Cycling UK Forum

Hi. Does any body know if it’s okay to use a single speed chain which is slightly wider than the original on a Shimano Alfine sprocket/ chainwheel set-up? The original was 3/32 , and measures 5/16 outside width, but I have a new chain in stock which has an outside width of 3/8. Thanks.'

Depends what you mean by 'is it okay', and what sprocket and chainset you have on, also if you have chainguards on the sprocket and chainset.

I've run single speeds chains before, its probably not ideal. It will be noisier, and depending on what rings you have on might cause additional wear. I was less worried as the hub was heavily rusted and i was only running it into the ground.

When i put a single speed chain on a original alfine set up that had chain guards on it was too wide. I'm sure it could have been tweaked but i had a 9 speed chain so i used that.

Thanks for that. I have a 9 speed chain that isn’t registering 0.75 wear on my chain wear indicator! So I’ll try that. The bike( a Trek Soho with Alfine 8 speed) has a hebie Chainglider, and the wider chain is at the maximum tolerance for this, so the 9 speed chain should run more easily. Cheers

it is normally fine to use a wider (1/8" ) chain on 3/32" sprockets. In fact it is often an improvement, since the arrangement may run more quietly than when 'matched' parts are used . However with alfine sprockets there is a plastic guard to worry about and in your case a chainglider too. Try it and see; the worst that can happen is that it doesn't work and the chain has to come off again..?

cheers

Shimano advise to use 9sp chain on Alfine sprocket and chainset.

Have attached the lightly- used 9 speeder and will give it a try. I put a Nexus 22t sprocket on the Alfine hub, which is more compatible with the Chainglider.
Thanks for your suggestions. John ( fenmanctc)