How Long Is A Bicycle Chain Link?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Twenty half-links in a new chain measure

10 inches (254 mm)

, and replacement is recommended before the old chain measures 101⁄16 inches (256 mm) (0.7% wear). A more conservative limit is when 24 half-links in the old chain measure 121⁄16 inches (306 mm) (0.5% wear).

What size chain link do I need for my bike?


If your bike is equipped with the derailleur, you need a 3/32′′ or 11/128′′ chain

. If you have a single-speed or internally geared bike, you need either 1/8′′ or 3/32′′. You should get the correct size, but if it is not possible, you can get the 1/8′′ because it has limited compatibility with the 3/32′′ sprocket.

How do you measure a link on a bike chain?

How long is a single chain link?

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

7.92 inches

(20.1 cm).

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.

How do I know my chain length?

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 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:

How long should a chain be?

After a measurement is obtained, its a good idea to opt for a necklace size that is

at least the second size up from your neck size

. For example, if you have an 18 inch neck, you should probably choose a chain length of 20 inches or more. An 18 inch chain would feel too tight.

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

.

Are all bike chain links the same 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. However,

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

.

What is a link measurement?

The link (usually abbreviated as “l.”, “li.” or “lnk.”), sometimes called a Gunter’s link, is a unit of length formerly used in many English-speaking countries. In US customary units modern definition, the link is exactly

66⁄100 of a US survey foot, or exactly 7.92 inches or approximately 20.12 cm

.

What size is single speed bicycle chain?


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. Even somewhat narrower chain, typically .

How do you measure a single speed bike chain?

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 size is 10B chain?

10B roller chain is a

5/8′′ pitch

metric size chain that is manufactured to conform to all BS / DIN / ISO dimensional standards.

What is a chain number?

Chain Dimensions


The digits to the left indicate the pitch of the chain in eighths of an inch

. For example, a number 40 chain would have a pitch of four-eighths of an inch, or 1/2′′, and would be of the standard dimensions in width, roller diameter, etc.

How do I know what size bike chain to buy?

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 can I make my bike chain longer?

How do you lengthen a bike chain?

How do I identify my Shimano chain?

How many links does a Shimano 105 chain have?

This new Shimano Ultegra comes with

116 links

, the standard length. Most modern road bikes will require five or six links removing, depending on chainstay length and gearing. Some Shimano 10-speed chains are directional and must be fitted with the Shimano logos on the outward face of the links.

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.