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 bike chains a standard size?

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.

How do I know what 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.

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

.

Are bike 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 do you match a chain and sprocket?

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).

How do I identify my Shimano chain?

How much is a chain for a bicycle?

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 chain is too short?

Here’s How:

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

.

How do you measure the width of a bicycle chain?

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:

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.

Does chain length affect gear ratio?

It doesn’t matter how much longer the chain is

. You pull that much more chain with a big gear. If you want three revolutions of the rear wheel, in 48/16 you have to pull 48 links of chain while in 36/12 you only pull 36. The ratio of angular movement was also off, updated.

What size chain is bicycle chain?

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 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 does 520 mean on a chain?

Usually, bushings separate the rollers from the pins, but there are bushing-less designs. (3)

The size of a chain is designated by a three-digit number

(520, for example). The distance from the center of one pin to the center of the next is called pitch. Pitch is represented by the first digit, which is 4, 5 or 6.

Whats the difference between 520 and 530 chain?

A 520 chain is a smaller pitch chain

. Pitch being the distance between rollers. The 520 is a lighter weight chain than the 530. That is why people switch to the 520, but it may not last as long as a 530.

What size chain do I need for a 7 speed bike?

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.

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.