How Do I Know What Chain To Buy For My Bike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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 do I know what speed chain I need?

Because the distances between the sprockets vary on different ‘speed' cassettes (e.g. the gap will be wider on a 9-speed block than on an 11-speed), you need a chain that fits. A chain for an 11-speed transmission will be narrower than one for a 9-speed, etc.

What size chain goes on a bike?

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 chain size do I need?

If you are using a bike with a derailleur

the number of cogs on the rear hub will determine the chain size you will need

. They are always 3/32′′ chains. You can get a 5/6/7-speed, 8-speed, 9-speed, or 10-speed chains.

Are Shimano and Campagnolo chains compatible?

If you have a 10-speed Campagnolo (Campy) cassette, a 10-speed Campagnolo chain is the first option for compatibility.

Shimano and SRAM 5- to 11-speed cassettes and chains will be compatible with each other, regardless of manufacturer recommendations

.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

What pitch is a bicycle chain?

Bicycle Chains are generally categorized into two types:

1/2 × 1/8 and 1/2 × 3/32

. The first number (1/2) is the chain pitch; the latter numbers (1/8 and 3/32, respectively) indicate the inner width in inches.

How do I identify my Shimano chain?

How do you size a chain?

To measure the chain, wrap it around the chainring and the largest cog, but bypass the rear derailleur. Make sure the chain is engaged fully on the teeth of the largest cog. Pull the chain tight. Engage the closest pin to where the two ends could be joined on the chainring.

How do you measure chain size?

To determine the pitch (chain size), you'll need to

measure the distance between any three consecutive rivets, then divide the result by 2

. The rivets are the small, round pegs/studs that hold the chain segments together. Measure from the first to the third, then divide that number in half to get your chain pitch.

Can you use a Dura Ace chain with an Ultegra cassette?

Likewise, Shimano and SRAM buyers have the freedom to mix different levels of chains and cassettes so long as they are designed for the same kind of transmission. Thus,

an Ultegra (6800/8000) 11-speed chain can be used with a Dura-Ace (9000/9100) 11-speed cassette

.

Do SRAM chains work with Shimano?

It was a savvy move at the time, and SRAM is now as well known as Shimano for quality road cycling components. So with that in mind, can you use SRAM chains on Shimano drivetrains? Because SRAM adopted the Shimano specifications,

you can easily use SRAM chains on a Shimano groups without really any problem

.

Can you use Shimano cassette with Campagnolo?


Yes. Campagnolo wheels are compatible with both Shimano and SRAM components

. In order to use Campagnolo wheels with any drivetrain on the market, Campagnolo produces two kinds of freewheel bodies: one specific for Campagnolo drivetrains (from 9 to 11 speeds) and one for non-Campagnolo drivetrains (from 9 to 11 speeds).

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 speed chain is 3 32?

1/8′′ (0.125′′, 3.18 mm) chain is used on most single-speed bicycles, and bicycles with internal gearing. 3/32′′ (

0.094′′, 2.30 mm

) chain is used on derailer equipped bicycles that have more than 3 cogs at the rear.

How do you size a single speed chain?

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.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.