This system offers simplicity and ease of maintenance but may not offer a wide enough gear range for some riders. Is It Better to Have More Gears on a Bike? There are two kinds of chain links found in a bike chain. One is SRAM and the other one is CONNEX. SRAM chain link has a flat hole before the chain joining and CONNEX has a slightly downward chain hole. Changing Time for Old Bike Chain The bike chain link pitch (distance between pin centers) is standardized and equals 1/2 inch or 12.7 millimeters. Historically there were also other pitch sizes, but the 0.5-inch pitch is standard these days. Length (Total Length) Modern groupsets (especially 11, 12, and now 13-speed) are made with proprietary specifications that make it inadvisable to mix and match brands. In other words, Shimano chains work best with Shimano chainrings, as the shift ramps and chains are designed as a system. So, don’t get too caught up in fancy gearing systems. Choose what works best for you and your riding preferences. After all, riding should be about enjoying the journey, not just the gear you’re using. How to Change Gears on a 21-Speed Bike

chain my bike uses mechanical - How can I tell which size chain my bike uses

You can have many more combinations for your mountain bike. Again there is a factor related to mountain bike chainring sizes for smooth speed variation. The manufacturers use a hollow pin to reduce the weight of the links across the chain. Bike chains are far less expensive than having to replace the drivetrain or other essential parts on your bicycle. Things To Remember When Choosing Your Bike ChainAll the components on a bike that make the wheels move are collectively called the “drivetrain”. These include the two pedals, all the cogs on the chain rings and cassette, the chain and front/rear derailleurs. My childhood bike only had 10 gears and it served me just fine. Nowadays, some bikes come with a whopping 21 gears, but do we really need all of them? People who do wax their chains and have done so for years are already obsessive and clean their bikes after every ride. The main thing is to keep it all clean and lubed regularly.

Bike Chains | Halfords UK

Hope that you have understood the importance and difference of different sized bike chain and bike chain length. For a smooth and comfortable ride, you need to go for the best chain size for your bike. On a mountain bike or a hybrid bike, the shifters are easy to identify (they’re simply near the brake levers if you’re wondering!) First, take off the old bike chain. After that, switch the derailleurs with respect to the biggest and littlest chainrings. The one in front goes to the former and the one behind the latter. Width of the chain measured across the rivet between chains. Standard chain widths for bicycle chains are: 5.3 mm for 12-speed chains, 5.5 mm for 11-speed chains, 6 mm for 10-speed chains, 6.5 to 7 mm for 9-speed chains, and 7 mm for 6, 7, and 8-speed chains.If you’re looking at a 21-speed bike, it’s important to realize that you won’t see 21 different gears. Choosing the right chain is a journey filled with precision and care, reflecting our dedication as cyclists. It’s not merely about finding a chain that fits; it’s about discovering a component that resonates with our biking style and the unique characteristics of our bicycles. In my experience, the right chain acts as the unsung hero of our biking adventures, driving us forward with reliability and strength.

Bike Chain Do I Need? – The Ultimate Guide! What Size Bike Chain Do I Need? – The Ultimate Guide!

The above chart about bike chain will help you to choose the best one for your bike. The pitch is the distance from the center of the pin to another. Any part that breaks on your bike or isn't functioning properly could end up putting your safety at risk while you ride. You can always shorten your bike’s chain. But it is not easy to increase the length of a bike chain. So, try to find an adequate size. Internal WidthIt makes maintaining higher speeds on flat roads or moderate slopes possible, as riders can choose harder gears and thus generate more power. In these cases, you can shift to a low gear by using the left gear shifter to move the chain across to the smallest chain ring at the front, followed by changing the gear to the largest cog in the rear cassette using the right gear shifter.