I've been around vintage bikes for decades before they were ever vintage, but I still don't know why block chains were used on old track bikes. They can't be stronger unless the side plates have more cross-section area and I can't see how they could be smoother. The gear ratios available are just half as many as with regular roller chains. So what's the reason? Could it just be tradition, or that's how all chains were before the roller chain was invented?
John Betmanis
Woodstock, Ontario
Canada