Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
Reload this Page >

Chain replacement

Search
Notices
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Chain replacement

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-17-05 | 11:25 AM
  #1  
Slodo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seen your member!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: (bike thief city) Chicago

Bikes: A black one

Chain replacement

How often- or at how many miles- do you guys replace your chain? I've heard that every thousand miles is a good figure for a fixed gear bike where chain integrity is important. How about you? Also, which maker/model do you recommend? Thanks!
Slodo is offline  
Reply
Old 07-17-05 | 11:54 AM
  #2  
bostontrevor's Avatar
Retrogrouch in Training
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,484
Likes: 1
From: Knee-deep in the day-to-day
Don't go by mileage, go by stretch. 12 links should be 12". When that is 12-1/16", you should replace the chain. When it hits 12-1/8" you should replace the entire drivetrain as well since it will have worn to accommodate the increased pitch.

1/8" BMX or track chains tend to be stronger due to their generally overbuilt nature and will stretch less. In particular, KMC's Z chains are tough as nails but also heavy and tend to be noisy. If you don't have 1/8" cog and chainring, they will probably be extra noisy as they can slop around on the gears.

Keeping your chain clean and properly lubed will lengthen the lifespan.

Both KMC & Wipperman (Sachs, I believe) have nice 1/8" and 3/32" single-speed/BMX specific offerings (unramped plates). In my experience, the heavy duty HX chains actually run quieter. For sure get a corrosion resistant (nickel plated or stainless steel) chain. It's totally worth the small premium to never worry about a rusty chain. I've got a 1/8" Z chain with thousands of miles and no measurable stretch.
bostontrevor is offline  
Reply
Old 07-17-05 | 12:17 PM
  #3  
Slodo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seen your member!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: (bike thief city) Chicago

Bikes: A black one

Wow. Thanks man. Awesome.
Slodo is offline  
Reply
Old 07-17-05 | 12:26 PM
  #4  
HereNT's Avatar
無くなった
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 0
From: Sci-Fi Wasabi

Bikes: I built the Bianchi track bike back up today.

Seconded on the stainless steel. My chain's always black, until I clean it, then it's shiny silver again.

Every 1000 miles? Damn, I'd be getting a new chain every couple of months. As is, I typically just get a new one when I build a different frame up or change gearing. I don't like having to add links back to a chain - I'll only break it once.
HereNT is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.