Gusset Slink Chain coloured

Colourful components are all the rage amongst the single speed and fixer fraternity and Gusset’s slink half-link design certainly won’t disappoint those looking for a great value chain delivering comparable performance to the bigger players. However, the weight penalty may deter some. If fancy colours aren't your thing and you just want a well-priced half-link chain there is a silver option which is even cheaper.

Made from head treated steel and with strength equal to that of YKN’s MK918N the slink is available in a choice of narrow 3/32 or time honoured 1/8th inch. Our lighter 3/32 test model took all the punishment I could inflict without batting an eyelid. 102 links feature clever cutaway inner plate edges to provide better sprocket alignment, translating into a more refined transmission-especially on smaller sprockets or when running “magic” gears. This also helps counteract sag without recourse to chain devices on frames with vertical ends.

There was just sufficient length to run a 48x16 configuration on my road path bike and refinement seems equal to that of costlier designs thanks to greatly improved rigidity, inspiring confidence when transmission braking or track-standing in the wet. Phenomenal rigidity makes for greater efficiency when sprinting away from the lights or putting the hammer down on the open road. It’s a competent performer on the trails too-serenely quiet and absolutely bombproof so well suited to the rigours of single speed cyclo cross.

Tested through a wet July with only the drizzle of factory lube hasn’t impaired performance and the finish seems better than I expected-a bonus on single speed bikes likely to be ridden in the worst conditions. When all’s said and done, it won’t disappoint if you’re on a modest budget, like the look of half link designs and turn moderate gears.

Verdict

Bargain chain well suited to single speed and fixer conversions.