What chain?

i need to replace the OEM chain on my bowery as its stretched beyond its lifespan.
Which do i get?
looking for a SS specific chain, but only finding BMX ones, which are gonna be a bit heavy/ industrial.
will a regular road one be alright?

road chain will be the wrong size, you need a 1/8 chain (unless you have 3/32). BMX use 1/8 as well (I think?), so will be fine as long as it's the right size.

get one of these coloured ones...
http://www.parker-international.co.uk/11592/KMC-Z410-1-8--Coloured-Chain.html
you know you want to.

¨Need to check if you want a 3/32" or 1/8" chain.
Loads here.
http://www.parker-international.co.uk/c/39/Chain.html
The SRAM PC1 gets good reviews and is about £5 at the mo at the above shop.

If your after lightness the KMC D101 SL is very light for the strength. Bit pricey though.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25437

I've got a DID pro track chain which is probably a bit overkill, but I love it

cheers Mr Furry - any advice on 3/32 chains for fixed usage? Is it a case of more dollars gives better performance and strength?

I recommend the KMC Z610HX for 3/32 (and the Z510HX for 1/8)

Miche Primato, It looks black in the picture but they are usually silver.

I recommend the KMC Z610HX for 3/32 (and the Z510HX for 1/8)

nice one - cheers olo

no problem
here is the kmc chain chart
http://www.kmcchain.com/file/en/chain_choice_chart.pdf

cheers Mr Furry - any advice on 3/32 chains for fixed usage? Is it a case of more dollars gives better performance and strength?

TBH I think there are plenty of great chains under a tenner, but people buy (myself included) the pricey NJS chains for pimp value. If the chain is carefully installed and maintained then strength should'nt be an issue.

I agree with olo's recommendation of KMC Z610HX.

I recommend the KMC Z610HX for 3/32 (and the Z510HX for 1/8)

Same here on both accounts. And iirc, the Bowery uses a 3/32" chain doesn't it?

i have no idea what size chain it is.
if its 3/32, can i run a 1/8 on it? its only 1/32" wider...
i appreciate i cannot do the reverse though

i have no idea what size chain it is.
if its 3/32, can i run a 1/8 on it? its only 1/32" wider...
i appreciate i cannot do the reverse though

This is correct, although I've never really understood why you would. The extra width will not make it stronger on a 3/32" drivetrain, only heavier (IMO).

According to Giant bicycles the 2007 model came with a KMC Z72 chain, which is a 3/32" chain. So you are probably looking for that size, but GA2G has a bowery, may be a good idea to PM him.

TBH I think there are plenty of great chains under a tenner, but people buy (myself included) the pricey NJS chains for pimp value. If the chain is carefully installed and maintained then strength should'nt be an issue.

I agree with olo's recommendation of KMC Z610HX.

I have just put an HKK VERTEX Track racer chain on my bike. I won it on track day. I must say, I really do not like it. It makes a strange noise, like I can feel every tooth on the chainring, and it is just not at all smooth. I am going to take it off and put a new KMC one back on. I am glad I did not pay £20+ for it. I would be very dissapointed if I had. Anybody else had any experience with these chains?

I've got one of these...

...running on a Phil Wood cog. Currently makes a right racket, but then both components are new. Have heard that those VERTEX chains are worse. I suppose quiet drivechains are'nt a priority on the track.

Might be somthing to do with the difference between chains with bushing and bushingless chains.

Related reading.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html
http://www.63xc.com/gregg/gregchai.htm

the izumi's are worse.

KMC Gold 1/8" on Miche front and rear, totally silent, if that matters.

the izumi's are worse.

izumi esh chain, eai sprocket and condor chainring = silent running, well on mine anyway

Wipperman

short on links though, if you running a biggish gear, you'll need to buy 2 chains :(
noisey as too

Running a HKK Vertex on my Sugino 75/EAI set up, and it was as smooth as butter (when not covered in road gack!), but about 2 weeks back the little nut slipped off from the connector
bolt and the obvious happened - my fault, didn't do my regular check! So picked u a snap link
at Condor as I pushed the bike in, but has been making a weird creaking sound since fitting it?
Think I might just have to buy a new chain, as it sounds like a wreck?

can you not just join it using an old link?

Yeah could do, but love the fact that I can remove the chain to clean it without using a chain tool, can bung the chain in a bottle with degreaser and give it a shake. Am tempted to try one of the DID chains.

lot of money just to replace a few links? easy enough to rejoin/break.

...totally silent, if that matters.

it matters.

^^
Chain is a year old, should really see how much it has stretched too, yeah you are right, not a cash sensible option.