Originally Posted by
T Stew
I've been thinking about this recently as I'm doing some basic mods to my old Voyageur. I don't see many 6 speed chains out there, and I've been buying only KMC chains so far, so happened to notice that the description on many chains have a wide range of speeds. Like the
KMC X8.93 Bicycle Chain 7.3mm 6, 7, 8 Speed
by KMC Amazon.com : KMC X8.93 Bicycle Chain 7.3mm 6, 7, 8 Speed : Bike Chains : Sports & Outdoors
so are 6-8 generally all compatible, or do you really need to stick to "1 speed off". I mention specifically, because I have 6 speed freewheel, and looking at this chain (on KMC's site it is just listed as 8 speed but is very common for sellers to label it as 6, 7, 8 speed compatible).
Your research is correct; all 6-8 speed chains are all cross-compatible, so manufacturers just make one chain for those drivetrains. The KMC X8.93 is a fine chain; I use it for 6-8 speed bikes I build.
Some good info in this article:
Urban Velo - Bicycle Culture on the Skids
Some folks refuse to use 9 speeds or more, because they are concerned about the decreased life of those narrower chains and sprockets. Others call those folks "retro-grouches", but they have a valid point. As chains and sprockets get thinner, they wear more quickly (and are more expensive). I can't prove this with empirical data, of course.
Personally, I stay a generation or two behind the current market out of thrift. I'm just now adapting a couple older bikes to 9 and 10 speeds, as those parts become cheaper.