Cyclist Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Bicycle Chain Types | Complete Guide
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How to Choose a Bike?
When it comes to bikes, most cyclists focus on the frame, wheels, or maybe the saddle. But there’s a humble hero quietly doing all the heavy work on the bike chain. Without it, your legs would be spinning for nothing. And as it turns out, not all bike chains are created equal.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of bike chains, what they’re used for, and how to choose the right one for your bike ride.
The Engineering Behind Bicycle Chains
A bike chain is made up of links that rotate between broad and thin parts, this pattern runs the length of the chain and is essential for smooth gear shifting.
Each link consists of two side plates joined by rivets or pins, as well as a tiny roller that rotates as the chain goes over gears. Bushings between the roller and side plates may be included in some old or specialized chains, although most modern chains skip them to save weight and friction.
To join the ends of a chain, there are typically two methods:
Joining Pin (Rivet) Method:
One pin is pushed partway out using a chain tool, then reinserted to connect the chain. Most of the brands use a special extended pin that’s inserted and then “peened”; the tip is snapped off to lock it in place. So make sure yours can if you’re working with their components.
Quick Link Method:
Quick links come in two parts that snap together through the chain plates. Some are reusable; others (like those from Shimano or SRAM high-end lines) are meant for one-time use, as reusing them can weaken the connection.
What are the dimensions of a bicycle chain?
Most bicycle chains have a standard pitch the distance between each link of ½ inch (12.7mm). While there have been some experiments with 10mm metric pitch chains, they’re not commonly used.
Chains are made up of alternating inner and outer links, and the inner link is slightly narrower.
This narrow spacing plays a key role in single-chainring drivetrains, where the chainring has alternating wide and narrow teeth. These match the chain’s link pattern, creating a more secure and stable connection especially helpful for off-road or rough conditions.
However, this design doesn’t work well with multiple chainrings (like doubles or triples), because the chain doesn’t always land in a predictable position when shifting between rings. That’s why all the teeth on multi-chainring setups are uniform in width, to match the inner chain width more universally.
It’s also interesting to note that while derailleur chains vary by speed (like 8-speed vs 11-speed), the roller width stays nearly the same, about 2.38mm for 5-8 speeds and 2.18mm for 9-speed and up. What really changes is the thickness of the side plates, which makes higher-speed chains narrower overall to fit tighter gear spacing.
How Long Should a Bike Chain Be?
A lot of brand-new bike chains have 110 links or more, which is typically longer than most bikes require. This implies that it is nearly always necessary to shorten the chain prior to installation.
But there are some exceptions, such as high-pivot mountain bikes, which frequently call for longer chains due to their unique frame design. To achieve the proper fit, you might even need to use two chains.
The simplest method is to count the links in your old chain and match the length of the new chain if you’re just replacing an old chain and everything was working well before. Just ensure that the old chain had been the right size.
Also, you will need to make more accurate calculations for the chain length if you are installing a completely new drivetrain or changing to a different cassette size. A good fit guarantees seamless shifting and shields your drivetrain from needless damage.
Bike Chain Materials and Design and What Sets Them Apart
Most bike chains are made from steel, which is strong but prone to rust if it gets wet and isn’t regularly lubricated. To combat this, higher-end chains often come with special coatings that improve durability, reduce friction, resist corrosion and sometimes just add a stylish touch.
For example, some premium chains (like KMC’s top-tier models) use a titanium carbon nitride coating, which not only lowers friction but also comes in eye-catching colors. There are even lightweight titanium chains available for riders looking to save every possible gram.
The outer plates of a chain can also differ widely in design. On many models, the shape is optimized with slopes to make gear shifting smoother, especially under load. More expensive chains can also have slots in the side plates or hollow pins both used to reduce weight without sacrificing strength.
Some brands go even further by providing prepared chains that will immediately lower drivetrain friction.. These are usually targeted at racers and high-performance riders, and their effects tend to last only a few hundred miles typically in dry conditions.
Bike Chain Compatibility
Previously, you could usually mix and match chains from different brands as long as they were the same speed, for example, using any 9-speed chain with a 9-speed drivetrain. But with modern 11-, 12-, and 13-speed systems, things have become much more brand-specific.
Take SRAM, for example: their Eagle 12-speed chains are designed for MTB use and won’t work with 12-speed road derailleurs, and vice versa. Even mixing Shimano and SRAM 11-speed parts can lead to a noisy or less efficient drivetrain, even if they technically fit together.
Shimano’s 12-speed road and MTB groupsets both use the Hyperglide+ chain, which is specially designed to match the cassette’s shifting ramps and enable faster, smoother shifts.
When Should You Replace Your Bike Chain?
Using a chain checker tool is the most trusted method of figuring out when a new chain is necessary. It measures how much your chain has stretched over time in a short amount of time.
The terrain, your riding style, and how well you maintain your bike will all affect how frequently you need to replace it. Chains naturally wear and stretch with use, and the links also begin to wiggle more side-to-side. That movement can lead to sloppy shifting and speed up wear on your cassette and chainrings.
As a general rule:
On 11- to 13-speed chains, you should replace the chain once it has stretched by 0.5%.
Letting it wear beyond that point risks damaging more expensive drivetrain parts.
Shimano also offers a Linkglide chain, specifically built for e-bikes running 10 or 11 speeds. It has a reinforced link shape to handle the extra torque from the motor but is still compatible with regular Hyperglide setups too.
If you’re looking for more flexible options, brands like KMC and Wippermann make third-party chains that work with a variety of drivetrains. Still, it’s always best to double-check compatibility on the manufacturer’s website before buying especially with higher-speed setups.
How Do You Choose the Right Chain for your bike and ride style?
Here are a few quick tips:
- Understand your drivetrain: Determine how many mechanisms your rear cassette has. That lets you know what kind of speed chain you need.
- Match the brand If at all possible: Certain chains, especially those made by Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo, function best with drivetrains of the same brand.
Keep it lubricated and clean: A dry and dirty chain will not last as long as the best one.
In Conclusion
The chain, which connects your power to the road, may not be the most attractive part of your bike, but it is absolutely necessary. You can save money, enhance your ride quality, and even extend the life of your drivetrain by being aware of the various chain types, their construction, compatibility, and when to replace them.
Every small detail in a chain, from materials and coatings to link design and sizing, affects how smoothly your bike rides, picking the correct chain and maintaining it are important.
Take a moment to take in that careful chain spinning beneath you the next time you get on your bike. Because without it, you won’t get far at all.
FAQs
Check the number of speeds (gears) on your cassette. Match the chain to that speed. For best results, use a chain from the same brand as your drivetrain.
Use a chain checker tool. Replace the chain when it stretches by 0.5%—especially on 11 to 13-speed systems—to avoid damaging more expensive parts.
No. While most chains have a ½-inch pitch, the width varies based on the number of speeds. Higher-speed chains are narrower to fit tighter gear spacing.
Quick links are tool-free and easy to install. Joining pins require a chain tool and are more secure for long-term use.
Clean and lubricate your chain regularly. A dry or dirty chain wears faster, reduces shifting performance, and can damage other drivetrain components.
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