Also note that the KMC Z1 comes in both wide and narrow widths. You need narrow (3/32")
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Thanks - it’s a new trainer and bike so I don’t need a new one for a while
Hello, Zwift say i dont need to oil/wax my chain but others say i should treat it like a normal bike - it’s a zwift frame which will never go outside - any advice appreciated
Caring for and Maintaining Your Zwift Ride
To help get the best experience from your Zwift Ride, follow these steps:
- Do not add chain lubricant to the chain on your Zwift Ride. The chain is pre-lubricated to the correct specification.
- Wipe down your Zwift Ride and handlebar controllers after use with a dry cloth.
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It should require less frequent lubrication than an outdoor bike but eventually it will have to be lubricated. There’s no such thing as a permanently lubricated bicycle chain.
Zwift also says this:
https://forums.zwift.com/t/zwift-ride-frame-chain-lube/635598/11?u=paul_southworth
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Cheers - that’s what I think - so not sure why Zwift are saying 2 different things
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Yeah one of those statements is sound mechanical advice from someone who knows what they are doing and the other is 
Zwift is a software company -I guess they are learning. A chain is a chain, it got to be cleaned and lube regularly 
They probably meant “before the first use” (which should be mentioned).
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This helped me a lot, but I have a couple of related questions:
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I’m not totally clear what happens if I choose an 8-speed chain as opposed to 12 or 10. Would it be quieter for the Ride, all things being equal? (I have the Cog V2, the orange one, if it makes any difference)
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does one NEED to stick to 3/32 narrow chains, having the adaptable cog?
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what happens if I buy a standard such chain, with 110+ links instead of 98? Will I have tension problems and will I need to remove links manually?
Thank you!
@Fabio_Ticconi
These are thoughtful questions!
This is a hair-splitty answer, but there are not-so-subtle differences in the way bicycle chains are manufactured - even within one company’s offerings. I’ve been a Shimano user for decades. In my experience using various Shimano chains on my track bike (the fixed gear / no coasting thing accentuates drivetrain sounds) their 10 speed chain runs noticeably quieter than their 8 speed.
That said - if you have a preference for KMC / SRAM / Wipperman / etc chains - as long as it’s a road width (3/32" width, not 1/8" track width), any of their 8 -12 speed chains will work with the Zwift Cog.
Yes, 100% must use 3/32" width chains. The outside-to-outside width of 1/8" chains is substantially increased because their rivet pins stick out. That extra width can interfere with the plastic guide plates of the Zwift Cog.
This is a 1/8" width chain. Notice the rivets sticking out
This is a 10 speed 3/32" width chain in comparison. The rivet pins are flush with the chain plates.
Correct. You can shorten the chain by a few links because 98 links is the correct length for the Zwift Ride + Zwift Cog drivetrain.
Side note: If you use a master link to join the ends of the chain - master links are one-time-use items. Do not reuse a master link that’s previously been snapped closed.
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I reuse mine all the time, i realize the manufacturer says not too but thats just becuase of lawyers and liability.
They’re your teeth, man.
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Agreed. There’s nothing wrong with reusing quick links (master links) AS LONG AS you always make sure it’s inserted properly ON BOTH SIDES of the chain. It’s easy to think it’s ok based on the outside of the chain/bike when the other side has perhaps not been closed/installed properly.
Also, YBN make quick links that they certify as reusable.
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The Wippermann Connex link is intended to be reused.
Manufacturers vary on their positions about reusing master links. Not gonna argue if y’all like to reuse your links.
As a Zwift employee dispensing unofficial advice on a Zwift Ride, I will point out that
SRAM and Shimano both state their master links are one-time use only, and there are reasons that go beyond liability.
I’ve personally seen enough cases where chains will skip under high power at a worn master link that I don’t reuse master links from any brand. These are manufactured to be cheap wear-out parts and I keep enough spares on hand that I don’t think twice about throwing away a used link.
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Super helpful! Thank you. I’ll be looking for a pre-waxed Shimano 3/32 10 speed chain, to try to minimise noise. I expect it will take some work to find the perfect setup for me…
Might even switch the chainring for a narrow wide Shimano… 
The Ride chainring can’t be swapped out for something different.
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I would never suggest using a master link from a worn-out chain on a new chain - that’s a false economy. But if you remove the chain when it’s in good condition (e.g. to shorten it, to re-wax it, solvent clean it or whatever), then you won’t have a worn-out quick link, and replacing the quick link for that sort of case involves unnecessary cost.
I can totally understand that a Zwift employee has to err on the side of safety when giving out official advice though.
Yup, in my role as a ZHQ employee, my advice is to use the matching master link for the specific chain model you have, and follow that company’s instructions.
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I heard that a manufacturer (can’t remember which one) filed a patent for a re-usable quick link, which then precluded anyone else from describing their quick link as re-usable.