How does the KMC K410 chain fit into the KMC range? How does it compare with the 710? Actually, I guess the real answer is 'what's it like for what we're doing?'.

I ask because my lbs has the 410 which he regularly flogs to bmx racers but not the others in the range - I'm after a long life chain for normal fixed riding (ie, brakes, commuting, fat old git who oils the thing regularly but hates all the pfaffing about involved with cleaning the stupid thing, etc)

Richard

note: this was asked in another thread but with the direction of that thread, the question could be easily missed ... so I asked again

https://www.kmcchain.com/file/en/chain_choice_chart.pdf

I recommend the KMC Z510HX or the Z610HX (for 3/32).

Thanks for the chart. It gives a good idea of where the chains you see recommended here fit in.

Typically, the 410 which is the chain my lbs has in stock, isn't mentioned

Richard

A browse of the KMC site (via the link given by Geordi) shows the 410 rated for "Beach Cruiser, Exerciser, Single Speed Bike" with only a few of their little icons that tell you how wonderful it is.

Hmm. I might ask him to order something further up the pecking order.

Richard

While we're on chains, do quick links work with fixed or are you better off keeping the thing as one piece (showing my heritage here, I'm not sure I trust quick links)?

Richard

master links are fine.

I have been using a great deal of KMC710 in our shop (where we build a lot of ss and fg bikes) and on my own bikes which range from fixed gears to ss coaster bikes, and 3 speeds and it has performed flawlessly on hundreds of bikes.

It looks badass (because it is) and will run $20.00 - $25.00

For 3/32 applications any decent quality chain should work but again, kmc delivers some very good value for the dollar spent.

I work as a messenger and my work bike runs a 3/32 drive... I use kmc Z51 chain (6-7 speed) which is cheap, very reliable, and long wearing.

any of the KMC chains will work for what you need, you're not riding brakeless and chances are you're not racing track so any basic 3/32" chain will be sufficient even if KMC says its meant for a beach cruiser.

I second that recommendation. Those are the best fg/ss chains for the money, IMO....very strong and longer lasting than any other chain I have ever tried. You can easily find them for $11-$15 on the internet. I usually buy 4-8 at a time. I use the master link, and have never had an issue.

It's a chain. Pretty similar to all the other out there.