The visual difference between a 1/8" track/single speed chain and a 3/32" chain is very noticeable, and is one of the attractive features of any bike with only one ring and cog. Like Mark I always use a 1/8" in this situation (assuming it is period correct). I've found no problem using a 1/8" chain with a 3/32" ring, but haven't tried it with a 3/32" cog--I've heard that others say you can use a 1/8" chain on the 3/32" cog just fine but I haven't tried it and, for me, that would be the only hesitation I'd have in your situation.
Mitch Harris Little Rock Canyon, Utah
On Jan 28, 2008 6:16 PM, Dr. Paul Williams <castell5@sympatico.ca> wrote:
> Having never set up a single-speed - let alone a period correct one - I
> am not quite sure about a couple of things and am calling upon our
> august community for help.
>
> I am now starting to assemble the Carpenter and am going with a
> single-speed set up for now (having long ago exhausted my bike funds for
> anything more exotic). The chainring is a 47T 3/32 - I am probably going
> to match it with an 18T Shimano freewheel (I do have a 20T vintage
> period correct freewheel which I may use on the other side of an NOS
> Bayliss and Wiley flip-flop fixed - fixed 36H hub - built with 14/16 DT
> spokes onto NOS Fiamme rims).
>
> Now the question is do I go with a 3/32 single-speed chain? If so, what
> is recommended?
>
> Also, am I going to have to use chain tensioners in the dropouts? I have
> some Simplex(?) adjusters left from another project, would these work?
>
> TIA,
>
> Paul Williams,
> Ottawa, ON, Canada