How To Buy A Bike Chain Page

For 11- or 12-speed systems, you should replace the chain when it reaches 0.5% stretch . For 9-speed systems or lower, you can usually wait until 0.75% .

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. how to buy a bike chain

Third-party brands like KMC often produce chains that are cross-compatible, but for the smoothest shifting performance, "replacing like-with-like" is the safest strategy. For 11- or 12-speed systems, you should replace

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 Modern cassettes range from 1 to 12 (and

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.