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.
Does your bike chain matter?
Your chain is at the heart of your drivetrain and is absolutely crucial to powering your bike forward and to shifting performance
. Therefore, with chains, compatibility and durability are a must and mechanical serviceability and even mechanical friction are considerations as well.
How much of a difference does a clean bike chain make?
A clean, properly lubed chain will save about 10 watts over a poorly maintained chain, according to Jason Smith of Friction Facts, a Colorado-based research firm. For the average rider, that accounts for about
4 percent of lost power
.
Is there a difference between bike chains?
Chains can vary in side plate shape, sizing, and height
. Differences can cause variations in shifting performance between brands and models. Additionally, chains will vary in the quality of steel used. Better chains that are more durable and longer lasting tend to have harder rivets.
How much should I spend on a bicycle chain?
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.
Where are Shimano products manufactured?
Shimano's primary manufacturing plants are in
Kunshan, China; Malaysia; and Singapore
. In 2017, Shimano had net sales of US$3.2 billion, 38% in Europe, 35% in Asia, and 11% in North America. Bicycle components represented 80%, fishing tackle 19%, and other products 0.1%.
How do I know if I need a new bike chain?
Another ballpark method for checking chain wear is by measuring it with a ruler. Pick a rivet and line it up at the zero mark. Count 24 more rivets and your last rivet should be at the 12′′ mark of your ruler.
If it is off by more than 1/16′′ your chain is stretched to the point of replacement
.
Does a worn chain slow you down?
Old worn out chains feel sluggish as they have a high slugocity factor
. This is to be avoided at all costs.
Does a dirty chain slow you down?
It's especially important to properly wash your drivetrain, as the parts that keep you in motion suffer greatest from abuse and neglect. A grimy chain makes for sloppy shifting and chews through expensive cassette cogs.
Gunked-up chainrings slow you down
.
How often should you replace bike chain?
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.
Does bike chain affect performance?
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.
How many miles does a bike chain last?
So, typically, a bike chain can last anywhere from
500 to 5,000 miles
, depending on the type of chain you buy and the number of miles you put on your bike. If you ride your bike very seldom, or only go on the occasional evening ride, your bike chain can last years with good maintenance.
Can I use a 8 speed chain on a 7 speed bike?
5, 6, 7 and 8 speed chains
7.1 mm wide 8 speed chain will fit all the other systems
(5, 6 and 7 speed ones).
Can you put an 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
.
Will a 12 speed chain work on 11 speed?
Condensed answer:
A 12-speed chain can work with an 11-speed cassette
. However, it's recommended to avoid using a Shimano 12-speed chain because it doesn't play well with 11-speed chainrings.
How much does replacing a bike chain cost?
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.
How much does a bike tire cost?
The average price for a bike tire ranges from
$15 to $70
.
What do I put on a bike chain?
What does Shimano SIS mean?
Every Shimano equipped multi-gear bicycle includes Shimano S.I.S –
Shimano Indexed Shifting
. It's the technology behind that “click” you hear and feel everytime you shift through your gears. That “click” captures the light, precise, and consistent shifting bikes equipped with Shimano deliver.
Is Shimano still made in Japan?
Contrary to common belief,
Shimano reels are not made in the USA but in Japan
. Here, at the company's headquarters in the city of Sakai, all of Shimano's high-end, premium reels are manufactured and shipped out to the world.
Are Shimano bike parts made in China?
Shimano (Kunshan) Bicycle Components Co., Ltd. was established in Kunshan city in 1992.
It is the first Shimano factory in China
. We mainly produce bicycle parts.
How many links should a bike chain have?
A new bicycle chain usually comes with
116 links
. This is long enough for the biggest chainrings and for most distances of rear wheel from front chainrings. So for optimal length a new chain is usually shortened from the 116 links that come in the box.
How can you tell a real Shimano chain?
- old packaging — chains in packaging that doesn't look like current stuff is not likely to be ‘new old stock', it's just fake.
- wrong packaging.
How do I know if my chain is worn out?
If the chain starts to lift off the top and/or the bottom of where it sits on the chainring teeth
, this means that the chain is starting to wear or is worn. If your chain lifts off the ring like this, it's likely worn.
What size chain do I need for a 7 speed bike?
| Drivetrain* External Width, in External Width, mm | 9 speed 1/4′′ – 9/32′′ 6.5 – 7.0mm | 10 speed 1/4′′ – 9/32′′ 6.0 – 7.0mm | 10 speed narrow 7/32′′ 5.88mm | 11 speed 7/32′′ 5.5 – 5.62mm |
|---|
Why does a bike chain stretch?
Chain wear is commonly referred to as ‘chain stretch',
because the chain's pitch grows in length as it wears
. This is the most important type of chain wear, and the growth comes from the bushings wearing with the chain pins. Overtime, the inner diameter of these bushings increase and the pins groove out.
Can a rusty bike chain slow you down?
A rusty bicycle doesn't just look bad, it can seriously hinder your bike's performance.
A rusty bike chain can slow you down
, stop bells from working, and rust can corrode the spokes, which if left unchecked can reduce the structural integrity of your bike.
