SS Conversion, I finally capitolated!

serviceguy

serviceguy

Well-Known Member
So, I've been highly influenced by @mattybfat narration of his SS adventure and decided to go that route on the El Mar. I already have all the necessary components and was just wondering if a SS specific chain is worth it or should I just use any regular multiple speed chain (I think I have a brand new Shimano XT 10 speed somewhere). I will be using the current Race Face chainring and a Wolftooth SS cog.
 
You should be able to run any chain but the SS specific chains are stronger. I run an old 8 speed on mine and it works fine.
 
serviceguy said:
So, I've been highly influenced by @mattybfat narration of his SS adventure and decided to go that route on the El Mar. I already have all the necessary components and was just wondering if a SS specific chain is worth it or should I just use any regular multiple speed chain (I think I have a brand new Shimano XT 10 speed somewhere). I will be using the current Race Face chainring and a Wolftooth SS cog.
Click to expand...
jklett said:
You should be able to run any chain but the SS specific chains are stronger. I run an old 8 speed on mine and it works fine.
Click to expand...
Skip the SS specific chain. I run a N/W Race Face and Surly cogs with a KMC X series 9sp. You'll be fine with the 10sp. Some will say N/W is not necessary, but that's what I use.

From Surly's website. https://surlybikes.com/info_hole/spew/spew_single-speed_drivetrains

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I'll dissent, but only a little. If you use a full-bushing chain (ie: the bushing runs the whole length of the inner plates, and is a separate pressed in part), they deal with loads/wear better. They are also harder to clean/lube, so your mileage may vary.

As far as I'm aware, other than buying super pricey Izumi track chain, the Wippermann Whitestar is the only other readily available full bushing chain. KMC might still make something, but good luck finding someone who stocks it.

If you take the time to setup your chainline dead on--and really, with a cassette body, you shouldn't have any excuses--narrow-wide chainrings don't really do anything, since you aren't dealing with any side-to-side loading. For proof, consider the numerous beach cruisers at the shore that are rolling around with no issues with a chain that is almost [exaggerating] dragging on the ground.
 
Exactly what Pat says, run till you rip it to shreds. I picked up that blue KMC 1S right from martys. They had a few. I been meaning to post a pic of the chain I broke.
Pretty sure it was 10sp. I shredded it in middle plates, thats a first ever.
 
Welcome to the dark side Leo.⚙️ That reminded me, I need to refresh the Stan’s in Disco-Disco (my S.I.R. 9 SS) cuz haven’t ridden her in a while and now I kinda want to. SS used to be my only thing, now it’s generally a early spring and late fall jam.... you know, the Goldilocks weather.
 
Ss on the El mariachi will be lots of fun. You'll enjoy it.

I have a ss El mariachi and running a normal chainring. My chain has never come off.

Btw, it's perfect for alaire
 
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