How to Choose Bicycle Chain | Buyers Guide 2022
Do you know that the chain of your bike is one of the most integral parts of it?
Well, even though it is a small component of the cycle, it plays a crucial role in how comfortably you can ride the bike and its performance and that’s why mounting the perfect chain is important.
To help you know more about how to choose bicycle chain and help you find the best one for phenomenal riding experience.
We have dedicated this article only to chains and tried to explain the nitty-gritty you needed to know shopping for the chain could never feel this easy.
How to Choose Bicycle Chain: Everything You Should Know
What is a Bike Chain?
In most straightforward words, a bike chain is a bicycle component that helps it roll on the road. It is one of the most important parts of the cycle as it acts as a link between the wheel and the pedal to move the bike forward.
When you push the pedals, the energy from them is transferred to the cycle's drive-wheel and assists it to roll forward.
Chains are generally made from steel or carbon material to ensure durability as well as smooth operations. Many chains also come with nickel plating to prevent rust and corrosion.
Type of Bike Chain by Speed
Bicycle chains are available in an array of speed ranges to offer you different options to choose from. Let’s discuss these speed ranges to understand them better and find the best one that is easier for you.
Single Speed Bike Chain
As the name suggests, the single or one-speed chains are specially designed for those bikes that come with just one sprocket on the crankset. They also have a second sprocket placed on the wheel for convenience.
The single-speed chains are typically 3.3mm wide.
6 Speed Bike Chain
With a 7.8 mm width, the 6-speed chains are the widest of them and are also durable.
7 Speed Bike Chain
On the other hand, even though the 7-speed chains have a larger number tag, they are less wide than the 6-speed ones. The width of these is around 7.3 mm.
8 Speed Bike Chain
8-speed chains are the most interesting type available in the market right now. With a 7.1 mm width, these chains fit all other systems to provide more convenience.
9 Speed Bike Chain
The 6.6 to 6.8 mm, 9-speed chains are narrow and quite expensive than the others.
10 Speed Bike Chain
A 10-speed chain measures 5.88 mm in width and fits almost all bikes that you know of.
11 Speed Bike Chain
The narrowest of the lot, an 11-speed chain, measures about 5.8mm in width.
Type of Chains by Bike
In addition to speed type, chains are also categorized by the type of bicycle you use. Below, we have discussed the types by the bike type to understand better.
Road Bike Chain
When it comes to road bikes, people tend to keep everything as lightweight as possible. The reason for this is for the ease of riding and the utmost maneuverability. A lightweight everyday bike is also comfortable to ride.
Like any other bike component, the chain can also increase the weight of the overall cycle and affect your comfort level. And that’s why mounting a lightweight chain in your road bike is super crucial.
You can pick one that is made from alloy material to keep the overall weight to its minimum. Also, while purchasing, don’t forget to choose a specially made chain to fit your bicycle's speed.
MTB Chain
When searching for a mtb chain, you should keep in mind that this chain needs to be incredibly strong to withstand the dirt and grit of the trail better and emerge unaffected.
Even though there are many that fit both road and mountain bikes, you should choose the one that comes with a special coating for extended durability.
Moreover, while getting a new one for your MTB, remember that the size matters. You should match the size with your bike speed for the best riding experience.
BMX Chain
In the case of BMX bikes, you have to pick a very different chain from the ones used in road and mountain bikes.
There are mainly two types available in the market to choose from. We have discussed them below so that it’s easier for you to pick the most suitable one for you.
Traditional BMX Chain
As the name suggests, the traditional BMX chains are the oldest and most common types of bicycles.
Even though this has the same inner link-outer link configuration as the mountain and road bicycle chains, it comes with two “half-links” for ease of use.
Half-link BMX Chain
Another type of BMX chain is the half-link chain. Many riders prefer this as it comes with identical links with a thick and thin end and is extremely easy to adjust. Moreover, you can also adjust it with more accuracy for better service.
Things to Remember When Choosing Your Bike Chain
Even though the chain is a very small part of the bicycle, you must keep in mind that it is not insignificant.
You have to be very particular when buying the most suitable one for you. Let’s discuss how to find the perfect one for your bicycle to roll it perfectly on the road.
Your Biking Purpose (Mountain, BMX, Road)
We have mentioned that different types of bicycles require different types and sizes to roll smoothly.
Therefore, even before searching for a new one, first, be sure of which bike you want the chain for. If you ride a road bike, then a lightweight chain would be the best pick for you.
On the other hand, when you choose for your MTB, you must pick the strong and durable one and withstand the road's grit and dirt. To enjoy the best service, matching the chain with the bike type is important.
Number of Speeds
Another important thing that you must keep in mind, is its width and number of speeds. Always remember to match the chain speed with your bike’s speed to enjoy the best experience.
For instance, if you have an 11-speed bike and you try to install a 6-speed chain onto this bike, it will not fit, let alone move your bike forward.
For the chain to work properly and roll your cycle forward, it is essential to match the speed with the bike's.
Length & Size
While shopping, don’t forget to check its length and size. The dimension of the chain matters because each type of bicycle is different and hence, they require different types.
For instance, the chain's size and length that fit a single speed bicycle perfectly won’t do justice to an 8-speed bicycle and vice versa. Therefore, be very careful while picking up the ultimate chain for your bicycle.
Material
Like other bicycle parts and components, manufacturers make chains with different materials to offer users choices. The most common type of construction materials are:
Alloy Steel
Steel is the most common and widely used chain construction material today. Steel constructed chains are immensely popular because they don’t break off easily even when you ride on rough terrains and offer extended durability to the users.
