Are bike chains different sizes?

Are all bicycle chains the same size? No, all bicycle chains are not the same size. Size varies on the bike's numbers of sprockets, speeds, the distance between the front chainring and rear cogs, and the number of teeth on them.

How do I know my bike chain size?

The easiest way to determine bike chain length is the largest cog to largest chainring method. Once the old chain has been removed, shift the front derailleur to the largest chainring, and the rear to the smallest.

Are bike chains standard 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.

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.

Are all chains the same size?

The most common BMX chain size is 1/8” (3.2mm). However, there are also 3/32″ (2.4mm) and 3/16” (4.8mm) chains.

39 related questions found

Are all bicycle chains the same?

No, all bicycle chains are not the same size. Size varies on the bike's numbers of sprockets, speeds, the distance between the front chainring and rear cogs, and the number of teeth on them. What are the different chain sizes? Chains sizes are different from each other based on the type of vehicles.

Are tire chains One size fits all?

Tire chains aren't one-size-fits-all, but by finding some basic information on your car's tires you can make sure you get the right ones from the auto parts store.

How do I know what size chain to get?

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.

Are 8 and 9 speed chains the same?

7, 8, and 9 speed chains have the same inner width, but 9 speed chains have thinner outer plates for a thinner overall chain. So while a 9 speed chain works fine on a 7 or 8 speed drivetrain, it will be a weaker chain that tends to "stretch" faster.

Are 7 and 8 speed chains the same?

Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo all use the same chain with 8 speeds. Chain for 7 speeds is a bit wider – 7.3 mm, while a 6 speed one is substantially wider – 7.8 mm. That is why the reverse is not the case and a 7 speed chain and especially a 6 speed one will not work as well on an 8 speed system.

Are 11 and 12 speed chains the same?

11-speed chains are simply too wide for 12-speed cassettes and create rubbing. The result is poor shifting, including ghost shifting, and premature wear of the components.

Are 9 and 10 speed chains compatible?

Condensed answer: In most cases, a 10-speed chain will operate just fine with a 9-speed cassette because it's slim enough to move up and down the rear cogs without rubbing or skipping.

Can you use an 8-speed chain on a 9 speed?

9sp gears have less space between them, so an 8sp chain would rub or jump, which is noisy and/or dangerous. Conversely, a slightly thinner 9sp chain will fit on the wider spaced sprockets of an 8sp bike and not rub. It is only slightly thinner, so it won't cause trouble.

Will a 8-speed chain work on a 9 speed cassette?

No it won't work tolerably.

How do I know what 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.

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.

Is 20 inch chain too short?

If you have an 18-inch neck size, then an 18-inch chain is not going to fit. However, if you want the look of a short chain necklace a 20-22 inch would be about right.

Do tire chain sizes need to be exact?

We find that, despite labeled tire sizes, there is quite a bit of variability from tire to tire caused by such things as wear, pressure, manufacturer, and tire type (ie mud tires). In our experience a recommended chain size will only fit 80% of the tires it should.

Are tire chains adjustable?

Snow chains should be checked and tightened after driving a short distance, as they'll adjust a little with movement.

Does rim size matter for tire chains?

It would be best to use these sizes while searching for the right size of your chains. However it is also possible to use tyre calculator (like this one) to compare your tire with ones advertised with a chain. Sizes you've listed are smaller diameter tires than your original one, so chain would be too small.

Are 6 7 8-speed chains the same?

Chains for 6-, 7-, or 8-speed cassettes are generally universally compatible across brands and speeds. That means if a chain says "8-speed Shimano" you can use it in your old 6-speed, too. All you have to do is line up the new chain with the old one and cut it to size.

How much does it cost to replace a chain on a bike?

How much does a bike chain cost to replace? Entry level chains can start off around $15.00 with more expensive and higher performance chains ranging from $25.00 to $60.00 or more. More expensive chains increase shift quality and are generally more durable as they wear.

Can I use a 10 speed chain on a 8-speed cassette?

A 10 speed chain should work on an 8-speed drivetrain. if you want 10 speeds, you will need a 10 speed-specific chain, cassette, derailleur and shifter (and a new cable while you're at it).

Will a 11 speed chain work on a 9 speed cassette?

9 and 11 speed chains will have the same internal width and different external width (9 speed being thicker), so they will both fit snugly on 9 or 11 speed chainrings but shifting between chainrings may be problematic as spacing between two 9 speed chainrings will be optimised for a 9 speed chain.

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