Chain Query

[taximan]

I was looking at bike chains on E bay this morning and came across chains described as hollow and half hollow. Now I do not ever recall coming across this before (or perhaps I have never really looked) so can someone tell me what the difference is please? and is this something recent.

 

[si_c]

It's to do with the pins which hold the chain together, a hollow pin is exactly that and supposedly they are stronger, although I've not seen any evidence to confirm that. They are also lighter having less material in them. I'd imagine a half hollow chain is where they pins are partially hollow rather than fully, but I've not seen any advertised anywhere as such.

Honestly if it's an unbranded chain from ebay I'd take their marketing with a pinch of salt.

 

[T4tomo]

KMC chain, every-time, ebay is useful for the odd vintage part etc, but not for new stuff you can buy from Wiggle or Spa etc and know its genuine.

 

[raleighnut]

My 653 TT bike has a 'hollow pin' chain

 

[fossyant]

My 653 TT bike has a 'hollow pin' chain

View attachment 599079

You've saved 5 grams with hollow pins, then lost it all with far too long gear cables

 

[fossyant]

KMC chain, every-time, ebay is useful for the odd vintage part etc, but not for new stuff you can buy from Wiggle or Spa etc and know its genuine.

This - just watch out for dodgy fake chains on ebay. KMC all the way, and not really worth the faff for hollow pins, more places for dirt to accumulate.

 

[raleighnut]

You've saved 5 grams with hollow pins, then lost it all with far too long gear cables

Ah but weight saving is not an issue when it has a Brooks, albeit a Swift Titanium

 

[fossyant]

Ah but weight saving is not an issue when it has a Brooks, albeit a Swift Titanium

View attachment 599081

OK, I'll let you off with an anchor for a saddle

 

[Blue Hills]

Ah but weight saving is not an issue when it has a Brooks, albeit a Swift Titanium

not forgetting all those extra grams ounces even the brooks will shave off the rider's undercarriage.

 

[FrankCrank]

No telling where you might end up

 

[C R]

No telling where you might end up
View attachment 599083

What's the point of all that effort, and then keeping the chain guard on.

 

[raleighnut]

not forgetting all those extra grams ounces even the brooks will shave off the rider's undercarriage.

I'm not shaving my 'undercarriage' for anyone

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I have hollow pin legs

 

[taximan]

Many thanks for your info folks. As I say I was just curious.

 

[silva]

Those holes appear to me as state of the art dirt and rust collectors.