We will explain these in greater detail, so you know what type of chain you need for your bike. First, let's take a look at the speed types. Speed High-pivot mountain bikes are an exception, though, which typically require a longer chain length, and you may find you need to buy two chains. Mountain bikers may want to look for a bike chain that can withstand a little more grit and grime than a standard, lightweight road bike chain. Look for chains with special coating or that are easy to clean. Many bike experts offer step-by-step instructions for sizing a chain. Take your time, be patient, and don't worry about making a mistake.

With a slim and lightweight design, this chain is compatible with all 10-speed derailleurs, offers a quiet ride and is one of the most durable on the market.Note: this is not to claim that this KMC chain is especially long wearing. The durability of this combination is due to a combination of good quality cassette, good quality chains, good quality lubrication, and frequent maintenance.

You may read on forums and other places that you might be able to use a 6 speed chain on a 7 speed bike (for example), but it's usually not worth the risk of losing money and causing extensive damage to your drivetrain or even getting hurt while riding. Traditional chains are the most common types of chains found on BMX bikes. A traditional chain has the same inner link-outer link configuration as road and mountain bike chains. These types of chains have two “half-links.” Half-Link BMX Chain It’s not something that can be done with a drivetrain with multiple chainrings, because the position in which the chain will land when shifted between chainrings can’t be determined, so the teeth in double and triple chainrings all have the same width, designed to mesh with the narrower inner-chain link. The design of a chain’s outer side plates varies significantly between makes and chain models. Often, there’s some sort of ramping designed to help shifting, while more expensive chains will often have chamfered edges to the side plates rather than flat sides.Shimano 12-speed road groupsets use the same Hyperglide+ chain as its 12-speed MTB groupsets. It has specific design features to promote faster shifting to align with the shifting ramps on the cassette. If you don't know much about bicycle chains, you may assume that they are all pretty much the same. While all bike chains serve the same function, there are various types of chains based on speed and the type of bicycle (such as mountain or road bikes). While we will walk you through some of the most basic steps for sizing and tightening a new bike chain, it's always a good idea to watch some of the great videos that are available online. Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Fewer things are frustrating than a chain that keeps coming undone in the middle of a ride. If this is a problem, you need to tighten up your bike chain. If your chain, when engaged, moves up or down more than an inch, you need to tighten your bike chain.

Now that your chain is removed you can easily and accurately size the chain. As we mentioned above, the easiest way to determine the length is to lay it next to your old chain. Keep in mind that older chains may be a little loose, depending on how badly they need replacing. When you get a new chain for your bicycle, you should be too hung up on the length. As long as there are around 116 links, you should have more than enough to properly size your chain. In most cases, a bike chain is too long, an you end up having to shorten the chain. Whether you prefer to move the chain from the front or take your rear wheel off of your bike, you are removing tension from the chain, which will make the whole process much easier. Master Link or Standard? In the past, chains of the same speed could typically be mixed between manufacturers, although this is generally not the case as you head up to modern 11-, 12- and 13-speed chains, where the designs are often more specific to the brand.