Connex Single Speed chain and KMC Half Link

[Dirt]

Okay, I think all of us SS people HATE chain tensioners. It is just an added bit of complexity that really shouldn't be needed. But if you converted your SS from a geared bike and don't have horizontal dropouts, then you're probably out of luck.

I noticed last week as I was working on my single speed, that my chain was exactly half a link too short or long depending on how I broke the chain links. That gave me an idea.

I'd read about half links on MTBR.com, but never given them much thought. I talked to a buddy in a shop and he said my idea might work well. I ordered up a new Connex SS/BMX chain and a KMC half link.

What the hell is a half link? It looks like this:
http://myroadtrips.peterbeers.net/mbrt/Bike_Repair/SS_Chain/I_MG_0906.JPG
See how the dark link in the middle has an inner link on the left side and an outer link on the right?

http://myroadtrips.peterbeers.net/mbrt/Bike_Repair/SS_Chain/I_MG_0905.JPG
Here's a look from the top.

http://myroadtrips.peterbeers.net/mbrt/I_MG_9985.JPG
This is how my SS used to look with the Melvyn Chain tensioner.

http://myroadtrips.peterbeers.net/mbrt/Bike_Repair/SS_Chain/I_MG_0909.JPG
Here's how it looks now. Its a lot cleaner look, eh?

For the whole story, chech out the page I wrote up on it here (http://myroadtrips.peterbeers.net/mbrt/Bike_Repair/SS_Chain/SS_Chain.htm).

Or if you want to send me obscene messages that you can't post on this web forum, you can send me an e-mail (PedroGringo@yahoo.com).

Have a nice day, dammit!

Peter