How To Buy A Bike Chain 【EASY ◆】

The most critical factor is the of your drivetrain. Modern cassettes range from 1 to 12 (and occasionally 13) gears. As the number of gears increases, the space between the cogs on your rear wheel decreases. To accommodate this, chains for higher speeds are made progressively narrower.

Higher-end chains aren't necessarily "stronger" in terms of breaking strength, but they feature nickel or titanium-nitride coatings to resist corrosion and reduce friction. Premium chains also often use hollow pins to shave weight without sacrificing integrity. 3. Sizing and Installation how to buy a bike chain

While most chains follow a standard "one-half inch pitch" (the distance between rivets), manufacturers like , SRAM , and Campagnolo design their chains to work specifically with the tooth profiles of their own cassettes. The most critical factor is the of your drivetrain

Always match the chain to the number of rear cogs. While there is some minor room for interchangeability in older 6/7/8-speed systems, modern drivetrains require an exact match. 2. Brand Ecosystems and Materials To accommodate this, chains for higher speeds are

You will almost certainly need a chain tool to remove excess links. The most reliable sizing method is to lay your old chain next to the new one and match the link count exactly.

Timing your purchase is as important as the purchase itself. Waiting until a chain "skips" usually means you have already damaged your cassette and chainrings.