Chain Advice

Notnormal
Notnormal Posts: 132
edited June 2009 in MTB buying advice
I need a chain for my singlespeed build. Basically I'm torn between using a standard chain or getting a singlespeed specific one. My chain tool is one of these http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=7843 does anyone know if that will do the job on a wider bmx style SS chain?

Also I was looking at possibly getting a stainless steel chain to save on winter maintenance. Is there a big weight difference over nickel or similar? I've no desire to invest in new tools so if what I've got is no good then I'll probably stick to a standard geared bike chain.

Comments

  • Salsa
    Salsa Posts: 753
    I have just rebuilt an old 1990's steel Marin frame into a single speed with a few spare parts, I'm just using it as a shopping/town/pub style bike.
    I ended up using a DMR single speed kit with the sts tensioner, I'm not sure what size chain the DMR cog is designed for but I used a new 8/9 speed chain ring & an unused 7 speed chain I had lying around.
    It all works together fine, it's quiet & smooth so although I was thinking about getting a dedicated SS chainring (Surly or a Salsa etc) & a SS chain as it all works fine I didn't bother.
    I also got a cheap Shimano hub off a mate, it's completley silent, no freehubl click at all so all you can hear is a slight tyre buzz from the Conti slicks, so it's a super stealth bike ;)

    That Park Tools will just fit a BMX chain though, I've used one to break my BMX chain before.

    DSC00146.JPG
  • Notnormal
    Notnormal Posts: 132
    Thanks for the reply. I really like the simple look of SS, and your marin frame looks like it scrubs up very well as well!
  • Salsa
    Salsa Posts: 753
    Thanks, I'm really happy with the way it turned out. It cost less than £100 to put together including a set of panniers, ss kit, rear wheel, bars & stem, avid brakes, crank & the few other bits I needed.
    I just decided to make it one night last weekend, two days later I had all the bits & built it.
    It came out pretty light as well, with the pannier rack it only weighs 24lb.
    The frame was resprayed for me by a friend who worked in a BMW garage in the late 90's, it's BMW pearlescent white ;) I just added stickers from a Marin that was available the date I had it painted.

    Single speed is a weird thing, it's really basic but such a nice relaxing way to ride. Maybe because theres no gears to think about, it seems to free up your mind or something.
    Mines so smooth & quiet to ride due to the perfect chainline & I'd certainly recommend building one if you can.

    I know mines really set up as a road style bike so I can't really take it off road, but I might strip the gears off my XC bike in the summer for a couple of weeks. I reckon it would be fun :)
  • russellbroster
    russellbroster Posts: 19
    i have had the same problem! just spent the weekend effing and blinding as i turned my DBR axis r into singlespeed! i took it out for a run last night and the chain snapped as soon as i put the power down. any idea why this would have happened? the chain was fine before when it had gears. i have used a cog from my old cassette, the 3 month old chain and the middle chain ring all tensioned up with the DMR STS like yours on the marin. the chainline is perfect. would i need a specific cog and chain?
    your marin looks mighty fine by the way, i'd lose the pannier rack and bang some knobbly's on though.

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