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Favorite 1/8" chain?

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Favorite 1/8" chain?

Old 06-07-12, 10:49 AM
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Favorite 1/8" chain?

Running an ENO freewheel and an All-City Messenger ring. The ENO can handle both 3/32" and 1/8" but the All-City ring requires 1/8".

I have a 2008 model SE Lager and I've never replaced the stock KMC chain. I don't ride in the winter and I probably only put 50 miles a week on the bike at most in the summer, so it's not as bad as it sounds.

What's your favorite 1/8" chain? I'm not concerned with colors or anything like that. My main concern is actually silent operation. I can't stand noisy bikes. Suggestions?

PS- I've done a little research and a lot of folks say SRAM PC-1 but I don't think I like the idea of that clip lock thing. I have a chain breaker tool and I don't mind using it.
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Old 06-07-12, 10:54 AM
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KMC K710-SL

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Old 06-07-12, 10:55 AM
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KMC K710-SL, hands down.
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Old 06-07-12, 10:58 AM
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I race on a master link with a c-clip.

It can be argued that the risk of improperly reassembling a chain with the pins is higher than a master link failing.


Oh and KMC K710 or K710-SL. Cheap, strong, quiet, and easy to find. Many local bike shops that carry BMX parts have them in stock.
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Old 06-07-12, 11:01 AM
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You guys are fast.








TWSS
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Old 06-07-12, 11:07 AM
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Perfect. I have a great bike shop just around the corner from me.
Thanks guys! Yeah, you guys ARE fast.
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Old 06-07-12, 12:23 PM
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Izumi Eco, but it's loud.

KMC K710SL, but it's so big (twss).
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Old 06-07-12, 12:25 PM
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Old 06-07-12, 12:26 PM
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Kmc 710
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Old 06-07-12, 12:36 PM
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KMC710/SL is the new official chain of the BFSSFG Army.
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Old 06-07-12, 12:46 PM
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Legit.
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Old 06-07-12, 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by calv
KMC710/SL is the new official chain of the BFSSFG Army.
Standard issue.

I literally bought another one today on my lunch break (true story). The chainstays on my two frames are slightly different lengths, so I need chains of different lengths. Now I own:

K710
K710 SL (x 2)
Izumi ECO (x 3)
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Old 06-07-12, 03:05 PM
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Went to the shop and wound up with a K710-SL in red. I wanted plain metal but they didn't have that. Was going to go black but thought red would help me know when it needs a cleaning better than black would. Seems solid. I put it on but haven't rode it yet. Nice and "waxy" lol.
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Old 06-07-12, 03:08 PM
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Be careful if you use a chain tool to join it and not the quick link. Because of the thick side plates, you need to have it lined up perfectly or you will break your tool.

Also, it won't fit in some chain tools. The little $10 Rivoli chain tool is the best thing to use.
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Old 06-07-12, 03:27 PM
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Thanks man. I did use the clip. I broke a few links off to get the right length but then just went ahead and used the clip. I made sure to follow instructions and face the closed end of the clip in the direction of the chain movement, etc. I also made sure to install the chain the right way since it is a directional chain.

You think I should just join it with the tool instead? Or is the clip durable enough?
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Old 06-07-12, 03:28 PM
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The clip should be fine.
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Old 06-07-12, 03:30 PM
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The only issue with the 710-SL is pushing pins back in. If you're being careless and don't have it lined up perfectly, something is getting damaged, a plate, pin, tool, something. Put if you're using the clip, it doesn't matter.
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Old 06-07-12, 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Scrodzilla
The clip should be fine.
Cool.
Just ordered a stem from your shop. That clapping guy after checkout is creepy. Heh.
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Old 06-07-12, 03:36 PM
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That's Gary Busey, son.

GWTP
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Old 06-07-12, 03:42 PM
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Really? He actually looks good there. Either that shot was from 1967, or there was some serious movie magic going on.

Ever see him in that Hunter Thompson documentary called GONZO? He's a character, man...
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Old 06-07-12, 04:58 PM
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Izumi Eco and KMC710/SL. I think the Eco looks better, but the 710SL seems a little quieter. Both have been good to me and are pretty reasonably priced
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Old 06-07-12, 05:43 PM
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I prefer the kmc 510hx chain. Its a bit cheaper than the 710, similar quality, but with more traditional looking links. The good kmc chains last longer than sram pc1 chains.
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Old 06-07-12, 06:02 PM
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Don't get a KMC Z410. Snapped that SOB climbing and rammed my chest into the bars. Hurt so bad..
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Old 06-07-12, 07:37 PM
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Originally Posted by mihlbach
I prefer the kmc 510hx chain. Its a bit cheaper than the 710, similar quality, but with more traditional looking links. The good kmc chains last longer than sram pc1 chains.
+!

I also have the 510HX on four bikes, working well . Also have used the 710/810 chains with no issues.
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Old 06-07-12, 07:44 PM
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IMO the Izumi V and the Regina Extra are the only truly quiet chains out there, and I haven't see the Regina for sale in decades. I have never found the 1/8" KMC chains to run silently unless completely gooped with lube. I haven't had the same trouble with their road chains, so don't know what the problem is.
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