Fixie chain spare link strategy
I'm used to taking a spare link (quicklink-type) out with me when I'm on my geared bikes, but do people bother taking spare links for a 1/8 chain on a fixie? If so, what's the best approach - is it to get a cheap 1/8 chain and put a few links in the saddlebag? This seems a straightforward option, but I've read that splitting 1/8 chains can be pretty tough, especially with a saddlebag chain tool on the side of the road. Any thoughts?
Another option would be to swap the whole 1/8 chain for an unused 3/32 speed chain I have - again this would mean taking a few spare 3/32 links with me (would have plenty of spare ones as the chain would take a bit of shortening to make it the right length for the fixie) but the chain wouuld be easier to split and relink in the roadside.
I would be pleased of any advice.
Ta,
JJ.
Another option would be to swap the whole 1/8 chain for an unused 3/32 speed chain I have - again this would mean taking a few spare 3/32 links with me (would have plenty of spare ones as the chain would take a bit of shortening to make it the right length for the fixie) but the chain wouuld be easier to split and relink in the roadside.
I would be pleased of any advice.
Ta,
JJ.
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I fitted a 1/8 chain the other night, amazed how easy it was to do with my small chain splitter, much easier than any 10 speed chain, i'd go with extra links in the bag.0
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I take a few spare links with me. Never had any problems splitting the chain with my Park chain tool. I just use the leftover links from a new chain.More problems but still living....0
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I just keep the leftover links that I removed when I fitted the chain and stick them in my saddlebag. If you've got a new bike with a fitted chain and no spare links, I guess you might as well buy a new chain ready for when you need to replace the current one. You could cut it to the same length as the current chain and take the leftover links.
Like georgee, I've found 1/8 chain easy enough to break and rejoin - the rivets are generally straight-sided unlike modern super-narrow chains. They're wider and the plates are thicker too, so I think that makes it a bit easier to drive the rivet back in straight.0 -
As others have said there is no great difficulty in splitting a 1/8 chain... I like Andrew's idea there, I have more than a few spare chain links hanging around myself. To be honest though I have only ever taken a chain tool on VERY long multi-day rides and even there never needed to use it.0
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Thanks for your input everybody,
It looks like a few spare 1/8ths links is the solution.
Happy riding.
JJ.0
