I'm looking at getting a Surly Steamroller and am currently weighing up buying the complete bike vs. getting the FF and getting something built up. At the moment I'm leaning towards the complete bike as I'd be happy with the hubs, bb, headset, bars and brake that come as stock. the rims aren't great but will be fine until London kills them.
The complete bike comes with a 3/32" drivetrain. at the moment i'm using a 1/8" set up on my conversion (miche crank/chain ring, EAI sproket / izumi chain) and so when I test rode the surly the other day the chain looked really thin and it got me thinking.
what difference does it make? is 1/8" stronger and therefore better for riding fixed? I assume there is nothing wrong with 3/32" or surly wouldn't supply their bikes with it, but I really don't want to suffer and epic fail and end up using my face as a brake if the chain snaps. does each have it's own advantages and draw backs?
I know changing the sproket and chain will be no problem, and I am going to check if you can get a replacement chainring to fit on the andel cranks (I'm sure you must be able to - the andel cranks seem pretty good btw). but do I need to? I really don't know what difference it makes, but know that 1/8" is standard for track riding and as that is what I'm running at the moment I don't want to downgrade,if it is a downgrade.
I'm looking at getting a Surly Steamroller and am currently weighing up buying the complete bike vs. getting the FF and getting something built up. At the moment I'm leaning towards the complete bike as I'd be happy with the hubs, bb, headset, bars and brake that come as stock. the rims aren't great but will be fine until London kills them.
The complete bike comes with a 3/32" drivetrain. at the moment i'm using a 1/8" set up on my conversion (miche crank/chain ring, EAI sproket / izumi chain) and so when I test rode the surly the other day the chain looked really thin and it got me thinking.
what difference does it make? is 1/8" stronger and therefore better for riding fixed? I assume there is nothing wrong with 3/32" or surly wouldn't supply their bikes with it, but I really don't want to suffer and epic fail and end up using my face as a brake if the chain snaps. does each have it's own advantages and draw backs?
I know changing the sproket and chain will be no problem, and I am going to check if you can get a replacement chainring to fit on the andel cranks (I'm sure you must be able to - the andel cranks seem pretty good btw). but do I need to? I really don't know what difference it makes, but know that 1/8" is standard for track riding and as that is what I'm running at the moment I don't want to downgrade,if it is a downgrade.
Thanks.