3/32 or 1/8 and why.
#1
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From: las vegas
Bikes: purty blue undefeated II 57cm
3/32 or 1/8 and why.
What size chain do you run and why.
Do you think there are benefits to one or another?
I run 3/32. From what I've read a 1/8 is only wider and I'm not sure that's an advantage.
I see more options for chainrings being one though for ss/fg.
Go
Do you think there are benefits to one or another?
I run 3/32. From what I've read a 1/8 is only wider and I'm not sure that's an advantage.
I see more options for chainrings being one though for ss/fg.
Go
#2
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From: Minnesota
Bikes: '09 Trek 2.1 * '75 Sekine * 2010 Raleigh Talus 8.0 * '90 Giant Mtb * Raleigh M20 * Fuji Nevada mtb
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FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
#3
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From: Roanoke, Va
Bikes: 2013 leader 721. 2015 leader 725. 2012 fuji feather
i run 1/8 because thats what came on the bike and it seems like i have more options.
I'm also not a weight weenie and would prefer any durability benefits over saving a few ounces.
I'm also not a weight weenie and would prefer any durability benefits over saving a few ounces.
#4
Veteran Racer


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From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
The advantage with a 1/8" chain is that it will work with 1/8" or 3/32" cogs/chainrings, but a 3/32" chain will ONLY work with 3/32" cogs/chainrings.
#5
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#8
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1. I've only been riding fixed a couple of years
2. I asked Scrod and Richard (ownes Wabi) the advantages/disadvantages of 3/32 v 1/8. They both recommended using 3/32 which I ignored because what could they know about fixed geard bikes.
3. I had the hots for a Sugino crank and Izume track chain that cost more than my bike.
4. I didn't want a chain designed to fall off a cog-othewise known as "shifting".
5. I'm happy 'cause what do Scrod and Richard know about fixed gear bikes.
6. Scrod's happy 'cause i've bought a bunch of EAI cogs.
2. I asked Scrod and Richard (ownes Wabi) the advantages/disadvantages of 3/32 v 1/8. They both recommended using 3/32 which I ignored because what could they know about fixed geard bikes.
3. I had the hots for a Sugino crank and Izume track chain that cost more than my bike.
4. I didn't want a chain designed to fall off a cog-othewise known as "shifting".
5. I'm happy 'cause what do Scrod and Richard know about fixed gear bikes.
6. Scrod's happy 'cause i've bought a bunch of EAI cogs.
#11
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#13
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From: Hawaii
Bikes: 2012 Switch Performance BlackSkin LE Urban, 2013 Leader 725, 1975 Fuji America, 1990 Giant Cadex 980c, 1986 Peugeot PH10LE, 1995 Trek 2120 Carbon ZX
1/8" on my commuter, 3/32" on my Leader 725 and Switch. Mostly dictated by the components I bought for them and wanting to match tolerances. I think durability is negligible between the two if it's just for recreational rides or urban commuting.
My Switch frame is 'sorta' a weight weenie build and 3/32" chain is lighter by a fair number of grams (by weenie standards).
My Switch frame is 'sorta' a weight weenie build and 3/32" chain is lighter by a fair number of grams (by weenie standards).
Last edited by GhostSS; 05-19-14 at 12:25 PM.
#14
Not actually Tmonk




Joined: Jun 2007
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From: San Diego, CA
Bikes: road, track, mtb
3/32 road fixed gear
1/8 track bike
dont ask me why because i dont really think it makes a difference. yes i do know of some endurance track riders that actually use 3/32 in races
1/8 track bike
dont ask me why because i dont really think it makes a difference. yes i do know of some endurance track riders that actually use 3/32 in races
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"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
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"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
#15
#18
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From: Brooklyn
Bikes: '04 Cannondale Track, Custom Steel Disc Road Di2, Rock Lobster CX
When it came time to replace my worn out drivetrain I switched to 3/32". I saved 90g on the chain and 20g on the chainring for a grand total of $0. Haven't looked back.
No one here is strong enough to need an 1/8" chain. Remember that DA is available in 3/32" and all road racing is done on 3/32" chains. The only upside to a 1/8" chain in my eyes is the KMC master link, which makes it super easy to pop the chain off for a quick cleaning.
No one here is strong enough to need an 1/8" chain. Remember that DA is available in 3/32" and all road racing is done on 3/32" chains. The only upside to a 1/8" chain in my eyes is the KMC master link, which makes it super easy to pop the chain off for a quick cleaning.
#21
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#22
The space coyote lied.



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1/8" on my fixed gear and coaster brake bikes.
Just cuz all the other bikes have 3/32"
I just use $8 KMC or Jeri, I ferget, chain on the coaster, cuz I'm cheap bastard.
Just cuz all the other bikes have 3/32"
I just use $8 KMC or Jeri, I ferget, chain on the coaster, cuz I'm cheap bastard.
#24
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
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From: Coeur d' Alene
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Maybe they snazzy hollow plate jobbers use the missing link.
Oh, and the 3/32nds fits Shimano coasters too. I don't know about other brand CBs though.
Last edited by SquidPuppet; 05-23-14 at 03:38 PM.
#25
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No one here is strong enough to need an 1/8" chain. Remember that DA is available in 3/32" and all road racing is done on 3/32" chains. The only upside to a 1/8" chain in my eyes is the KMC master link, which makes it super easy to pop the chain off for a quick cleaning.
I run a 1/8" chain because I don't care.





