How Do I Know My Bike Chain Size?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The easiest way to determine bike chain length is

the largest cog to largest chainring method

. Once the old chain has been removed, shift the front derailleur to the largest chainring, and the rear to the smallest.

How do you determine the correct chain length?

How long is a 116 link bike chain?

One link is two pin-to-pin dimensions. Each pin is 1/2′′ from its neighbor, so a full link is 1′′ long. When they say the chain is 116 links, they are really saying there are 116 pins, for a chain length of

58 inches

.

What is the standard bike chain 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.

Are bicycle chains universal?


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.

How much is a chain for a mountain bike?

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 do I know if my mountain bike chain is too long?

Do a simple check on your bike by shifting the chain to the big chainring and the biggest cassette cog; then, push on the end of the derailleur cage (pushing forward) to see how much it will move forward. If it moves just a little, then you’re good.

If it moves a lot, then you’ve got too much chain

.

What happens if bicycle chain too long?

If the bike chain is too long it will cause problems when changing gears as you shift gears and the derailleur can’t pick up the extra chain length. As a result,

the chain may keep slipping off

. While if the chain is too short it can bind and do a lot of damage if you shift it into a chainring and cog.

How do I know if my bike chain is too short?


If you can’t shift into the big ring/big cog combo

, the chain is too short. If it makes it, then it is ok. I have a couple bikes that just make it into the big/big combo and they don’t make any more drivetrain noise than the others.

Is 114 link chain long enough?


In most cases it will be long enough

. I have used a 114 link chain with 34/50 and 11-40 cassette on 422mm chainstays. setup is 34×50 chain rings.

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.

Is 116 link chain long enough?

Bicycle drive chain length

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

.

Are all mountain bike 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.

How do I identify my Shimano chain?

Are mountain bike and road bike chains the same?


Road and MTB chains are interchangeable when they are of similar length and designed for the same number of speeds

.

How is chain width measured?

  1. Chain pitch is shown with green markers, though it is determined by measuring the distance between 3 adjacent pins (blue mark) and dividing it by two.
  2. Inner chain width, marked with blue arrows and lines.
  3. From left to right:

How do you change a chain on a mountain bike?

Is it OK to use wd40 on bike chain?


WD-40 is a great bike chain lube water based lubricant and will not only lubricate the chain well, but will also keep it rust and corrosion free

. It also minimizes the accumulation of dirt which reduces the wear and tear of the chain.

How do I know what mountain bike chain to buy?

A lot of mountain bikes are 10-, 11- or 12-speed and, when buying a chain, it will be clearly labelled accordingly. Simply find out how many gears, or ‘speeds’, you bike has (count the number of gears on the rear cassette and multiply it by the number of chainrings at the front), and pick the corresponding chain.

How do I know which bike 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.

How long should a MTB 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.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.