What sort of bike chain do I need for my bike?

Asked by: Laurie Bowman

Modern bike chains are properly called ‘roller chains‘, and consist of short cylindrical rollers held together by side links. The gaps between the rollers mesh with the teeth on a sprocket or chainring, to drive the transmission when turned.

Do all bike chains fit all bikes?

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.

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

Quote from video: And it goes without saying that a 1/8 inch chain. Can be used with 1/8 inch chain rings and cogs. And yes you can safely use a 1/8 inch chain. With 3 over 32 components.

How do I know what length chain I need?

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.

What size chain is used on a bicycle?

Chain inner width



For inner chain width there are the following standard dimensions: Single speed chains have inner width of 1/8″ (3.175 mm). Multi speed chains, from 5 to 8 have inner width of 3/32″ (2.38 mm). Multi speed chains from 9 to 12 speeds have inner width of 11/128″ (2.18 mm).

What are the different types of bike chains?

There are two basic types of bicycle chains: “one-speed” chains, and derailleur chains.

What number is bike chain?

Bicycle Chains are generally categorized into two types: 1/2 × 1/8 and 1/2 × 3/32. The first number (1/2) is the chain pitch; the latter numbers (1/8 and 3/32, respectively) indicate the inner width in inches.

What is the difference between 1 8 and 3/32 chain?

A 1/8″ chain is 3.18 mm, and a 3/32″ chain is 2.30 mm. The argument usually ends in favour of the wider 1/8″ chain, but in the real world, you’ll not notice a vast difference provided all your parts are fitted and maintained correctly.

What is a 3/32 bike chain?

3/32″ (0.094″, 2.30 mm) chain is used on derailer equipped bicycles that have more than 3 cogs at the rear. Even somewhat narrower chain, typically . 090″ or 2.29 mm between the inner plates, is used for derailer-equipped bicycles with 9 or more sprockets at the rear.

Are 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 do I know what size bike chain to buy?

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. The length of the chain should be 53.5 inches or 135.89 cm.

How do I fit a new bike chain?

Quote from video: Install the chain tool drive the connecting rivet into the chain. There will be two points of resistance the first as the pin begins to go into the first cage plate.

What happens if bicycle chain too long?

A chain that’s too long (loose) may cause dropped chains and/or inconsistent shifting — front and back shifting. A chain that’s too short (tight) can cause even bigger problems.

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.

Are all bike chains the same size?

A number of different chain widths are available, to suit specific bike types such as BMX, or to fit different road and MTB drivetrains (e.g. an 11-speed cassette requires a different chain to a 9-speed one – the chain must be thinner in order to fit into the narrower spaces between the sprockets.

How much is a new chain for a bike?

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.

Are bike chains interchangeable?

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.

Are bike chains the same size?

Chains come in 3⁄32 in (2.4 mm), 1⁄8 in (3.2 mm), 5⁄32 in (4.0 mm), or 3⁄16 in (4.8 mm) roller widths, the internal width between the inner plates. 1⁄8 in (3.2 mm) chains are typically used on bikes with a single rear sprocket: those with coaster brakes, hub gears, fixed gears such as track bicycles, or BMX bikes.

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 I use a 10 speed chain on a 9 speed cassette?

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.

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.

What’s the difference between a 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.