last time I tried to order a part that wasn't in stock I was told it would take 18 months.
ouch.
then get the PC-38.

I think the general consensus is most commerically-available chains are strong enough. failure is more from installation error. probably just need to replace it faster due to your climate or commit to cleaning/lubing more often.

I'm sure it's fine.
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Old 05-13-09, 11:31 AM
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oh, and I've successfully used a PC-48 on a winter beater before. Absolutely no problems.
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