New bike chain for my mountain bike - Project Sports
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New bike chain for my mountain bike

5 min read

Asked by: Kevin Bonner

How do I know what chain to buy for my mountain bike?

A lot of mountain bikes are 10-, 11- or 12-speed and, when buying a chain, it will be clearly labelled accordingly. Simply find out how many gears, or ‘speeds’, you bike has (count the number of gears on the rear cassette and multiply it by the number of chainrings at the front), and pick the corresponding chain.
Nov 15, 2019

How much does it cost to replace a mountain bike chain?

How much does a bike chain cost to replace? Entry level chains can start off around $15.00 with more expensive and higher performance chains ranging from $25.00 to $60.00 or more. More expensive chains increase shift quality and are generally more durable as they wear.

When should I replace my mountain bike chain?

The number most commonly agreed on for a worn chain is one percent elongation between links. In reality though, you want to replace the chain before this point. So therefore anything past 12, 1/16 inches (0.5 percent) would be the time to replace a chain.
Aug 29, 2016

Are mountain bike chains universal?

No. Not all makes and models of bike chains fit on all bikes. Most modern bike chains are made to the one-half inch pitch, but this dosn’t mean all chains fit all bikes. In order to be as effective as possible, a chain must be suited to the type of bicycle being ridden.
Jan 23, 2022

What size is my mountain bike chain?

Add your modified numbers plus 1 inch (2.5 cm) to get the chain length. Add the multiplied chainstay length, the divided number of teeth for the chainring and rear sprocket, and add 1 (or 2.5 cm). The result is the ideal chain length for your bike. For example, you’d add 32.5, 13, 7 and 1 to get 53.5.

How do I know what size chain I have?

Quote from video: If you have the chain taken apart you can simply measure the diameter of the pin that goes into this hole. Or. You can measure the inside diameter of the hole.

How do you know if your bike chain is bad?

Quote from video: If it lifts off the chain ring to where you can see a lot of daylight between your chain and chain rings.

How long do bike chains last?

2,000 to 3,000 miles

Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on your riding style.

How often do you need to change a bike chain?

every 2,000 miles

The 2,000-Mile Rule



To avoid this accelerated wear of your cassette and chainrings, a general rule of thumb is to replace your bike’s chain every 2,000 miles. Mind you, this is just a starting point. No two chains will wear at exactly the same rate because no two riders treat their chains the same.

How much does a bike chain cost?

A bike chain costs anywhere from $10 to $90 depending on the brand, quality, and type of bike you’re buying it for. Basic, cheaper bikes that need a simple chain will be closer to $10. Higher quality chains that are durable and made for top notch road bikes will cost $60 to $90.

How do I get a new bike chain?

When selecting a chain, the first consideration is the number of rear sprockets. The rear cog sets have been made with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 sprockets. As the number of cogs on the rear hub increases, the spacing between cogs tends to be reduced.
Feb 17, 2017

Is there a difference between road and MTB chains?

MTB and road chains are not the same, MTB chains are designed to shift up more easily under load because oftentimes on trails you face stiff ascents and you aren’t in the right gear, road chains are designed to shift down more quickly and this helps when you get prepared for a sprint.

Do bike chains make a difference?

The most noticeable difference when putting high-quality chains is the shifting performance. The shifting is smooth as silk, even when changing gears under load, you can shift from the small to the big cogs within a seconds. Upgrading to a high-quality chain is a big boost to your drivetrain system.

What number is bike chain?

Quote from video: People also ask

Do I have a 1/8 or a 3 32 chain?

Quote from video: You can mix and match drivetrain components with a one-eighth inch chain that's because a 1/8 inch chain is slightly wider. So if you put it on. 3 over 32 inch components.

What size chain should I buy?

After a measurement is obtained, its a good idea to opt for a necklace size that is at least the second size up from your neck size. For example, if you have an 18 inch neck, you should probably choose a chain length of 20 inches or more. An 18 inch chain would feel too tight.

How do I know if my bike is 10 or 11 speed?

Multiply the front gear number by the rear gear number to get the number of speeds. For example, if you have two front gears and five back gears, you have a 10-speed bike. If you have one front gear and three back gears, you have a 3-speed bike.
Oct 14, 2010

How do I identify my Shimano chain?

Quote from video: Always does the lowest numbered chain is also the lowest level chain and the cheapest. This means that Shimano's hg 600 chain is the equivalent of a 105 or SL x– chain.

How long does a mountain bike chain last?

Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on your riding style.
Apr 12, 2016

How do I know if my bike chain needs replacing?

Quote from video: If it lifts off the chain ring to where you can see a lot of daylight between your chain and chain rings.