Chain Skippage

[Das Funked]

Ok. I have a hardly used half-link BMX chain for use on a road bike converted into a single-speed. The rear cog is also brand new, and I have a surly singleator attached as well. I have the original chainring attached also. Now, like most people with this problem, the chain slips whenever I exert pressure.

My question is, do I need a new chainring? Should I use a full-link chain? Does anyone have any other ideas?

[Joe_W]

Yes, sounds like the chain ring may be worn (or the BMX chain is worn, try and measure the length). Half link vs. full link should not matter.

[Das Funked]

Yeah, thats what I was leaning towards. however, i dont see how the bmx half-link chain could be worn considering i haven't rode more than twenty kilometres with it. it is pretty long because my bloody chain tool broke when i was using it, so i have just left it longer than i would like to (i was told a decent steel chain tool would cost around $200AUD).

anyway, thanks for the reply

[Joe_W]

With "measure the length" I meant "measure the chain stretch", basically measure the length over 12 full inks (hm, that'd be 24 half-links I guess). It should be 1 foot (12 inch) long, I'm usually using the metric system but I have one ruler to measure inches... (look at http://bikeride.com/chain-wear/ ). But if you rode just 20km with it, it should still be ok.

It depends what you call a "decent chain tool"... the Rohloff Caliber sure is nice but a normal chain tool by Park or BBB or whoever should cost much less than that.