6/7 speed Chain on 9/10 Speed Crankset

[edward12]

I'm in the process of building up an older frameset with Campy Nuovo Record front and rear derailleurs. I's rather not use the Campy crankset of the period, so I thought I would buy an IRD Defiant compact 9/10 crankset instead, which is stronger and offers a more useable range of gears.

Question is: can I use a 6/7 speed chain with a 9/10 crankset? I believe that I can, but the chainring spacing could be an issue. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Spaghetti Legs]

In general, I use 8 speed SRAM or KMC chains on my 6 and 7 speed bikes. For the recent Eroica California I put a Velo Orange 46-34 crank on my 6 speed Super Record bike. In this case I used a Campy 10 speed chain because I already had one in the right length and it worked fine. Otherwise I would have used 8 speed. All my vintage bike friends assured me it would work fine.

Not quite a direct answer for you but I would use your current chain if it’s still good as I think it will work and if not, the aforementioned 8 speed chains cost < $15 and come with a master link.

[ultraman6970]

IMO will work just fine.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by edward12

I'm in the process of building up an older frameset with Campy Nuovo Record front and rear derailleurs. I's rather not use the Campy crankset of the period, so I thought I would buy an IRD Defiant compact 9/10 crankset instead, which is stronger and offers a more useable range of gears.

Question is: can I use a 6/7 speed chain with a 9/10 crankset? I believe that I can, but the chainring spacing could be an issue. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Yes you can but on my friction rig, i use a 9s chain even tho I have a 6s freewheel in the back(and '10s' crank in front). What you 'may' find with a thicker chain on that crank is chain tickling the big ring when in the small ring and small-ish cogs..another reason for a 9s chain..

Why '9s'? Cheaper than 10s...Nice KMC for not much $..

[oliver1850]

I just finished replacing the drive train on an older MTB. Used a 9 speed triple crank, 9 speed chain, and a 7 speed Shimano China freewheel. Shifts fine and no rub even when cross chained. I'm running 9 speed chains on several other 6/7/8 builds with no problems. I seem to come across better deals on 9 speed chains than 6/7/8 for some reason.

[mtechnica]

It will work but an 8 speed chain will run and shift smoother

[jemdet]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Why '9s'?

Because you get to use Record 9V chains - the best in the world

[choke]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Yes you can but on my friction rig, i use a 9s chain even tho I have a 6s freewheel in the back(and '10s' crank in front). What you 'may' find with a thicker chain on that crank is chain tickling the big ring when in the small ring and small-ish cogs..another reason for a 9s chain..

Why '9s'? Cheaper than 10s...Nice KMC for not much $..

Bingo. I also use a 9sp chain on the vintage bikes for the reason in bold.

[ColonelJLloyd]

I'll pile on with all the others. Use a 9 (or 8) speed chain.