SS chains

[fatbikephil]

When I SS'd the Jones I splashed out on a bling looking kmc chain. However it's stretching like cheap knicker elastic so has anyone got a better recommendation?

[voodoo_simon]

Always used SRAM 9 speed chains, the cheap ones. Never had an issue with them on the singlespeeds

[Javi]

I might have to try one of those, or something different to the same KMC. Or maybe lubing more often.

[wriggles]

Connex wipperman have always lasted years for me.

[fatbikephil]

Connex wipperman have always lasted years for me.

Yousers nay wonder at that price! Thanks all, will check out the cheapo option given my natural tight fistedness. I was going to also post a 'what ratio' question, but I'll refrain.....

[wriggles]

Sorry not checked the price as bought my stash years ago! Are they expensive?

Edit £12 for an 808 isnt too bad for a chain thats lasts 'kin ages!!

[sean_iow]

I use kmc z610. I also keep the chainring, chain and cog together as sets. So when I change ratio I change all 3 bits.

This way as the chain wears so do the chainring and cog and it doesn't matter how much wear there is as it's all worn together and still works. A set can be used until the teeth are so thin on the cog they snap off, literally perhaps stop using it just before the teeth snap off.

[lune ranger]

I’ve used the KMC Rohloff/singlespeed chains for the last few years and they last very well on Rohloff equipped bikes. I’m not fastidious at cleaning or lubing either.

[psling]

Running 3/32" on SS I've always used KMC X9 over the years without problem; never broken one yet!
(Also use them on my regular 9-speed bike as well, like to keep things simple )

[Fat tyre kicker]

I've used the gusset 8 speed chains quite a bit, seem to wear well,
Obviously only run 9 speed but ss should be fine

[Ian]

SRAM used to make the PC7X chain which was brilliant. When they stopped making them several years ago, they quickly became like hens teeth. I managed to find 5 on Amazon at a reasonable price, so bought them. I’m on my last one now...

[Lazarus]

another where i dont agree with percieved wisdom
I used my old chains on my SS and the current version took a new front and rear [ 32 /17] without any issue- TBh I tend to only do something if there is a problem as i remain convinced the "pre emptive preventive action" is just a way to buy things you dont need - especially on a SS which ,IMHO, is meant to be cheap and simple
YMMV - it almost certainly will but i dont drop chains on my SS and never had any issued with the drive train

[Zippy]

It's been a good few years since I ran singlespeed, but I found using 1/8" track chain worked best (with matching 1/8" front ring and sprocket...which I could make wolftooth fit a shimano freehub with a bit of light fettling...then the shimano freehubs were the weakpoint...)

Anyway, longevity was great!

[fatbikephil]

Sorry not checked the price as bought my stash years ago! Are they expensive?

Edit £12 for an 808 isnt too bad for a chain thats lasts 'kin ages!!

Hmm I saw one for £45, probably didn't look hard enough.

A guy at the SS champs was sporting a rather fine Shimano track chain which had nice shaped outer plates. Alos no longer available apparently.
I will keep on with the KMC for now as it may settle down but probs go sram 8 speed for much cheapness thereafter

[jobro]

I use the KMC B1 chain on my single speeds. I thought this was the ss chain? Although there is an initial stretch, it soon settles down. My legs might be weedy though

[ChrisF]

I’ve used most brands over the years including SS specific, half link chains, BMX and regular 8 and 9 speed. I haven’t noticed any real benefit with the fancy chains and just go with SRam 8 speed and let the sprocket, chainring and chain grow old together . Change all of them when they are worn (not very often).
High spec chains are usually designed to be efficient when not straight ie with a standard geared set up. Single speed chains have a simpler (if not easier) life

[fatbikephil]

Just to follow up on this, I ended up with a Connex 808 (£25 not £45). It barely stretched settling in and hasn't moved since....
As it happens the KMX 1/8" chain on the straggler has also stretched a fair bit, I just hadn't noticed as I've been messing around with wheels and tyres so much. Its also developed a horrible tight spot. The one on the Krampus however has been fine