80's Chainwheels Compatable with 10sp Chains

[GiantAnt]

I have a couple of road bikes that are late 80's vintage and i am considering upgrading at least one with some newer components. They run 7 speed rear clusters. I am wondering whether the front chainrings (cranksets are Shimano 600 and Suntour Superbe Pro) will be compatable with 10 speed chains. A 9 speed chain seems to physically sit OK on the chainwheels.

Has anyone else had experience with this situation?

[mikesbytes]

I would of said probably not, as 7 speed has wider rollers, however 9 speed has the same roller width as 10 speed, the difference is that the rivets are narrower.

As you say a 9 speed seems to sit on it, do you mean that you can ride the bike with the 9 speed chain on it?

OK, assuming that the 9 speed chain does work, the only risks are that the 10 speed chain could possibly fall between the chain rings, and/or there are changing problems.

[GiantAnt]

No i haven't ridden the bike with a 9 speed chain. It just appeared to physically sit on the chainring without any problems.