garethrl
Senior Retro Guru
Hi all,
I have a few build projects on the go, all from the 70s and 80s. My question is, what do you guys typically use for chains for rebuilds from this period? For the most part the groupset components are easy enough to select for a given build, but the finishing kit can be trickier.
Do you scour the web looking for NOS Sedis etc? Or do you use modern equivalents? I took a quick look at the KMC website and the Z8S looks pretty good for a half-nickel chain, and is widely available for pretty competitive prices online, rarely more than a tenner anywhere. It also looks the part for a 5, 6 or 7-speed rebuild, with plain unsculpted plates. Then slightly higher up the range there's the X8.99 which is all silver and probably a bit better for an 8-speed rebuild with indexed shifting.
So, for say an early 80s 6-speed project with down tube friction shifters, would a more modern chain like the Z8S be a no-no? And if it's no good, what should I be looking for?
Cheers,
Gareth.
I have a few build projects on the go, all from the 70s and 80s. My question is, what do you guys typically use for chains for rebuilds from this period? For the most part the groupset components are easy enough to select for a given build, but the finishing kit can be trickier.
Do you scour the web looking for NOS Sedis etc? Or do you use modern equivalents? I took a quick look at the KMC website and the Z8S looks pretty good for a half-nickel chain, and is widely available for pretty competitive prices online, rarely more than a tenner anywhere. It also looks the part for a 5, 6 or 7-speed rebuild, with plain unsculpted plates. Then slightly higher up the range there's the X8.99 which is all silver and probably a bit better for an 8-speed rebuild with indexed shifting.
So, for say an early 80s 6-speed project with down tube friction shifters, would a more modern chain like the Z8S be a no-no? And if it's no good, what should I be looking for?
Cheers,
Gareth.