Can Yiu Mix Compact And Standard Bike Drive Chains?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The correct type of depends on the type of riding your bike is made for, and the number of gears it has

. from most manufacturers should fit, as long as the chain is made from good quality material and matches the number of sprockets in your bike's rear cassette.

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.

Will a 10 speed chain work on a 8 speed cassette?

What size is standard bicycle chain?

All modern bicycle chains are made to the “

one-half inch pitch

” standard, meaning from rivet to rivet is nominally 0.5 inches. The sprocket teeth are cut for this same one-half inch standard to accept bicycle chains.

Are there different types of bike chains?


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.

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.

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).

Are all bicycle chains the same?

Are all bicycle chains the same size?

No, all bicycle chains are not the same size

. Size varies on the bike's numbers of sprockets, speeds, the distance between the front chainring and rear cogs, and the number of teeth on them.

Are 11 and 12 speed chains the same?


12-speed chains can operate just fine with 11-speed cassettes

. The main exception are Shimano's new 12-speed HG+ models which are heavily optimized for downshifting and thus come with custom inner plates that don't mix well with non-Shimano 12-speed components.

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.

Which is longer 10 speed or 9 speed chain?

The internal/roller width of 9 and 10-speed chains is the same – 2.18mm. The only difference is the spacing of the chainrings.

9 and 10-speed chainrings aren't spaced the same way, but the differences aren't humongous

. In most situations, the set-up works.

Are Shimano and KMC chains compatible?

One of the benefits of the KMC chain is that

they are compatible with Shimano, Sram and Campagnolo Drivetrains

. There is a variety of roller widths to choose from, for example, 3/16, 1/8, 3/32, 11/128 inches and with external widths compatible with single-speed 6,7,8,9,10 and 11-speed drivetrains.

Can I put a 7 speed cassette on a 6 speed hub?

SP – WRONG! 6 and 7 speed have different spacing, 8 is slightly different to 7 as well.

If the bike is from post 1989 or so it will have a block not a cassette, and a cassette won't go on the hub

. If it's a 6 speed cassette it may have a threaded top cog meaning a modern 7 speed cassette won't fit either.

Can I put a 7 speed cassette on a 8 speed hub?


7-speed cassettes fit fine on 8- and 9-speed (and most 10-speed) hubs if you put a 4.5 mm spacer onto the body before the cassette

.

What can I do with an old bike chain?

How to Recycle Bike Chains. The most popular fate for bicycle chains is to

repurpose them with arts and crafts projects, or to donate them to someone who will

. Alternatively, some local bicycle shops will take these off your hands in an attempt to recycle them.

How do I know my chain size?

  1. The distance from the center of one pin to the center of the next pin, also known as the “pitch” of the roller chain.
  2. The diameter and width of the roller.
  3. Plate thickness, determined by measuring the plates from one flat side to another.

Are all bicycle 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.

What is a #25 chain?

#25 roller chain is

a 1/4′′ pitch ANSI Standard roller chain designed for light-duty or space confined applications

. It's the smallest size roller chain on the ANSI spectrum of roller chains but offers ample performance, strength, and durability for its small form factor.

What is a 420 chain?



All PEER roller chains incorporate solid rollers enhancing rotation on the

.

bushing while reducing impact loads on the sprocket tooth during operation

. – All chain components are heat treated to achieve maximum strength. and greater wear resistance.

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

A 1/8′′ chain is the most common chain found on single speeds, and 3/32′′ chain is the most common chain found on derailleur equipped bikes.

A 1/8′′ chain will fit on parts that are either width. 3/32′′ chains will only fit on parts designed to work with 3/32′′ chains

.

How long do bicycle chains last?

So, how long do bike chains last? In general, a good chain will last

2,000 to 3,000 miles or 3 to 4 years

. Chains on mountain bikes and electric bikes will get worn out faster. Many factors can influence chain life, such as conditions, speed, weight, and stress.

How many miles should a bike cassette last?

Very Roughly: bike cassette can last between

4000 to 6000 miles

, and some can last up to 10,000 miles, an equivalent of 3 to 4 chains, it depends on the quality of the cassette itself, maintenance, and riding conditions.

How many miles does a 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. Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.

Are 9 and 10 speed cassettes the same width?

A 9 speed cassette and a ten speed cassette both fill a freehub body completely. ie.

they are the same width

. The distance between the 9 speed gears is ever so slightly wider than on a 10 speed cassette (hence why 10 speed chains need thinner side plates than 9 speed ones.

Can I use a 9 speed crankset with a 8 speed cassette?


Yes, there are no complications with running a 9 speed crankset on an 8 speed drivetrain

.

Are 9 and 10 speed chains the same?


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.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.