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What chain?

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Old 12-08-14, 03:47 AM
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What chain?

Dear Bikeforum users,

After building my very first fixie, I want to get my bike a fresh look by adding a white chain.
I have no idea how long it should be (a friend of mine have a tool to remove links).
What do you guys advise me?
I may choose one of these 3 chains:
- Kmc ketting s1 1/2 - 1/8 (112 links)
- Sixpack k747 (106 links)
- Dartmore Core 1/8 inch (102 links)

Oh and where can I learn more about fixies in gernal, because I'm new in this and it seems like there are many, many possibilities when it comes to upgrading / optimization.

Greetz!
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Old 12-08-14, 04:36 AM
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Given the choice I always buy the longer chain since it is easier to cut it down than to make it longer.

It will depend a little bit on your chainring and rear spocket choice, but with the fixie you don't have a derailleur, so you're probably fine with the shortest chain.

Why don't you measure around both sprockets with a tape measure. Then double the length (since they are 1/2" links. Since you'll be measuring the outside of the sprockets, it will still be a couple of links too long.
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Old 12-08-14, 07:12 AM
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I use SRAM chains but a lot of riders choose the KMC ones.

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Old 12-08-14, 10:24 AM
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I've been using the KMC Kool chains for a few years. Not sure if you can get white but they hold up well, are inexpensive and quiet which are really the important things. Also you can get them in 3/32 or 1/8 depending on what size chainring and cogs you are running.
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Old 12-08-14, 02:09 PM
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I'd go KMC simply because I have never hear a bad word about their chains and I have never heard of the other two brands. Granted, I don't go picking up chain boxes and looking at then in bike shops.

I use Izumi 1/8" chains because they are track quality and ~$20. Put it on and forget about it. Good for taking off and re-riveting many times. Replace it at 1/16" stretch (many thousands of miles) but keep it until I have a pile of worn cogs, then use those 1/16" stretched chains for a few more years.

From what I hear about KMC, I suspect the same approach would work just as well.

Ben
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