General: Crazy chain

I think the advantage is being able to show random people and say "look, my chain is made entirely of half links..."

I've heard people try to argue that they're stronger, but general physicals tells me that a chain that has a bend in every single plate isn't going to be as strong.

The only real plus, is if you've got a frame with very short dropouts, like the old giordana I used to have that had 1 inch long 45 degree angled dropouts, where you only had a small amount of adjustment, only if you rode a certain gear ratio, a whole chain of half links would mean you only need half as much dropout for proper tension.

if getting your back tire snug against the seat tube is important, it would be easier with a half link chain.

Posted By: deermattIm goinnnnnnnn off the raillllsssss on a crazy chaainnn!!!

half link chains are loads stronger. they were designed for bmx by shadow conspiracy. cost about $30. mushroomed pins.

+1

Instead of making stupid assumptions why don't you look at the chain. The bend is what makes it a half link. It takes off about a third of the length. When you look at the inside gaps of the links you will notice it is a bit wider. These chains have a tendency to wear rings a bit morevwhen a lot of pedalling is involved. That's why they were not meant for fixed gear applications.

Posted By: upthemaidenSo far I've only heard that they're stronger because they have mushroomed pins, and thicker plates. That still has nothing to do with the bend in every plate. You could also use mushroomed pins and thicker plates on a regular chain and get the same benefits, and still not have to deal with the fact that every plate has a kink in it.

Maybe the reason they had to make those chains so thick, is because they put that bend in the middle of each plate, and they had to make up for it some how.

I’m no metallurgist, but if the link plates were heat treated after being stamped out and bent to shape before being assembled wouldn’t that make them strong enough to withstand brakeage and/or deformation of the bends?
I figure if a normal chain design is strong enough for professional race & trick bikes not to brake, then this “half-link chain” design is flawed in some way when applied to the same application, either through excessive weight, lack of strength gain, cost of manufacturing or a combination of these factors. Then there are those who will pay more for something out of the ordinary too.
Is the chain in question made of some kind of unusual material that is better suited to this design? If it’s made out of the same material as a “normal” bike chain, then I’d say that it is that way because of aesthetics. For example, metal flake paint weighs & costs more than non-flaked paint, but it’s used because some people like the way it looks...

Also, wouldn’t just one half-link solve the small dropout adjustment area thing?

I'm more than sure enough that the half link chain is strong enough to do what it needs to do. The original question was based around what the purpose of an entire chain made out of half links is for, and even if it is still strong enough, the only real answer is novelty, because yeah, one half link does the same thing as an entire chain of half links

Posted By: upthemaidenI'm more than sure enough that the half link chain is strong enough to do what it needs to do. The original question was based around what the purpose of an entire chain made out of half links is for, and even if it is still strong enough, the only real answer is novelty, because yeah, one half link does the same thing as an entire chain of half links

I agree...

Posted By: Aaron C on bmx bikes and having the pins closer together makes alot of sense

The pins are still the same distance, they're all still half an inch apart, whether it's a half link or not, and whether the pins are thicker, beefier, mushroom shaped, or the plates are twice as thick, is all completely irrelevant as far as what type of chain you're using. The pins have no idea what type of chain they're on, the only thing that's different is the shape of the plates. All of the bushings are still the same size as well.