[S.Brothers]

Chains are one of those things that we sometimes take for granted.

Recently I decided I might like to have a HKK Smoker chain on my OM Flyer. The brassy/black look of links matches my OM's scheme. So, I opened a smoker up and... doh! too short. Hm. So, I opened another one and got the chain breaker out, lopped off several links and reattached to the other smoker. Ample length was achieved.

But... there were big problems, it just didn't flow properly. I tried all manner of adjustments. As many of you will know, Smokers have that little screw and nut system instead of the typical master link. I tried adding a generic master link instead, in case I was doing something wrong with the oem method but that didn't really help. Anyway... what could go wrong? Over tighten that screw system on the smoker? I don't know. It seemed ok, the links didn't drag or seem stiff.

In the end... I put an izumi back on, smooth as butter. And long enough for a cruiser from the git.

Has anyone had a good experience with a smoker chain? Maybe it would be fine for a 20 inch and the problem was that I added the links so I could run it on the 26".

Is it just wrong to add links to a chain? I've done it before to other brands of chain without trouble (just don't push the pins all the way out with the breaker - because that's a bit more trouble).

[OLDSKOOLPK]

Never used a HHK Steve, but i have never had problems with a Izumi and also a Sedis, like you said....smooooooth!!!!

[mcam]

Sedisport chain

Out of all the chains I've used, they rock. Smooth, and they come long enough for cruisers. I use them where I can (I have three of them)

[Jamal Spelling]

Unless you want era correct,
best bang for the buck is the diamond back chains
at Sport Chalet $6.99 and long enough for any cruiser.
The DB packaging actually contains a namebrand KMC
chrome chain. After purchasing about 10 chains, you have
enough links left to make another one.
You can get 'em online too, but then you have to pay shipping.

[TrulyOdd]

i run a HKK Smoker on my CW pit...its a killer chain, and it fits perfect (but its a pit...)

i don't like using the same parts on every bike...so i even vary the chains i use. D.I.D., Sedis, Izumi, Smoker....they're all great chains and i've never had an issue with any of them.

[abombone]

All HKK's including the Smokers are great chains. Sounds like you're committed to the 1/8" wide setup, so I'd consider trying the "extended Smoker" without the master link (even though it looks cool). Just like BITD, I always removed the master links on all of my 1/8" chains (most 3/32" chains don't come with them...) as they are the weak link and can add some additional "bind" at times. Whenever I add links or put a chain back together, I always make sure to work the chain side to side to remove any tension or tightness that the chain breaker inevitably added.

All of my riders have 3/32" Sedis Chains....best ever IMO.

Hope that helps!

[silverhw]

sedis for real men!

[abombone]

I wanted to add this: Some chains can have more side to side "give" than others as they were originally made for multiple gears...these can be a lot more forgiving when the chainline isn't quite right on a single speed BMX. Perhaps, the Smoker is naturally on the "stiff side" as it's BMX-specific?

[mcam]

I'm with abombone on this. I run 3/32 chains on all my bikes. I just found them overall to be smoother performing, and have a little more "trick" value

[unfitone]

I always ran a regina way back when but never hear anything about them now. Are they rare or did they just suck? I liked mine.

[Robby]

HELLO ....

Sram ....

anyone use these ... probably the best currently made chain.

To be specific PC-1 (model) Sram.

not there isn't 1/2 doz. NOS Izumi's under the bench + used Hkk's / Sedis but

if you are actually riding get a Sram PC-1. WORD

[Spur]

SRAM on a old school rig like an OM is not what Steve is going for. Good call on just rocking an Izumi, nothing wrong with a common chain if it performs it's function well. I have never had an issue with them, EVER.

On the mid-school front, Sachs are my favorite.

[swbuf]

on 80's builds, only 3/32, never 1/8-sedis is definately a front runner.
I don't have much experience w/ the smokers-but never heard anything bad.
I added/took off links bitd all the time (or changed chains)-when you went from track to track and used different sprockets, I always wanted the rear end length to be the same so you had to. Maybe overkill, but it would effect how the bike rode (shorter or longer rear end).
Also, chains stretched and needed to be replaced (especially race), one more issue you could run into.

Probably not anything that this post was about, hopefully not off topic.

[PlanetX]

I have Smokers on a few bikes, including my Torker 24. Don't remember if I had to add links, but I think I did. I have plenty of spares.

I, too, have a variety of chains. . .HKK, D.I.D., Izumi and Regina. All are great. I also prefer the 3/32". They are quieter and just plain better, but I find they are hard to acquire in OS models. I just pulled a Smoker off my black Torker and replaced it with a used 3/32" D.I.D. Wish I coudl find more. BITD I liked Sedis, but I never seem to find those for sale.

I have a couple of bikes that require a 1/8" chain. The 1979 Shimano DX freehubs I have on my red, 1979, Torker have a fat sprocket for 1/8" and one of my other bikes has a wide chainring. I know Campy BMX chainrings also require the 1/8" chain.

[Contender]

I can remember DID, Izumi, but I bought one called Tough Chain? It was marketed for bmx specific. Or am I just going memory nuts?

[Just..Me..Chillin']

regina - izumi - sedis - sedisport - union - d.i.d.

[SHADESSEAN]

don't foget KMC.... good stuff

[mcam]

Just..Me..Chillin, on Sep 13 2009, 07:19 PM, said:

regina - izumi - sedis - sedisport - union - d.i.d.

There was also the Shimano Uniglide. Another nice 3/32 chain. It had the nifty little link-lock device, like a stepped master pin, which fitted in a slotted master side plate. I'd dig finding one of those chains again. It was the first 3/32 chain I ran. Nice chains.

[Moonster]

Here's an interesting nugget of information. I had a chat with a guy from Izumi here in Japan (I was hassling them to make black and silver) he eventually told me that HKK chains are made in the Izumi factory and suggested I use those.

I eventually bought some black and silver HKKs. (but the black links are on the inside as opposed to the OS Izumis where the silver links are on the inside).

[Curt]

Old school (or early to mid 1980s) ACME roller chains, bomb proof and smooth.

New stuff (as Robby said) SRAM is what I use on my Mountain Bike, a solid performer.