Choosing proper replacement chain
03-03-17, 12:07 PM
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Brian_Ciocc
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Choosing proper replacement chain
I confused as to what replacement chain to purchase for my 1984 Trek 560. It has a Helicomatic freewheel with 6 cogs. I would like a reasonably priced silver/silver KMC but I can figure out which model to buy.... Thanks!
03-03-17, 12:13 PM
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I assume any chain marked with 6 speed on it. So 5/6 speed Z33 or 6/7 speed Z50 should work. Only diff should be that the second is a little more narrow to accomodate 7 speed. I think $7 and $8 respectively is really good for them. If I recall, I must have spent about that or more on the old Sedisport chains I used to get for 7 speed.
Last edited by ptempel; 03-03-17 at 12:21 PM.
03-03-17, 12:21 PM
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I'm not familiar with KMC's line, but a narrower chain, like 8sp, could improve shifting a touch - plus less sensitive to lever position in a given gear assuming friction shifting.
03-03-17, 12:28 PM
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Looking at this thread:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...zed-chain.html
There's a recommendation for a SRAM PC870 which is an 8 speed chain like @Sir_Name is talking about.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...zed-chain.html
There's a recommendation for a SRAM PC870 which is an 8 speed chain like @Sir_Name is talking about.
03-03-17, 01:35 PM
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Be aware that the Z33 doesn't come with KMC's 'Missing Link' connector. You'll need to use your chain tool to press a pin back through the chain to rejoin it. (That's not a good idea for newer 8+ speed chains with peened/flared pins, but traditionally constructed chains like the Z33 are meant to be joined by reinserting pins.)
03-03-17, 02:27 PM
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An 8-speed chain is your best bet. If you're lucky, the smaller cogs won't be too worn and the new chain won't balk on them when riding hard. If the new chain doesn't want to play well with the old cogs, you'll need to source replacement Helicomatic cogs (good luck!) or replace the hub with a more standard freewheel hub or a modern freehub.
03-03-17, 03:24 PM
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I use KMC Z72 on my 6 through 8 speed bikes. I have one with a NOS SRAM 8 speed that also works nicely.
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
