abm1213

I was just wondering why there is such a price differential between, for instance, 1/8th" BMX/single speed chain and the chain that is sold as "track chain". Does anybody know the special extra hightech fabrication processes, exotic and rare raw materials, and super high quality tolerances that go into making a "track" chain vs. cheap coaster brake chain? Finally, is there some performance or reliability handicap that would be more likely to occur when using $7 BMX chain rather than "track" chain? Just wondering why the same thing seems to cost so much more.

I have the same questions about 1/8" cogs and chain rings vs. 3/32" spec same thing but I won't bother any body with them right now.

ed073

I know which chain I'd rather be using in a big wheelrace final....

Ceya

qualilty and purpose. you an use a bmx chain since it is the same 1/8th thickness but it is not light and not track specific. that like putting a mustang engine on a lamborgini ,it give you the same horsepower but not the same performance.

1/8 is thicker because of the hard use . 3/32 is ok but will wear down faster.

S/F,
CEYA!

cicadashell

cheap chains stretch. they wear out quickly, and can start to work on your chainrings, which are a whole lot more expensive. if you are not competing, you could get away with a cheap chain, but you should replace it like every four months. or every four hundred miles. or whenever it starts to suck.

abm1213

Anybody have a source for technical specs that support these statements? I can't seem to find anything on the web that allows me to do a rational comparison of the chains. Aside from visually obvious external differences (gold plating, cool markings, fancy package, extra link, etc.) are there significant differences in performance that would warrant a 300% increase in price? I am looking for a spec sheet like you would get if you were buying, for instance, tubing to build bicycle frames - tensile strength, composition, process features, design features, blah blah blah you get the picture. Thanks.

EnLaCalle

https://www.63xc.com/gregg/gregchai.htm

abm1213

Nice pic. Thanks for the link.

ed073

yeah....good link. Lots of info.

Ceya

close to my statement but longer.

thanks for the link!

S/F<
CEYA!

abm1213

If consumers don't care if they spend more money or simply prefer to spend more money then the business model changes drastically.

CafeRacer

A plated chain such as a wipperman BMX chain is a little smoother on the chain rings when oiled. Plus not all cheap BMX chains have bushings aswel.