Chainring question.
 

I hope I used the term "pitch" right.

Anyways, this is a pretty basic question and I'll probably catch some flak for asking it, but... while I know that a chainring that has is 3/32nd can fit into a 1/8th is it wise to do so due to the extra space around the teeth? This is when it's engaged within the chainlinks.

Why would you want to ?

The question at hand is whether or not it's a good idea to use a 3/32 chainring in a 1/8th chain, not why I would want to.

You'll have trouble finding a 1/8 chain that's as good as modern 3/32 chains.

So unless there is a point to it, you might as well use a decent 3/32 chain.

:)

Just guessing - Pretty sure the chain rollers would bear up under the higher pressure produced from the narrower chainring - think but not sure I read somewhere it was ok. 1/8" chain is not meant for derailleur use - might have problems if there are multiple rings & a derailleur.

All bike chains are 1/2" pitch - 1/2" between links.

I don't think 1/8 (single speed chain) and 3/32 (rear cassette chain) refer to pitch.

I'm assuming you're using this on a singlespeed/fixed gear bike, as 1/8th chains do not mix with derailers. In that case, a 1/8th chain will work just fine on a 3/32nd ring, infact, I used this combination for a number of months on my fixie, while I was searching for a 1/8th 42T ring (hard to find it seems). I definitly prefer using a 1/8th chainring, as its less noisy under back pressure, and I had some issues with throwing the chain a few times, though this was due a bad chainline that was just magnified by the chainring, but if for some reason 3/32nd is easyer for you, go for it. Also if you search in the track forum, there are many topic concerning this, and the consensus is that there is no problem.

I've used the same combination on my fixed gear commuter for the last year, works well for me.

That's correct. The 1/8 and 3/32 refer to the width of the chain. The pitch is the length between the links. The pitch of modern chains is 1/2", doesn't matter if it is a 3/32 or a 1/8 inch chain. So, the 1/8" chain will work fine on a 3/32" chainring. But there is no reason to do this, unless you have a 1/8" cog on the wheel.

1/8" rings and specific tooth counts can be hard to find for some cranks.

There's no problem running 1/8" chain on a 3/32" ring, despite what the fashionistas might say.

The changes in modern 3/32" chain are there to improve shifting performance, which is a non-issue with a single speed/fixed gear bike.

The OP hasn't said if it's single or fixed.

Materials have improved as well (as flexibility), modern 3/32" chains are made from better materials with higher tensile strengths and so are (fairly obviously) stronger.

:)

I ran a 1/8 inch chain with a 3/32" chainring and 1/8" cog on my first track bike. It was a Motobecane Grand Record that I converted for track racing. 3/32" cogs were hard to come by back when I was racing and I had a Stronglight road crank with one chainring removed. Raced that bike for a season at Northbrook. Chain made all kinds of noise when it was under load or resisting to slow down. But it worked well. For general use it should work out fine.

Given that no derailleur system in the last 50 years has used 1/8" chain, I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that he won't be using a derailleur. Maybe an internally geared hub, but that wouldn't obviate my point.

Flexibility is only an advantage with a derailleur system, not fixed/SS or internal gearing. And modern 1/8" chains are made from the same materials as modern 3/32" chain -- just wider rollers.

I wasn't saying that the OP was using a derailleur, the OP refused to say what he was going to try - so it was still possible he was going to TRY to use a derailleur.

The Rohloff 14 spd hub uses a 3/32 chain, simply because modern 3/32" chains are higher specification than 1/8" chains.

I suspect the other modern geared hubs do as well.

I don't mind being corrected, but in this instance I can't find any evidence to support your claim.

I can't find any 1/8" chains that are particularly high tensile or modern, what makes of modern 1/8" chains are you refering to ?

TIA.

:)

In that case, he'll soon find it won't work at all. :(

Or maybe just because Rohloff doesn't offer a 1/8" chain?

SRAM or HKK?