Re: [CR]On-topic single-speed: Should I use a single-speed chain?

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2007)

Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:27:32 -0700
From: "Mitch Harris" <mitch.harris@gmail.com>
To: "Dr. Paul Williams" <castell5@sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [CR]On-topic single-speed: Should I use a single-speed chain?
In-Reply-To: <014c01c86214$90d427b0$0300a8c0@ourlaptop>
References: <014c01c86214$90d427b0$0300a8c0@ourlaptop>
cc: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>

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