Which chain type for a Alfine or internal hub wheel?

Bike-Rich

Hi all,

I have a WH-S501 rear wheelset with the alfine internal gear hub.

Was just wondering what chain speed type I would need to get for replacement?

Kind regards,

nicklouse

1spd

Bike-Rich

Thanks for fast reply

Is 1spd also known as single or 1/8th?

Would this chain be ok do you think?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KMC-HL710-Sin ... 53e42d356f

Also, I recently purchased some quicklinks for my 9spd, I think I am right in saying these would be different of those used on the above?

oodboo

I don't know but I think the HL part of the model means half link. Quick links wont work on a half link chain.

cooldad

Bike-Rich wrote:

Thanks for fast reply

Is 1spd also known as single or 1/8th?

Would this chain be ok do you think?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KMC-HL710-Sin ... 53e42d356f

Also, I recently purchased some quicklinks for my 9spd, I think I am right in saying these would be different of those used on the above?

That’s a single speed chain. On One have some on sale (in multi colours I think).
Your quicklinks won’t work.

nicklouse

Bike-Rich wrote:

Thanks for fast reply

Is 1spd also known as single or 1/8th?

Would this chain be ok do you think?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KMC-HL710-Sin ... 53e42d356f

Also, I recently purchased some quicklinks for my 9spd, I think I am right in saying these would be different of those used on the above?

it depends on the cog width. presuming nothing odd has been going on woth the cog on the hub 1/8 will do.

Bike-Rich

Thanks for replies,
You guys were right; the HL on that chain I linked was for 'half-link'? Anyone know if they offer any benifit?

If not, i'll stick with a normal 1spd or single speed chain as it might get complicated.

Will let you know how it goes,

Thanks,

cooldad

Gives you a half link of adjustment instead of just a full link.

Bike-Rich

Right, so that would give me slightly more wheel turns per rotation? Would you yourself recommend I go halflink cooldad?

oodboo

Bike-Rich wrote:

Right, so that would give me slightly more wheel turns per rotation? Would you yourself recommend I go halflink cooldad?

No no, see:

bikaholic

To summarise:

If either or both the chainring or the cog is of the 1/8" thickness variety, then the chain must 1/8".

If both the chainring and the cog are of the 3/32" variety, then the chain can be either the 1/8" or 3/32" type (single speed and multi-speed chains will both work).

Single speed frames with track-ends, horizontal dropouts and sliding dropouts have a finite chain tensioning capacity (usually about an inch of adjustment) - you pull the rear wheel back when the chain wears down to maintain good tension. [Eccentric bottom bracket and eccentric hubs are not that dissimilar in their tensioning method]

Using half-links means that you pull the wheel back a smaller distance - in effect, giving you a geater degree of tension adjustment.

Of course, you can also use a standard pitch chain with a half-link to achieve the same effect as using a full chain comprising of half-links.

cycleclinic

Or get the cog sizes right and you will not have to use a half link or tensioner.

Bike-Rich

That makes sense, starting to understand now - thanks guys.

Will check to see what thickness of chain I have at the moment also,

What kind of chains would you say were good for the setup I require guys? (its a KMC at the moment - are they the best for this?)

cooldad

Chains are pretty much chains, and KMC are good chains.