[CR]chain for wide range gear set up

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing:Columbus:SLX)

Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2004 11:16:20 -0500
To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "stephen fredette" <sfredette@earthlink.net>
Subject: [CR]chain for wide range gear set up

i was wondering what an appropriate chain for a a bike with a 52-39 chainring and a 13-30 5 speed cogset would be. the rear derailleur is a long cage crane and it seems to me that a lot of vintage chains are made for smaller capacities. what was used on touring set-ups in the 1970's (and before)? conversely, are there chains manufactured now that are appropriate for older bikes? everything seems to trend towards narrower chains, obviously because of the need to make cogsets more compact. as always, any help is appreciated, and i remain
                   yr obdt svt
                Stephen Fredette
              Hull, Massachusetts