Does a fixie need a specific chain?

Hi all,

I need to get a new chain put on my fixie & rather than go to the LBS and pay them to do it blindly, I would be keen on doing it myself to learn....and save cash!

But I am am stumbling at the first hurdle - do I need to buy a specific type of chain? I read you need a thick one or a BMX one?!? Any recommendations or shops or websites to get them?

I'm not a racer or anything, so just need a commuter chain. I do the odd long ride (did London to Paris on fixie last weekend for example), but I don't think I need a high-tech one.

Cheers guys and girls!!! (first post!)

Ben

.

Cheers @keanulooser I'll pick one of these up

What does the '1/8' stand for?

.

Look at your existing chain, it will be either 3/32 (like on a geared bike) or 1/8. The biggest mistake you can make is buying a 3/32 chain when your chainring and sproceket are 1/8 wide. It is usually ok to use a 1/8 chain in 3/32 chainring / sprockets, though.

Do you have a bike with the original stock parts? If so, which bike is it?

If not, have a look on the chainring and sprocket for 1/8 or 3/32 written on there.