3/32' v 1/8' ?

I use a 1/8 because it bring me closer to god.

I couldn't decide so I have two bikes and run both.

For road use, either 1/8 or 3/32 it matters not. Chainline, chain tension, wear and the quality of the chain and installation are more important than width.
Racing track I personally would go for 1/8th but pursuiters will run 3/32 to save weight. DA track cogs come in 1/8th AND 3/32 so.. um.. yeah..

Here's an opinion that's not mine: http://www.63xc.com/gregg/gregchai.htm

do we agree that it doesn't matter? are we all singing from the same hymn sheet?

Yeah, sounds like MrSmith.
If you're Chris Hoy go for 1/8th. If you're not buy whatever.

Standard, #40(1/2" pitch), industrial, power transmission chain is three times wider than a 3/32" bicycle chain and has bushings for the rollers to pivot on. It is made this way because it is designed for single chainline (like an SS or fix) applications where it is subjected to far greater loads than a bicycle could ever generate and is expected to have a very long service life.

1/8" track chain (with bushings) is basically a narrower version of this kind of chain and is the best chain for a single chainline bicycle drivetrain.

3/32" bushingless bicycle chain was designed to be cheaper to manufacture (without the bushings) and more laterally flexible to enable it to shift from cog to cog without breaking or wearing rapidly with multiple chainline drivetrains (bikes with derailers).

Unfortunately this means that quality 1/8" chains with bushings and sprockets / cogs are getting harder and harder to come by but they are out there and when set up properly will outlast a 3/32" system on a SS or fix.

@1/8th is better: even though this might be the case, does it really matter? we are riding bicycles for fun/commute, not designing industrial factories or machines that need to be running at 99.9% of the time and with as high efficiency as possible.

1/8th is easy to come by. You can get 1/8th chains in evans, and 1/8th sprockets from any specialst bike shop (possibly even some evanses)

Evans has a single, cheap 1/8th chain available on their website.
The 'bang for buck' ratio is out when it comes to good 1/8th chains on the road. Even if it does outlast the equivalent 3/32 chain, you should be changing them more often than 'wearing them to the end'.
If you've got 1/8th, run it but I wouldn't bother swapping over to 1/8th just because of some (falsely) perceived strength benefit.

Hello, sorry for digging up this old thread, but I did a subject search and it seemed appropriated for my question.

I am a new owner of a used 2008 Paddy Wagon, and while the frame, fork and wheels are in pretty great shape for a 2008 bike (all original except the brakes and seat), the freewheel seems a bit used (i'm not fixed gear material, yet :).

I investigated and now I know that the freewheel is a Dicta 16T, so it uses 1/8" chains. I wanted to swapt it with a better quality freewheel. The shimano 17T seems a bit better, but if you guys have better recommendations, please go ahead.

My real question is: If I change to a different freewheel, I'll have to change the cranckset as well, right? to a 3/32" I suppose.

Thanks for the help.

While you're at it, maybe you could recommend a good compromise between quality and price for a complete chainset (crank + chain + freewheel). THANKS!

Best,

Ha! Not at all, they're completely different components. If your current crankset is 1/8th, and the new freewheel and chain are 1/8th, you're golden.

Ha! Not at all, they're completely different components. If your current crankset is 1/8th, and the new freewheel and chain are 1/8th, you're golden.

Crispin, thanks for you reply.

I understand that, but the problem is that I can't seem to find good quality 1/8 freewheels online. Also, singlespeed is not really a trend here in lisbon and all the stores I went to don't sell this kind of stuff.

I don't mind to change everything from 1/8 to 2/32, but only if the new freewheel quality justifies it.

You guys are my only hope :)

I meant 3/32 of course :)

You can run a 3/32" cog or chainring on a 1/8" chain, so it would be fine to have a 1/8" chainring and chain with a 3/32" freewheel.

nood user here

tmi

You can run a 3/32" cog or chainring on a 1/8" chain, so it would be fine to have a 1/8" chainring and chain with a 3/32" freewheel.

So if I buy this shimano

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shimano_BMX_Freewheel/5300005982/

with 17 or 18T I won't have a problem with my current crankset? althought the chain has wider spacings?

ok, it's set then :)

thanks for your help.

The components are compatable, but whether or not your chainline will be straight is another matter. It probably won't be out by much. Search for "transmission database" thread for user-recommended combinations.

3/32" is narrower than 1/8", so you can use 3/32 cogs or chainring with a 1/8 chain, but not the other way round

and what the hell is a nood?

I think it's like a snood.

And yes that freewheel will work.

The components are compatable, but whether or not your chainline will be straight is another matter. It probably won't be out by much. Search for "transmission database" thread for user-recommended combinations.

yeah, that is another concern, the chain tension... supposedly, if i put the shimano freewheel with more tooths, I will need a new chain, since my current one is already at the max tension (i think).

I will search that transmission database, thanks! :)

3/32" is narrower than 1/8", so you can use 3/32 cogs or chainring with a 1/8 chain, but not the other way round

and what the hell is a nood?

Ok, if you tell me it's safe I believe it is :)

nood = noob, but nevermind that... i meant i'm a noob when it comes to single speed bikes...

If you want real quality buy a white industries freewheel.

I am frequently nude whilst online but that is my other job

was there something else or did I just not get any further than the nood user bit?

Is he naked except for the cape?

Stop grooming the new guys DJ

Now we have our very own superhero

can you explain how you mutants have sex? If superman's ejaculatory power is scaled up like his other attributes how come when he shoots his load into lois lane does it just not go straight through her ripping an exit hole like a 12 guage?

DJ - pills - now