[dyurcik]

I've been trying to convert my old GT to a SS. After a lot more work than I expected I took it out for a first spin and I broke the chain on the first steep hill. Crap!

The half-link broke. I was standing on it pretty hard, but I've stomped on my geared bikes much harder than that. And I only weigh 160 lbs!

I'm running a BMX chain (with the now-broken half-link). Gusset conversion kit. Singleator in the up position.

Is there a company making 7, 8 or 9-speed chains with half links? Or a SS-specific chain? My understanding is that only BMX chains run half-links (and that's what i need since my bike has vertical dropouts).

Any advice is much appreciated.

 

[32seventeen]

I have some 3/32nd half links, I think they are made by KMC. I don't think singulators work well with 1/8 chains.
I would try running a pc-58 with a 3/32 half link.

 

[dyurcik]

cool.

I have some 3/32nd half links, I think they are made by KMC. I don't think sigulators work well with 1/8 chains.
I would try running a pc-58 with a 3/32 half link.

Looks like speedgoat has them. I guess I got some bad info as far as the non-existence of 3/32nd half links is concerned.
Thanks for your help. I'll be trying that combo.

 

[Tracerboy]

I believe there are 1/2 links for 7,8 and 9 speed chains, but if you broke a bmx 1/8 chain by pedaling your either really strong, or you weigh more than you think you do, and your really strong. I broke the half link on my KMC BMX Chain my first time out, but I'm over 200lbs, and put a whole lot of torque through that chain, and I ride urban, and bash my chain into stuff on a regular basis. We went back home bolted the chain back together properly, and I have not hand an issues since.

The other reason it may have broken was user error (Thats why mine broke on the 1st ride) Make sure you bolt it together well, what type of riding are you using the bike for. Urban, trials XC, commie??

Looks like speedgoat has them. I guess I got some bad info as far as the non-existence of 3/32nd half links is concerned.
Thanks for your help. I'll be trying that combo.

 

[dyurcik]

ha! not heavy, or strong.

i'm just riding XC. but the trails are technical and steep so sometimes momentum is tough to keep, so you really have to mash on the pedals to keep moving. I think i just torqued the heck out of the thing. I'll try again with the 3/32" chain and hope i don't break it again.

 

[max-a-mill]

no offense but i think you did something wrong on the assembly.

i weigh 230 and may not ride as hard as you but i have never busted a chain that was properly put together...

put it together slowly, make sure to loosen the tight links, and make sure the pin you pushed in is in EXACTLY the right spot (not too far to one side or the other). i can't imagine it will happen again.

 

[dyurcik]

no offense but i think you did something wrong on the assembly.

i weigh 230 and may not ride as hard as you but i have never busted a chain that was properly put together...

You may be right. Actually my LBS installed the chain and half link though (while working on some other bits). You would think they would get that right. It crossed my mind that it was just a fluke thing and i should just put a new half link on and try again. I wanted to try a 3/32" chain anyway so i'm glad to hear that's at least possible.

 

[AOF]

I feel your pain

I've busted a chain, at 215 lbs., it was a bad day.
May 13th, a Friday, at a spot I've only been to with a local, needless to say, I wasn't lost, but....
Now I carry a few links of chain and a chain tool, live and learn.

I'm using a regular SRAM chain with the quick link or whatever it is called, and after a year of use no problems. New England terrain, rocky, rooty, climbs.

-dan