How Do I Know What Size Chain I Need For My Bike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The method of chain sizing depends upon the range of gearing in the system. For bikes with rear sprockets 36 teeth and smaller, the common system is to

measure using the largest rear sprocket and largest front ring as a reference

. Two rivets are added to this (one-inch) for the place to cut the chain.

How do you measure a bike chain pin?

Chain pitch is the distance at which the pins are placed. It is measured by

measuring the distance between 3 links, then dividing it by two

.

Do I need a chain guard on my bike?


It is not necessary to install a chain guard on your bike

. In saying that if you are commuting to work it could be useful to have a chain guard in to protect your trousers and shoelaces from getting caught on the chain or the gears.

How do you make a bike chain guard?

Can you add a chain guard to a bike?


You can retro fit a chain guard to your bike

. However, it can be a little complicated. Therefore, you may want to opt for using the helmet of a knowledgeable bike mechanic from a local bike shop. The best option is to choose a full chain case.

How do you measure chain size?

  1. Pitch is measured by finding the distance from the center of one pin to the center of the next pin in line. …
  2. Determine your side plate height and thickness by measuring both inside and outside the roller chain to ensure that you’re seeing a good average size.

How do you calculate chain length?

  1. Calculate C, where C = CD/p.
  2. Calculate A, where A = Z1 + Z2.
  3. Calculate S, where S = Z2 – Z1.
  4. Refer to the adjacent table to find the T value for the calculated S value.
  5. Chain Length in Pitches, CL = 2C + (A/2) + (T/C)

Are bike chains universal?

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. However,

this does not mean all makes and models of chains are interchangeable

.

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 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.

How do I identify my Shimano chain?

Why do some bikes not have chain covers?


These chains are lubricated using vaccum pressure and the oil stays inside chain for longer

. Thus the cover is not required. Also the friction is less because of O and X rings within the chain teeths. Also these chains are used in performance bikes are way durable and rugged than non O ring chains.

What’s the purpose of a chain guard?

A gear case, also known as a chain case or chainguard, is an enclosure for the bicycle chain and sprocket assemblages commonly employed by utility bicycles. It serves

to protect the cyclist from being soiled or trapped in the chain rings

and tends to fully enclose the drive train.

What is a bike guard?

A skirt guard, dress guard or coat guard is a device fitted over the rear wheel of a bicycle to prevent a long skirt, coat or other trailing clothes or luggage catching in the wheel, or in the gap between the rim and the brakes.

How do I fix my bike chain guard?

What is a chain guide?

Chain guides are typically used in conjunction with a bash guard, an alloy or polycarbonate plate that is fitted to the chainset in place of the largest chainring and which prevents rocks, logs and other trail or racetrack obstacles from damaging chainrings.

How do you make a chain tensioner for a derailleur?

How do you count links on a bike chain?

What are chain dimensions?

Chain dimensions are

reference dimensions driven by the geometry

. You cannot change their values or use the values to drive the model. When you create chain dimensions, your first selection defines the starting edge of the chain. Subsequent selections are measured from one selection to the next.

How long is a chain link?

One link is a hundredth part of a chain, which is

7.92 inches

(20.1 cm).

How do I know if my chain is too long?

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

.

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.