Recommend me a good 1/8" chain? I'm running dura-ace drivetrain now, but want to swap out this 3/32" chain. I want something to match the quality of dura-ace.

Izumi super tough?

I also have a SRAM PC-1 sitting in my toolbox, but just assumed cheap price = cheap chain?

Also, where can I find a half-link, but just the single link? I searched google briefly but just found full half-link chains... and well, I'm sure they are heavy and thats pointless anyway.

Thanks!

Izumi Eco has been recently praised up the butthole. I'm about to get one too. lol

I've had good experience with PC-1s, your mileage may vary.

Wipperman, some KMC, SRAM PC-7X, Izumi ESH, HKK Vertex etc etc. The list could go on and on, but chains are like tires; if one had a bad experience with a certain brand or model, he or she will not buy it the next time around.

I once made a hybrid chain out of a few short sections of PC-1, KMC Z510 and KMC Z510 HX. The PC-1 part of the chain wore the fastest. When 12 PC-1 links measured 12 1/16" inches the Z510 part of the chain was about half worn and the Z 510HX part of the chain was barely worn at all.

The Z510HX chain is now the only chain I use. It is the best chain you can buy dollar per mile. They are quite, strong, and last a long time. Super expensive NJS chains, such as the Izumi Super Toughness are no better, and possibly worse. I had a Super Toughness chain once, which I mated to a brand new Sugino/DuraAce NJS drivetrain. it was loud and lasted only 400 miles.

KMC Z510HX chains can easily be found for $10-$15. I usually order 3-5 at a time to save on shipping. For example...

https://www.bikeworldusa.us/KMC-Z510H...B000C1VKBK.htm

or...

https://www.blueskycycling.com/view_p...eProductSearch

I can usually order half links the same place I am ordering the chains. If not, try the LBS.

Its worth mentioning that, with singlespeed chains, quality isn't really something thats clearly reflected in the price of chains. Compared to chains meant for geared bikes, SS chains are very simple and haven't changed in decades, and therefore, even really good ones are very cheap in comparison. In other words, there isn't much difference between a $70 NJS chain and a $10 BMX chain. They both have similar tensile strengths and are made of the same thing. The NJS chain may look a bit nicer, but who cares...its a chain....it gets dirty...and no one looks at it anyway.
There is no benefit to spending beyond what will get you something thats strong and made of wear resistant materials.

I can understand a concern for weight, but it's a chain not a seatpost/stem/handlebar. I wouldn't rule out half-link chains simply because they're XYZ many grams heavier, unless you're racing.

In which case, shave all your hair.

In my experience:

KMC Z410 sucks
KMC Z710 good, but heavy and poor corrosion resistance
Izumi Eco good, reasonably priced, well made, etc. $16 shipped from Universal Cycles.

I just bought a nickel plated Wippermann Whitestar 1/8" CHAIN from Universal Cycles for $15 >>> https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...1&category=686 They have a good reputation as a normal usage chain and the nickel plating should eliminate corrosion. IDK about durability, since I just put it on, but it runs very smooth and quietly.

i use pc-1 chains, i get them at the lbs for $11. they wear out fast, so what? they're $11.

Errr would there be some implications from running a 1/8th chain on an entirely 3/32th drive train? Not sure, but I dohave a faint recollection of my fixed mechanic telling me something about doing that.

Anyways, I'll have to recommend the k710, it's very strong, dirt cheap and on my part has not suffered from much corrosion despite nearly daily commuting on my commuter
And the the Izumi eco chain for reasons already mentioned above.

Running a 1/8th chain on a 3/32 drive train is fine. It is the other way that doesn't work (3/32 chain on 1/8 drive train). I have ran a mixed drive train for many miles with no ill effects.

I have gone through several KMD 710sl and have had no problems with them.

Why? What's wrong with your 3/32 chain?

Thanks for your reply!

I don't want to wear my chainring prematurely by using a low quality chain.

I've snapped 3/32" before. But thats not really why, mostly because I ordered a 1/8" chainring this morning that I have been eyeing for some time. (Shimano Zen Olympic is 1/8")

Thanks for all the replys everyone, I appreciate it!

I think he means, Why can you run an 1/8" chain on a 3/32" drive but not the other way around?

because 3/32's is smaller than 1/8