Mixing chains

I did use the search.. but wondering, is it a fools errand to mix two brands of chains?
both are generics (prob kmc or similar) and look pretty much identical.

I need about 4 more links to go up a few chainring sizes and im too tight to buy another damn chain.

I know a chain is only as strong as its weakest link and dont really want to be sprawled in the road with a snapped chain

P.s Got a digi micrometer here and the dimensions are very very close too

worked ok for him

sigh I *pity *the fool etc etc....

Should be OK. Have a look for pics of Obree's new bike he's built. Had huge chainwheel (67t I think), his chain was clearly made up of 2 different chains.

cheers! I'll let you know how it goes!

dont thnk obree is planning on much skidding though to be honest with you.

i have but its probably a fnking terrible idea and will almost certainly end in death*

*well maybe not directly but we all gotta die at some point eh?!?

so if I use one brand immortality guaranteed!

Bad idea!

hippy says...

How much is new chain?
How much are new teeth?

How much are new teeth?

£2,500 each for my replacements.

Las t time I looked chains were less than that.

Plus you only need one chain (unless you are Obree), which keeps the costs down.

There's no way to guarantee the pins are built to the same length and diameter tolerences.

When it snaps you'll wish you had one less beer at the pub and spent the money instead on a new chain.

point taken i'll just get a new one

obree's chains were probably found in a skip...he would laugh at this...oh, i love him so much...

Mixing chains is fine as long as one isn't significantly more worn then the other. I ran a sram/shimano chain on my mountainbike made up of the excess from about 10 new 9spd chains.

Yes, of course it can be done. But for £10, I'd rather keep my teeth in my head. Don't do it kids.

Mixing chains is fine as long as one isn't significantly more worn then the other. I ran a sram/shimano chain on my mountainbike made up of the excess from about 10 new 9spd chains.

Wouldnt you need loads of them shimano joining links?

I picked up a SRAM single speed chain fir £7.50 the other day... It's not that much to splash out on

I have been working on a raleigh single speed bike and am having problems with the chain. I have campagnolo atlanta 1996 wheels and have put spacers on them to replace the gear cogs but when I pedal hard to up hill the chain comes off. I have played around moving the cog position with spacers but it still happens. It is driving me nuts! anyone know why or be able to offer a potential solution?

Build a different bike?

double check chainline
double check chain tension
double check width of chain, chain ring and cog
double check wear on chain, chain ring and cog

build a different bike

There is no reason, provided the chains have been subject to a similar amount of use, and they are very similar in sizes, that you can't mix two chains. The important thing is to ensure you use a good quality joining link/snaplink. Most of these are made to fit any generic chain in whatever size is applicable, in yours presumably 1/8th. As such there is no reason you will have a weak point as joining links are expected to work on any chain. The weakness usually comes from poorly rejoined chains, as long as the join is secure the chain will be fine.

Mixing chains is fine as long as one isn't significantly more worn then the other. I ran a sram/shimano chain on my mountainbike made up of the excess from about 10 new 9spd chains.

Wouldnt you need loads of them shimano joining links?

Nah you don't actually need to use those joining pins you can use the old ones if you don't push them right through. Of course shimano wouldn't tell you that and to be honest it is quite difficult getting them pushed out just far enough to open the link without making them fall out.

Although I've done this and it works you are wrong since it does compromise the chain strength. Freewheel it's less of an issue but riding fixed, chain strength is far more important. As I've said again and again.. £10 for a new chain versus £2500 for teeth.. your call.

*If you are using a Shimano chain you can not push the same pin back through the inner and outer plates. Shimano rivets (pins) are beveled on each side for added strength. This is good in functionality until your chain breaks or you are sizing a new chain. Once the pin is pushed through it flattens out the bevel and weakens that link. For this reason your new Shimano chain will come with two chain pins. These pins include a guide portion and a replacement rivet. The image to the right shows a Shimano chain pin with the section having a rounded nose being the guide section. To use a Shimano pin insert the guide portion of the pin into the connected piece of the chain. You will now set this into the chain tool and press the replacement rivet into place. You can then snap off the guide portion of the pin with a pair of pliers. Shimano chain pins come in 8, 9, and 10-speed widths so be sure to purchase the correct on for your chain. *

http://www.bikeman.com/content/view/440/30/