chain problem on fixed gear

[Eric]

Hey everyone,

I'm replacing the chain on a Fuji track bike and have run into a
problem. I removed a KMC Z-chain (which worked fine and is now worn
out) and I was planning on putting on a Kool K810 chain (1/2" x 3/32").
They are both BMX chains, I believe, but the K810 doesn't seem to fit.
The spaces in the chain don't line up with the points on the cog and
the chain sits up on the ends of the cog teeth. My LBS said that the
chain would work, but it seem like they're crazy.

Do I have the wrong chain? Should I just buy a new one or is there a
way to get this one to fit?

Thanks for the help,
Eric

 

[Eric]

It is just occurred to me that my chainring might be worn out. The bike
for about 4 years old. I ride it almost daily and haven't used brakes
for the last couple years.

Should I just replace the front chainring and the chain together? The
back cog is a couple years old. The chainring is original. The teeth on
the chainring are starting to get pointy. The teeth on the back cog
still have flat tops.

Eric

 

[jim beam]

Eric wrote:
> Hey everyone,
>
> I'm replacing the chain on a Fuji track bike and have run into a
> problem. I removed a KMC Z-chain (which worked fine and is now worn
> out) and I was planning on putting on a Kool K810 chain (1/2" x 3/32").

are you /sure/ the old chain is 3/32"? most track chain is 1/8".

> They are both BMX chains, I believe, but the K810 doesn't seem to fit.
> The spaces in the chain don't line up with the points on the cog and
> the chain sits up on the ends of the cog teeth. My LBS said that the
> chain would work, but it seem like they're crazy.
>
> Do I have the wrong chain? Should I just buy a new one or is there a
> way to get this one to fit?
>
> Thanks for the help,
> Eric
>

 

[Eric]

I'm not sure. The old chain is a KMC Z-series chain. It is a 1/8"
chain, assuming that measuring the inside with a tape measure is the
right way to figure that out.

 

[Paul Hobson]

Eric wrote:
> I'm not sure. The old chain is a KMC Z-series chain. It is a 1/8"
> chain, assuming that measuring the inside with a tape measure is the
> right way to figure that out.
>

yeah, I've a KMC Z on my beater. It's 1/8", which is probably what you
need. Take the new chain back.
\\paul

 

[A Muzi]

Eric wrote:
> I'm replacing the chain on a Fuji track bike and have run into a
> problem. I removed a KMC Z-chain (which worked fine and is now worn
> out) and I was planning on putting on a Kool K810 chain (1/2" x 3/32").
> They are both BMX chains, I believe, but the K810 doesn't seem to fit.
> The spaces in the chain don't line up with the points on the cog and
> the chain sits up on the ends of the cog teeth. My LBS said that the
> chain would work, but it seem like they're crazy.
>
> Do I have the wrong chain? Should I just buy a new one or is there a
> way to get this one to fit?

Look at your cog and chainring full-on at arm's length. Do
the teeth appear symmetric? Or are they undulate - wave
shaped? If they are noticeably asymmetric, you have a worn
drive train.

If not too worn, did you slack your axle nuts? A new chain
will be shorter than even a lightly worn chain.

I ride a KMC chrome/black "Kool Chain" myself. I don't think
it works any better but it sure is pretty! Cheap too.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

 

[A Muzi]

Eric wrote:
> It is just occurred to me that my chainring might be worn out. The bike
> for about 4 years old. I ride it almost daily and haven't used brakes
> for the last couple years.
>
> Should I just replace the front chainring and the chain together? The
> back cog is a couple years old. The chainring is original. The teeth on
> the chainring are starting to get pointy. The teeth on the back cog
> still have flat tops.

Yes that is a reasonable assessment on the chainring but
watch the chain engagement on that rear cog with the chain
not fully tight to see if engagement is smooth. Might need a
cog, too.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

 

[A Muzi]

Eric wrote:
> I'm not sure. The old chain is a KMC Z-series chain. It is a 1/8"
> chain, assuming that measuring the inside with a tape measure is the
> right way to figure that out.

D'oh

That's a good place to start. Return your wimpy 3/32" chain
for an honest 1/8" track chain. Kool Chain should be the
same price in both widths, the fast-wearing skinny and the
preferable fat.

Yes, I am biased.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

 

[[email protected]]

Since you are thinking about some upgrades, you may find Seldon Brown's
page interesting:-

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chain-life.html

It gives Sheldon's explanation of how to extend chain life.

Hope this helps.

Lewis.

******

 

[[email protected]]

Eric Cappleton writes:

> I'm replacing the chain on a Fuji track bike and have run into a
> problem. I removed a KMC Z-chain (which worked fine and is now worn
> out) and I was planning on putting on a Kool K810 chain (1/2" x
> 3/32"). They are both BMX chains, I believe, but the K810 doesn't
> seem to fit. The spaces in the chain don't line up with the points
> on the cog and the chain sits up on the ends of the cog teeth. My
> LBS said that the chain would work, but it seem like they're crazy.

> Do I have the wrong chain? Should I just buy a new one or is there a
> way to get this one to fit?

You didn't say what it was that didn't fit but you should be able to
manually engage one link onto the front and rear sprockets. I suspect
you need a wider chain. How did you decide that the old chain was a
3/32" derailleur chain? Did you compare the old and new?

Jobst Brandt