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Half Link Or Soft Gear Ratio?


isitafox

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Got my new frame today and built it all up but it would appear you can't run 18/15 with a standard chain so I have to decide between either running a half link or changing ratio to 18/16.

I reckon 18/16 will be too light but what are peoples opinions who have used it?

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It's not a Because frame, is it? Had the same problem and went for the half link KMC Z610 combo. Works well since I've mounted it. I might not be a good trials rider but I do have strength in my legs and this combo hasn't failed.

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I've always ran 18:16.

I really like it, always have. I'm not really a fan of the 18:15.

I found that you get a little bit easier kick to rear wheel mainly riding natural. It helps out heaps on the rock.

You should try it out, you might like it, if not you can always go the then18:15.

As for chains with a half link look at the newer bmx chains, I use the odyssey blue bird. It comes with a single half link riveted onto the chain.

The chain is the 510hx with a half link. These are the only chains that I use

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Half-links get a lot of bad rep, but I've personally never had an issue with them.

They stretch like mad to start with, but the regular links in the chain snapped first.

18:16 on a 26" isn't too bad - might feel pretty weird to get used to if you've been on 18:15 for a long time though.

Never had a stock myself, but been on various peoples' and the 18:16 didn't seem outrageous.

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I rode 18-16 for a bit. Wasn't too bad. I definitely wanted to go back to 15 just because I could put the power down, but for rocks and natural riding I think 16 is better.

I had a bit of an issue lining up to stuff going back to 15 at first, kept being to close but got used to it.

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I take it you mean a single half link with a standard 610 and not a full half link chain?

I run 18 16 and love it. For natural its perfect. As people say, it pops easier to backwheel.

I have noticed recently though that for power moves like hooks and big taps that it is quite light and your legs spin like mad. I use 170 cranks so those helps a bit with that.

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Yeah running a standard chain with single halflink. The only thing putting me off is the loss of speed running up for big bunnyhops. Would like to try it with 170's but then its starting to get expensive, will see how I get on next weekend!

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