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1/8 chain on 3/32 drivetrain - safe?

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1/8 chain on 3/32 drivetrain - safe?

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Old 06-01-09 | 10:57 PM
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1/8 chain on 3/32 drivetrain - safe?

my bike has both a 3/32 cog and chainwheel. I need a new chain and a friend has a unused and in-box 1/8 wippermann chain he is willing to give me.

I know the chain would be compatible, but are there any concerns with this set-up? my chainline isnt straight - I have a sugino rd crank with a surly cog. I believe the chainline is 45mm. Does this mean I'm more likely to throw the chain or create faster wear on the drivetrain?

Or will it just be a case of extra noise (which I dont mind)?

If there's any problem with using this chain on imperfect chainline, I'll just go buy a chain instead. But if it's all good, then I'll just take the free chain...

thanks.
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Old 06-01-09 | 11:01 PM
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1/8" chain on a 3/32" drivetrain is fine. Proceed.
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Old 06-01-09 | 11:02 PM
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...even with the slightly off chainline?
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Old 06-01-09 | 11:05 PM
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u'll be fine. it just has a little more wiggle room than u'd like. nothing you can do except buy a chain urself.
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Old 06-02-09 | 07:49 AM
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I have a Sugino RD with a Surly cog, chainline is perfect, even if it were off by 3mm you'll be fine but personally I would just buy a 3/32 chain. Unless $10 will bankrupt you?
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Old 06-02-09 | 07:57 AM
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I'd suggest staying with a 3/32" chain for now- they're designed to accommodate a chainline that isn't straight, and they're easier to work on (especially if you have a power link or something similar). Save the gift chain for a rainy day or your next build.

Just my two cents.
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Old 06-02-09 | 09:39 AM
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It will work, well enough at least for you to bike to your LBS and buy the proper chain
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Old 06-02-09 | 12:16 PM
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My attempts with a 1/8 chain on 3/32 gear resulted in a noisy rig. I like silence I get on the 3/32 chains. Chains are cheap enough to get the right one. They are meant to be replaced fairly often after all.
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Old 06-02-09 | 12:37 PM
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yeah the 3/32" chain will just be quieter. You will be fine w/ the 1/8" chain, it just may make some nosie w/ the imperfect chainline. If you don't care about the noise, just use the 1/8" chain. It won't hurt. I used 1/8" on 3/32" cog/chainring on my first build.
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Old 06-08-09 | 07:14 AM
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From what I understand, it should be fine...
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Old 06-08-09 | 09:09 AM
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1/8" chain on a 3/32" drivetrain actually allows for a straighter chainline since it'll align itself.
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Old 06-08-09 | 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by sickz
1/8" chain on a 3/32" drivetrain actually allows for a straighter chainline since it'll align itself.
if the chainline difference requires the chain to bend, wouldnt a 1/8 inch chain wear more?
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Old 06-08-09 | 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by adriano
if the chainline difference requires the chain to bend, wouldnt a 1/8 inch chain wear more?
if the chainline is that off then it's best to seek other solutions
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Old 06-08-09 | 06:09 PM
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I run an 1/8" chain on a 3/32" chain ring and 1/8" cog....... your fine
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