Nickel Plated
On the other hand, nickel-plated chains are even more durable than steel-made ones. These are rust and corrosion-resistant and can be used in cold and rainy conditions without the fear of breaking apart.
Titanium
Titanium chains are the lightest in the lot and extremely suitable for road bicycles.
Ease of Installation
While buying, you should pick the one that is easy to install. This is because of the best convenience.
Whenever you are on the go and your chain suddenly is out of place, you need to install it yourself if any repair shop is not around and therefore, ease of mounting is a crucial aspect to consider.
Rust Prevention Ability
Another feature that you must keep in mind while buying, is its ability to resist rust.
When a chain suffers from rust easily, you cannot ride the bike in wet and cold conditions. Also, the chain won’t provide you the durability you have been looking for because of the rust and corrosion.
Durability
When you buy, you expect it to be long-lasting and durable regardless of your paying price. Search for steel chains that come with hard rivets because they tend to be more durable than the others.
Moreover, to enjoy maximum longevity, find a chain that is easy to clean. When you wash all the dirt and debris from it, it will last longer than usual.
Master Link or Standard?
Don’t forget to look if it is a master link or a standard one, among many other features and aspects.
To find out where it is a master link one or not, take a look at your chain and see how it releases. If it has a “quick release” link and opens easily when you are “breaking” the chain, ensure that is a master link one.
Even though we have mentioned the word “breaking”, it doesn’t affect its durability when you are using it.
On the other hand, in the case of a standard chain, you have to use a tool to break it and see if it’s standard or not.
To “break” , you must align the tool's pins and the chain and turn the tool until the pin moves and break it.
How to Size a Bike Chain
While you buy, be prepared to size it because, more often than not, there are chances that the chain is going to be longer than your drivetrain.
And therefore, you need to learn how to size the chain if you don’t know already.
One of the easiest ways to resize the new chain is by laying it down with the old one and measure the length. Then shorten the new chain according to the length of the previous one.
However, we would still suggest reading the instructions properly and watching expert videos before shortening down your chain.
Removing the Old Chain
Bicycle chains are not immune to wear and tear and when it’s time to remove from the bike and install a new one, you must keep in mind a few things.
First, to remove successfully, you need to break or disconnect to come out easily. Then shift it to the smallest chainring and the smallest cog to come out with minimal effort.
While getting out from the bike, make sure that you remove the chain's tension to make the whole process much easier.
How to Tighten a Bike Chain
There is nothing more frustrating than a chain that comes getting undone while you are riding. If you face this problem more often than not, you must tighten for a smooth, uninterrupted ride.
However, before you tighten, know about the bike's derailleur. Loose, undone chains are very common in cycles without a derailleur.
But then again, if your cycle has a derailleur and still it is getting loose, it’s time to replace the derailleur first and then tighten the chain.
In the case of “no derailleur”, you first need to loosen the bolts of the cycle that are holding the back tire.
Then, start moving the tire back until the chain begins to tighten. Once it tightens to your preferred tension level, put back the tire in place, and tighten the bolts to enjoy your ride.
When to Replace Your Bike Chain
Maintaining your bicycle chain regularly and replacing it after a certain time not only improves the ride quality but at the same time, also helps to reduce your frustrations over undone, damaged chains every now and then.
Even though bike mechanics suggest replacing after every 2,000 to 3,000 miles of riding, it’s wise to change as soon as you start recognizing the signs of wear and tear.
Let’s discuss in short the ways to understand when your bicycle chain needs replacement so that you know better:
- The first sign of wear is when your chain starts to stretch. During this time, it might also skip over the teeth on the sprocket and miss cycle.
You can also use a checker tool to find out if the chain requires replacement or not. It is one of the easiest ways because you won’t have to understand anything- the checker will tell you everything about your bicycle chain.
Bike Chain Maintenance
If it is maintained correctly and regularly, it will prolong its life by several notches.
Taking care of your bike chain is not as difficult as you might think. You just need to regularly examine and wipe off the dirt, grit, and mud from there.
After wiping off, don’t forget to lube bike chain it with suitable lubricant. Perfect lubrication will not only keep it long-lasting but at the same time, it will shift easier and prolong the life of the drivetrain as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bike Chains Universal?
No, its not universal. Even though all bicycle chains are to the “one-half inch pitch” standard, they do not mean that all models are interchangeable and can be used on other bikes as well.
How Long Should Bike Chain Last?
Depending on your usage and how well you have maintained it, your bicycle chain should last anywhere between 500 to 5,000 miles.
On the other hand, if you ride your bike occasionally yet take excellent care of it, then the chain might last over the years, outdoing its longevity.
Is It Ok to Use Wd40 on Bike Chain?
No, it would be best if you didn’t use Wd40 on the chain of your bicycle. The Wd40 is actually a de-greaser that doesn’t really do much lubrication.
However, if you are cleaning the chai for lubrication purposes, WD-40 would be the perfect product to use.
How Often Should I Lube My Bike Chain?
Well, it actually depends. If you are a frequent rider and ride your bike several times a week, cleaning and lubricating your chain regularly will be greatly beneficial.
According to experts, cleaning and lubricating your bike's chain at least once every month will prolong its life and provide optimal performance.
Wrapping Up
If you are not a pro-cyclist, you might have thought all the bicycle chains are the same.
But now, as you know, there are different types of chains for different bicycles, we are sure that buying the most suitable chain for your bicycle would be much easier than before.
Happy Shopping.
