Best KMC chains for indexing?
09-19-18, 06:20 PM
#1
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Best KMC chains for indexing?
I have a vintage 12 speed mtb that it turns out has an indexing capable freewheel. Got my hands on a set of falcon thumb indexing shifters, and added the compressionless sleeves ect. It shifts between gears just fine, but the chain rubs just a little on the smallest cog against the 2nd highest I noticed. I measured the pin width, it's 7.8mm. I think that's too wide for this application. My cogs are 5mm apart. I see KMC offers chains that are 7.3mm but no mention of indexing, then 7.1mm that do. Would a x8.99 chain do for me, it's 7.3mm, what's the deal here? Help?
09-19-18, 06:55 PM
#3
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Which I would assume means the x8 series from KMC? So that'll do? The bike I took the shifters from had a 7.1mm pin length chain. So a 7.3 should be fine on my shimano mf-z012... not sure what the donor bike's freewheel was.
09-19-18, 08:29 PM
#4
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...I use KMC X8.93 chains on almost everything I own, from 5 cog freewheels all the way up to 8 cog freehub clusters. They shift smoothly and work well on all of them. I know there are people who feel you need a wider, stiffer chain to shift well on some setups with 5 and 6 cogs, but I have not personally found that to be the case....not ever.
they work well on both friction and indexed setups.
they work well on both friction and indexed setups.
09-20-18, 09:26 AM
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Best i don't know. But i have used Z (don't know which exact model) and X8 and never noticed any difference.
09-20-18, 09:29 AM
#6
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Originally Posted by 3alarmer
...I use KMC X8.93 chains on almost everything I own, from 5 cog freewheels all the way up to 8 cog freehub clusters. They shift smoothly and work well on all of them. I know there are people who feel you need a wider, stiffer chain to shift well on some setups with 5 and 6 cogs, but I have not personally found that to be the case....not ever.
they work well on both friction and indexed setups.
they work well on both friction and indexed setups.
09-24-18, 05:34 PM
#7
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Interesting, well my local bike shop had the z72, which is narrow at 7.1mm pin length. It's perfect for my freewheel, tracks perfect now. I guess the newer freewheels/hubs work better with the 7.3mm ones.
Also going to throw a brand new chainring, and an rd-ft55a sis certified derailleur at it. That should do it! Still think I should try an 8.99 chain as well... god it's easy to spend money on this hab...hobby...
Also going to throw a brand new chainring, and an rd-ft55a sis certified derailleur at it. That should do it! Still think I should try an 8.99 chain as well... god it's easy to spend money on this hab...hobby...
09-25-18, 07:34 AM
#8
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Originally Posted by hermanchauw
Best i don't know. But i have used Z (don't know which exact model) and X8 and never noticed any difference.
X8 are good for 6, 7 and 8 speed bikes.
09-28-18, 10:43 AM
#9
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X-series KMC chain is race-quality. Z-series is for regular use, still good for normal use in my experience.
X-series chain does last longer.
When I measure a chain for wear, I find that the cheaper Z-series chain has far more pitch variability from one link to the other, but I can't tell if it is roller concentricity or link pitch tolerances causing this.
I use only the better X-series chain with expensive cassettes or precious/rare freewheels, and for hard off-road use.
X-series chain does last longer.
When I measure a chain for wear, I find that the cheaper Z-series chain has far more pitch variability from one link to the other, but I can't tell if it is roller concentricity or link pitch tolerances causing this.
I use only the better X-series chain with expensive cassettes or precious/rare freewheels, and for hard off-road use.
10-04-18, 12:29 PM
#10
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Thanks for the info guys. Currently running the z-72, but have an x8.99 on order. Pricey little thing ordering from the States....
10-05-18, 07:20 AM
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Buy Sram instead. I had 2 KMC chains break on me this season 1 - 8 speed and 1 - 9 speed. The 9 speed flipped the Dura Ace 7700 RD so it was pointing skyword totaling it. No fault of the quick links. One had under 200 Mi on it the other only 20 So from now on I only use Sram.
10-07-18, 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Wileyone
Buy Sram instead. I had 2 KMC chains break on me this season 1 - 8 speed and 1 - 9 speed. The 9 speed flipped the Dura Ace 7700 RD so it was pointing skyword totaling it. No fault of the quick links. One had under 200 Mi on it the other only 20 So from now on I only use Sram.
10-07-18, 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Wileyone
Buy Sram instead. I had 2 KMC chains break on me this season 1 - 8 speed and 1 - 9 speed. The 9 speed flipped the Dura Ace 7700 RD so it was pointing skyword totaling it. No fault of the quick links. One had under 200 Mi on it the other only 20 So from now on I only use Sram.
( I doubt SRAM manufactures their own chains)
10-07-18, 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by TGT1
Only chain I've ever had break was a SRAM. Had less than 200 miles on it and had multiple cracks in the links.
( I doubt SRAM manufactures their own chains)
( I doubt SRAM manufactures their own chains)
