Chainring Width

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Neil
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Chainring Width

Pulling together parts for the new bike - do I want 3/32 or 1/8" chainrings - what are the pros and cons for polo usage?

snottyotter
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Doesn't really matter, 1/8 is a bit stronger, but a bit heavier, not much in it.

Voidcore
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id get 1 1/8
wears less and lasts longer stronger wont bend

only if you've got the choice though, either is totally fine

oooze
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Depends what the rest of your setup is. If you're using a 9sp cassette sprocket then you're better getting a 3/32" ring. Running a 1/8" chain on a 3/32" sprocket will only cause increased stress on the chain as the pressure is further away from the plates.

Weight difference between the two is absolutely minimal and not something to look for in your drivetrain imo. Strength is equal so long as you use matching components. Choosing the correct chain changes things. The measurements are for the internal spaces of the chain, some chains have thicker plates than others.

snottyotter
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You have thicker plates.

Voidcore
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oooze wrote:

Strength is equal so long as you use matching components.

thats wrong

oooze
oooze's picture

Why is it wrong?

The thickness of the plates are identical. The pin diameters are identical. Why would an 1/8" chain be stronger when the parts that make is strong are identical.

Expand man

Voidcore
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not the chain, the chainring!

JustBroken
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There are more dedicated singlespeed chain options in 1/8" than 3/32", at least from the hunting I've done. Most of the 3/32" options are actually 7 speed or higher speed chains and do have bevelled plates so in many cases the thinner plate for 3/32" chains argument is true.

That said I've yet to see a chain fail through a snapped plate. Most of them tend to go at the pin. If you look at the chains out there it's easier to get a full bushing with a 1/8" chain, certainly for a budget.

oooze
oooze's picture

Oh, well that depends on the chainring. The Renthal ring I use on the mtb is as thick as any other 1/8" ring but with narrower teeth. But also, when has anyone seen a small chainring fold under normal pressure? I've seen a 48t fold but nothing smaller.

What I'm also going to say is that people are successfully playing polo on bikes with 9sp drivetrains. You could say that anything more is just adding weight.

Voidcore
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1 1/8 wear alot better, last longer

oooze
oooze's picture

I'm sure inch wide chain would but we're talking about 1/8" vs 3/32".

Do you really notice the difference in wear though? Drivetrains take so long to wear that you probably forget when you put it on there.

snottyotter
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Is this our very first popcorn thread?

Voidcore
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as I said earlier either is totally fine

Rincewind
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belt drive.

snottyotter
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Driveshaft.

snottyotter
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Roadhouse.

salman
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JustBroken
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WilliamJohn
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