Anthropy

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Are aluminum 1/8 inch chainrings more durable than 3/32 aluminum chainrings?

I would expect the answer to be yes, due to to the increased thickness of the teeth, but I have been wrong before.


Tom

WoundedKnee

3/32 is more plentiful and cheaper, I wouldn't think there would be much of a difference anyway. I run all 3/32.

Darth_Firebolt

3/32 weighs less.
assuming no speed holes.

leed

This is no proven answer, but it would depend on your chain.

If you are comparing a 1/8th chainring and 3/32nds chainring with a 1/8th chain, then yes, theoretically the 1/8th chainring will last longer, simply because of mechaincs there will be a larger surface area to take the stress from the chain's rollers. It will last longer than running a 3/32nds chainring with a 1/8th chain. This is also assuming the chainrings are of the same material and/or alloy.

However, if you're comparing a 1/8th chainring to a 3/32nds chainring with a 3/32nds chain, the differences between the two will be negligible. The larger difference in wear will come from chainline issues, where a 3/32nds setup would wear less with bad chainline in comparison to a 1/8th setup.

Anthropy

Thanks,

Yes, I was assuming same material, using 1/8" chain with 1/8" chainring and 3/32" chain with 3/32" chainring. I would have thought that the 31 thousands thicker teeth (if they are indeed that much thicker), would net a little stronger tooth.

So what you are saying is that due to the wider area of the 1/8", if the chainline is off and not square to the ring, it will actually cause more wear (since the roller is not square to the tooth)?

I guess I'm confused as Sheldon Brown's site always tout 3/32 as being king and you guys seem to indicate that it does not much matter as long as you don't use 3/32 chain on a 1/8" ring and you keep your chainline within reason (and don't use crappy products)?

In the end, is it don't worry be happy?

Tom

Scrodzilla

It's not possible to use 3/32 chain on a 1/8 ring.

mihlbach

This is nonsensical. Read what scrod said. Also, it makes no real difference to the chainline what width chain you are using.

evilcryalotmore

My lbs installed a freewheel on a custmers bike with a 3/32 chain and a 1/8 tooth freewheel. and a 3/32 chain they where so confused and i was laughing in vain

cc700

your lbs is stupid.

Anthropy

OK, it was a silly statement on my part. Should I have said "try to use 3/32 chain..." Being in field service for 15 years, I have seen contractors and maintenance guys do some pretty weird and pretty wrong things to equipment.

The line "If it doesn't fit, force it. If it breaks, it needed replaced anyway" comes to mind.



Tom

carleton

1/8" became the track standard because bigger track racers were bending the 3/32" stuff. 90% of those that train/race on the track use 1/8". But, many endurance type riders prefer 3/32" for the lighter weight because they don't need the super-strong stuff.

3/32" is the road and mtb standard. Many racers complain about bending 3/32" chainrings. For example: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/fo...45556&start=16. Be warned, there is a small amount of blood in images that thread.

I would say, yes, the 1/8" stuff would technically last longer, but the difference would probably be negligible. Get 1/8" for the fact that it's what's readily available for the SSFG/track scene.

leed

Well, that is not what I was getting at, but yes that can take play in the issue. Look at it like this, with a 1/8th ring and 1/8th chain, you're holding a 25 pound bucket with four fingers. With a 1/8th chain and a 3/32nds ring, you're holding a 25 pound bucket with two fingers (not exactly, but you get the idea). Which will wear your fingers out more? I have run all setups, and really I haven't noticed any real difference between any of them, haha.

Sorry, allow me to clarify: Comparing a 1/8th chainring with 1/8th chain to a 3/32nds chainring to 3/32nds chain, the differences will be negligible.

And yes, you're right, the width of the chain doesn't have a huge effect on wear when it comes to bad chain line. But with the design of most 3/32nd chains (With beveled plates and such) as well as their designed purpose (to run on gears which are not inline) they will work better with bad chainline, less 'rub-wearing' on chainrings and cogs. On the other hand, with a 1/8th drivetrain, if things are off, lots of scraping and grinding will occur with the plates of the chain (although it's usually the inner ones cause an issue) and your cog and chainring.