FarHorizon

I've Googled and searched the BikeForums, but haven't yet found a straightforward answer. I find TONS of info on measuring BCD and lots of info on measuring chain width, but little to nothing on determining the width of a specific chain-RING, and what drivetrains it's appropriate for.

First - I have a bunch of chainrings and a good caliper. Where and how do I measure the width of a chainring? I'd assume at the base of the teeth and not on the "shoulder" below the teeth?

Second - What widths will work with what drivetrains. I'd assume that any ring of X-width would work with any drivetrain with a >X-width chain? Therefore, a nine-speed chainring would also work with 8, 7, 6, and 5 speed rear ends?

Third - What is the MAXIMUM width that will work with 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 speed (specifically) rear cassettes without chain suck?

I'm sure this info is available somewhere, but in 30 minutes of searching, I've not yet been able to find it. I suspect that the finding depends on knowing where to look - therefore I defer to youse guys' superior knowledge.

THANKS for any help - FH

FBinNY 

Up until you get to 10 and 11s all chains and sprocket are the same width (inside for chains), namely 3/32" That means that the chains are made to um properly on a sprocket with teeth that are 3/32" wide. If you have a caliper and measure all your chainrings you'll find that all have teeth of the same thickness, subject to working tolerances. You didn't find specific info because you overlooked the obvious, namely that all the chains are 1/2 x 3/32".

What does vary is the outside dimension of the chains, the distance between adjacent chainrings, the thickness of the blank, and the offset of the teeth on the blank, ie. centered, or closer to either face. Those small changes don't affect how a chain runs on the sprocket, but do affect shifting.

Standalone 

I recently ran a 9 speed chain with a 10 speed crankset and an 8 speed rear cluster. Shifted beautifully.

FarHorizon

OK, @FBinNY, that means that 95% of my rings will fit anything up to 9-speed rear ends? The remainder will be ⅛" (single speed, coaster-brake, and internally-geared hubs) and ?? for 10 & 11 speeders?

I'm particularly interested in the chainwheel-tooth width for 10 & 11 speed rear ends, because those sell for more than the "standard" 3/32" ones. I'm sure that I have some of those as well, but I think I need to measure to identify them.

Thanks - FH

fietsbob

DIY measurement Worth buying a Digital caliper ? https://www.google.com/search?q=Digi...hrome&ie=UTF-8


Now derailleur chains form their Bushings out of the side plate hole punching. that flange sits under the edges of the Roller and just the very ends of the pin.

chains are more flexible sideways , but as the side plate steel, Inner link, is thinner so is the bushing.. so wear material available is less on the Flange-Bush ..

Shorter wear life as the side plates are thinned as a direct result of less material .

noglider 

@fietsbob, @FarHorizon says he has a good caliper.

bikepro

I run a SRAM 11 speed chain on a 10 speed Red drive train. I think it shifts better.

fietsbob

The Thinner Bush-flange of new derailleur chains Vs the full bushing Types of Classic, Regina Oro and such, in the 6 speed freewheel era remains.

Running a Full Bush chain On My IGH has Been Much longer wearing than that of using a 8 speed Derailleur chain.

just realize the wear life sacrifices made to have that faster derailing chain.

DMF 

Yes, they are different. I have a thread here showing the actual thickness - that needs updating for the newer stuff. I'm trying to find it now.

Yah, here it is. Please feel free to update chart.

https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...our-rings.html

Standalone 

I have some shimano road triple chainrings hanging up on my bench that are marked "8 or 9 speed."