[PimpMan]

I want to convert to single speed setup is there any advantage of going with 3/32" (2.3mm) single speed chain vs keeping old 1/8" (3mm) derailleur chain?

e..g. Would single speed chain be lighter or less prone to getting clogged with dirt since it has less sideways play (chain pins has less gaps that can get stuffed with dirt)?

p.s. this is for road bike.

 

[Yeah right]

I want to convert to single speed setup is there any advantage of going with 3/32" (2.3mm) single speed chain vs keeping old 1/8" (3mm) derailleur chain?

Ummmm.... 1/8" chains are for single speed and 3/32" are for derailleurs.

And shouldn't this go in the single speed sub forums?

Ignoring that, if your cog and chainring can deal with 3/32" chains, then there are some advantages. Among them:

• The drivetrain might be quieter
• The derailleur style chain will be more tolerant of a skewed chainline
• The master link is easier to deal with
• There's a wide variety of 3/32" chains available, and they're still relatively inexpensive due to economies of scale
• If you want something light, 3/32" chains with hollow pins are easy enough to find

Note that chains for 8 speed clusters and less are 3/32", but 9 through 12 speed are narrower at 11/128" according to various sources on the web.

 

[mack_turtle]

This has been discussed dozens of times in the singlespeed forum. Please move it there.

 

[mack_turtle]

Ummmm.... 1/8" chains are for single speed and 3/32" are for derailleurs.

Incorrect. Almost no one uses a 1/8" chain for a SS mtb. 1/8" chains are only necessary if you have a 1/8" ring or cog, like on a fixed-gear track or BMX bike. Go read the SS forum and you'll find that 99% of us just use SRAM 8 speed chains.

There are also narrow chains that are designed for singlespeed use, like the KMC 610 line.

 

[MOJO K]

Don't keep the old chain if you're installing new drivetrain parts for the conversion.