Newbie Question: What do speeds mean on chains?

Asked by: Denise Gray

Speeds, when applied to bikes, refers to the total number of speeds it has with the cassette (or freewheel) multiplied by the chainring on the crankset.

What does the speed of a chain mean?

The chain speed, the distance travelled by the chain in a given unit of time, is a fundamental factor in determining the conveyor capacity. It is from this parametr that chain pitch and the diameter of the driven wheels is derived.

Is there a difference between 10 speed and 11-speed chain?

Chains for 11-speed systems are around 5.4mm wide on the outside, vs. around 5.9mm wide for 10-speed ones, so that’s 0.25mm narrower from the center of the cog tooth to the end of the chain pin on each side.

Are 6-speed and 7-speed chains the same?

Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo all use the same chain with 8 speeds. The chain for 7 speeds is a bit wider – 7.3 mm, while a 6-speed one is substantially wider – 7.8 mm. That is why the reverse is not the case and a 7-speed chain and especially a 6-speed one will not work very well on an 8-speed system.

What is the difference between an 11 and 12 speed chain?

Quote from video: The chain is. So it doesn't rub against the each sprocket of the cassette has to be thinner as pass through the more number obviously the higher the number of sprockets you've got on the cassette.

Are 7 8 and 9 speed chains the same?

7, 8, and 9 speed chains have the same inner width, but 9 speed chains have thinner outer plates for a thinner overall chain. So while a 9 speed chain works fine on a 7 or 8 speed drivetrain, it will be a weaker chain that tends to “stretch” faster.

How can you tell how strong a chain is?

Chain grades are a standard method for showing the ultimate breaking strength (tensile strength) of a chain. Grades help determine what sort of applications are appropriate for a given chain. Chain grades are determined by calculating newtons per square millimeter, using the formula “N/mm²”.

How do I know what speed chain to buy?

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.

What is faster 9 speed or 11 speed?

Are 11-Speed Cassettes Faster? 11-speed cassettes are absolutely not faster than 9-speed cassettes. The factor that determines the speed of your bike is you; the rider. Putting an 11-speed cassette on your bike will not magically produce more speed.

Can I use a 11 speed chain on a 10 speed?

Condensed Answer: An 11-speed chain is narrower than a 10-speed chain and can therefore be combined with a 10-speed cassette.

Is 7 speed or 21 speed faster?

7 Speed vs 21 Speed Bikes



In terms of how the number of gears affects the overall ride of the bike, a 21-speed is generally faster with smoother transitions and pedaling. The 7-speed is adequate for most riders, which is why many people choose the slower option.

Can I use a 10 speed chain on a 7 speed cassette?

No, you cannot. A bike with a 7-speed cassette would also come with a 7-speed shifter and a chain that is compatible with 7-speed cassettes. This will make it impossible for a 10-speed derailleur to work on it. This is because a 7-speed shifter and a 10-speed derailleur have different pull ratios.

Can I use a 9 speed chain on a 7 speed cassette?

A chain one size narrower than standard rarely presents any problem. Thus, you can use a “9-speed” chain with a 7-speed or 8-speed system, or a “10-speed” chain with a 9-speed system.

Can you use a 10 speed chain on a 9 speed?

Condensed answer: In most cases, a 10-speed chain will operate just fine with a 9-speed cassette because it’s slim enough to move up and down the rear cogs without rubbing or skipping.

Can I use a 9 speed chain on an 8 speed bike?

9 speed chain on an 8 speed cassette is just fine; it’s the wider 8 speed which won’t fit the sprocket spacing on a 9 speed cassette.

Can I use an 11 speed chain on a 9 speed bike?

Quote from video: Похожие запросы

What does 11 speed chain mean?

Therefore, you can’t run a 12-speed chain with an 11-speed sprocket set, for example, and it means that if you’ve got an 11-speed drivetrain you’ll need an 11-speed chain. The width of chains for different numbers of gears, according to Park Tool is: 13 rear cogs – 4.9 mm. 12 rear cogs – 5.3 mm. 11 rear cogs – 5.5 mm.

What is the difference between 9 and 10 speed chain?

The main difference between a 9 speed chain and a 10 speed chain is that the 10 speed chain is thinner in width, because of the 10 speed cassette, which in turn means the chain is lighter.

Will a 12 speed chain work on 11 speed?

Yes, a 12 speed chain will work fine with an 11 speed cassette. 12 speed chain is narrower than an 11 speed chain so it will fit between the adjoining cogs fine. You can not put an 11 speed chain on a 12 speed drivetrain, it’s too wide and will rub against the adjoining cogs.

Can you run a 9 speed chain on a 10 speed cassette?

In some cases, a 9-speed chain may work just fine with a 10-speed cassette. In general, however, running a chain designed for fewer speeds than the cassette is not considered a good practice. The 9-speed chain is wider and can rub and skip when combined with a 10-speed cassette.

What is faster 9 speed or 11 speed?

Are 11-Speed Cassettes Faster? 11-speed cassettes are absolutely not faster than 9-speed cassettes. The factor that determines the speed of your bike is you; the rider. Putting an 11-speed cassette on your bike will not magically produce more speed.

Are 6 7 8-speed chains the same?

Chains for 6-, 7-, or 8-speed cassettes are generally universally compatible across brands and speeds. That means if a chain says “8-speed Shimano” you can use it in your old 6-speed, too. All you have to do is line up the new chain with the old one and cut it to size.