Single link chains versus double link chains?
 

Are single link chains made for fixies and BMX bikes? or are they also suitable for bikes running derailleurs?


Why would someone prefer a single link chain?

Maybe it is half-link chains as a person who replied suggested? Are single and half link chains the same?

What do you mean by single vs. double link?.

If, by single link you're referring to the 1" pitch block, or roller chains of the past, then these are simply relics of their era, and have no advantage over the 1/2" picth chains of today. Some may prefer to use 1" pitch today as a fashion statement of sorts, but that option only exists in single speed (or IGH) systems, because there are no 1" pitch multiple sprocket systems.

Single link (or half link) chains are sometimes used on single speed, IGH, or fixed gear bikes to fine tune the chain tension.

Derailleur bikes use a spring tensioned arm to do the same thing and to allow for the necessary changes in chain length. I've never seen a half link chain in a narrow width derailleur chain. I suppose it could be done but what would be the point?

Possibly means half-link chains?

Single link?
Do you mean half link chains?
The big thing with half link chains is that they let you set chain length with greater resolution, at half link intervals instead of whole link intervals.
AFAIK, they're too wide (1/8") to be used by most derailer setups. And derailer chains are deliberately made to flex sideways, which isn't the case for half link chains.

A half-link chain offers no benefit over what a single half-link can offer. The only reason to get an entire chain of half-links is cosmetic, or to acquire a lifetime supply of half-links to splice into standard chains.

Thanks for that.

I think you're right and the OP was referring to 1/2 link chains, not 1" pitch.

So, there's no benefit in the derailleur world, but single speed users might want them because they call for a maximum wheel travel of only 1/4" to adjust chain slack, vs. the 1/2" required with standard chains. Other than reducing the needed wheel travel, there's still the fashion statement, which I suspect is what it's about in BMX and many fixie riders.

Yes half link chains are what I meant? Sorry for the confusion.

Some of us use use 1/8" normal (double link) chians on our fix gears, single speeds and IGH (internal hub gearing) bikes but use a half link to fine tune the length to locate the wheel where we want it in the dropout. Bike shops sell half links (roughly $8). I have also used industrial half links that use a cotter pin instead of a screw and nut. Real peace of mind. Properly bent cotter pins don't fall out under vibration. (Sailors have been using them for generations. They don't shake out of rigs battered by storms with 60+ mph winds lasting days.) Now the industrial half links have much bigger sideplates that may contact a fix gear lockring on smaller cogs, but I am considering getting some more of those ($5 ea at Ace Hardware) for the pin and cotterpin to use in the bike half links so I never have to worry about a pin unscrewing. (I secure the nut with Locktite Red and never unscrew it, just popping the links around it, but still, not having that nut would be nice.

Ben

Yea ^^ this is what Motorcycle chains do .. they're wider and bigger all around.
When it matters, bolts got 'safety wired' to not come loose either .


I put in 1 3/32" half link in an old type chain, mostly to open the chain with the same pin all the time
when I take it off to bucket clean it.

In single / IGH chains I prefer full bushing types , have a Whipperman ready for next replacement.

Half-link/pintle chains are sexeh.