Using a chain that is wider than the ring and cog
 

Is there any reason NOT to do this on a fixed gear application?

Lets say you have 3/32 running gear and you use a 1/8 chain.

To take it another step further, lets say you use 3/32 running gear and you use a 3/16 chain.

Are there any problems doing this that I need to be aware of?

For a fixed-gear or single speed application there's no problem using 1/8" chain with either or both 1/8" and/or 3/32" rings and cogs.

I'm not familiar with 3/16" chain, but with a 1/2" pitch it could probably work.

If you already have the stuff, try it and see. If you have to buy the stuff, buy the correct sizes.

chains are sold by width and pitch. Pitch has to match. There is a bit more flexibility with width; but you have to test to make sure that it will work in your application.

I ride fixed gear with 1/8" components. I believe [MENTION=20548]JohnDThompson[/MENTION] rides fixed as well.

This is the correct answer. It isn't a problem.

I've also never heard of 3/16 components.



-Tim-

I/8" chain should be more than "strong enough".
Anything larger is going to add weight and probably more friction with the likely larger side plates etc.
Sometimes too much of a good thing isn't.

Regarding 3/16" chain, I had not heard of that either. Did a little searching on Sheldon's site, and found this:


"For the true retro fixed-gear fan, another option is 1" x 3/16" chain. This used to be common on track bikes. This requires special sprockets with only half as many teeth as standard 1/2" pitch sprockets. Serious old-time trackies used "block" chain, which had no rollers. This is no longer available. Roller chain is still sometimes findable in this size."

KMC make cheap 3/16" chains.Not sure why you would need one though as 1/8" seems to be strong enough for the best track riders in the world. KMC K910 Strong 3-16 Chain | Chain Reaction Cycles

3/16 chains are common in adult tricycles and bmx bikes.

They come in a 1/2in pitch.

They are readily available.

If you have a bash guard, chain guard or chain ring protector, they MIGHT rub with a wider chain. This happened to me on a bike with an IGH when I bought a wider chain.

Read the first review here: KMC K910 Strong 3-16 Chain | Chain Reaction Cycles

Also: https://www.amazon.com/KMC-Chain-Sin.../dp/B000C1YPB2

Lots of sprockets for 415 chain.

UPDATE:

3/16 chains are now installed and everything turned out VERY nice.

The chains are doing a very good job of compensating for chainline being off by small amounts in 1/8 and 3/32 running gear.

Very smooth, very quiet.

If however chainline is off by more than what the width of the 3/16 chain will allow, you will know it RIGHT AWAY. In this scenario, the chain will not be forgiving at all.

UPDATE #2

So, installing these 3/16 chains on 3/32 running gear has made it very easy to see what needs to be done to improve chainline considering how unforgiving they are plus their width. After playing around with this a bit, and after seeing very clearly how the chainline is, I decided to do what I need to do to improve chainline without going to extremes.

I was able to get all 5 of my bikes very close to perfect chainline. They run an 1/8 chain and run very nicely.

In conclusion, I find that the 3/16 chain is a great tool to check chainline on a bike that uses 3/32 running gear. But it is not likely that one will have to run the 3/16 chain long term. The bikes ran good with the 3/16 chains, but not as good as they do now with better chainline and the 1/8 in chain.