North Penn Chess Club

Tech, reviews: tech [at] road.cc Although all bike chains serve the same purpose, there’s no such thing as a universal bike chain (as there’s no universal bicycle). “These chains can be harder to spot for a home mechanic who isn’t putting a new chain on somebody else’s bike on a daily basis,” he adds. If fitting a new chain, measure it either on the bike or against the old chain to get the correct length (Image credit: Mick Kirkmann) 1. Next, count 23 rivets; your last rivet should be at the 12” mark. How to Measure a Bike Chain. Then in the article where you list the winners you say they are all “best” in no particular order and each of them is for a different specification. It is best out of many with a silver rating. I just use WD40 on mine after I wash the bike. Your email address will not be published. When it comes to a road bike, we know that the ultimate goal is to keep everything as lightweight as possible. Flip the tool over to check if your chain is 0.75 percent worn. On a standard new chain, 10 complete links will measure 25.4cm. “6-speed, 7-speed, 8-speed, 9-speed, 10-speed, 11-speed?” Harris Cyclery, https://www.sheldonbrown.com/speeds.html#chains, https://mywheelsandmore.com/bicycleChains/bicycleChainSizes.htm, https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/chain-length-sizing#article-section-4, Last update on 2021-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. This chain is made of zinc-alloy, too. With proper maintenance, your best bike chains should last you a few thousand miles. If you don’t want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. Again, the most important thing to pay attention to is the size. Sizing a new chain. You hook the curved end into the chain and if the gauge tip on the other end fits completely into a chain link, the chain is worn to the point it needs replacing (one side measures 0.5% wear, the other side measures 0.75% wear).Â, There’s one other simple method of checking for chain wear.Â, KMC advises, “If you do not have a gauge to test the chain’s elongation you could roughly check by putting the chain on the outer chainring and lifting up the chain from the middle of the chainring. A pitch is the distance from one pin to another. If you want to get more accurate, it's usually advised that you replace chain designed for 10 or fewer gears when it has lengthened by 0.75% – so when 10 links measures 25.59cm – and that an 11-speed or 12-speed chain is replaced when it has lengthened by 0.5% – so when 10 links measures 25.53cm.Â. Many cyclists size their chains by running the chain through the front derailleur and then drape the chain over the big chainring in the front and the big cog in the rear. Take a look at the chain on your bike. While the widths will vary, depending on the speed of the bike, you can always rely on a half-inch pitch. Again, really appreciate the article and for including the references too. You need to put some tension on the chain to be accurate. When you’re ready to remove the chain from your bike, you will need to disconnect or “break” the chain. Editorial, general: info [at] road.cc Thanks to the bike chain, the harder you pedal, the faster your bike goes. Terms and conditions of use. If the distance from the centre of one link pin to the centre of the link pin 10 complete chain links away is up to 25.5cm, your chain is fine, but if it gets to the 25.6cm mark it has gone beyond the point at which it needs replacing. in: Used carbon rims with TL tyres - what to do next ? The most common bike types are road, mountain, and BMX. Getting paid to do what I love has been a dream come true for me. With high end-quality alloy materials and a mushroomed pin, this chain is one of the most durable chains available. But you'll still need your chain tool because they always ship new chains with too many links and you'll have to remove a few. Replacing your bike chain on a regular basis not only helps eliminate frustrating rides where you stop to adjust your chain but newer chains are better for your bike, overall. There are a couple different brands available that are slightly different but serve the same function. By Max Shumpert: This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding bike chains available for those who are interested in upgrading their bikes. While you can tighten a bike chain on your own, it may be easier if someone else can give you a hand. A 6-speed chain is the widest and measures a width of 7.8 mm. This is avoided by using a re-usable master link although some may argue this link is not as strong as others. We love this bike chain because it’s durable and we know what to expect from the KMC name. If you notice a big gap between the chain and the chainring it’s probably time to start shopping around for a new bike chain. If you’ve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £1.99. “It is difficult to pin down an exact number to kilometres due to the fact that riders come in different weights and sizes, ride differently, shift more or less frequently, develop more or less wattage, ride on flat or hilly terrain, clean or nasty conditions, take care or leave their chain dirty… all of which create large variables in just how much wear and tear is created,” says Campag's Joshua Riddle. While we already mentioned the importance in keeping an eye out for signs that you need a new bike chain, there are ways you can prolong the life of your bike chain. KMC chains are much expensive than Shimano chains. The back cog sets are engineered with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 sprockets. If you’re unsure about what kind of road bike chain you should get, check out our favorite picks at the end of this guide or you can head to your local bike shop and get some advice. If you ride in the rain or live in damp or humid environments, always use lube to keep your chain from rusting. Like this site? just put a new chain on my bike, same model chain as the old one, same number of links came up about 1 full link shorter actual length of the old one without the stretch. If you have a ruler handy, measure your chain with a ruler. Chain Reaction Cycles - There for Every Ride No matter where you ride, why you ride, or who you ride with, there’s a product for every ride on Chain Reaction Cycles. Sealant tends to last approx 3-6 months after which it's either plugged loads of small punctures or dried up. Today’s bikes use chains with a ½ inch pitch. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. As we mentioned above (in the section on BMX bikes), fixed gear bikes have ⅛” chains. 2. The roller chain is made up of short cylindrical rollers that are held together by side links; these rollers are typically one-half inch apart. A majority of BMX bike chains are much narrower than road or mountain bikes; BMX chains measure at ⅛” width. “6-speed, 7-speed, 8-speed, 9-speed, 10-speed, 11-speed?”. Most bicycle chains are made of nickel, alloy, or carbon. Having the right bike for your needs can be a great experience, especially when you take good care of it. Loose chains are more frequent on bicycles that don’t have a derailleur. Using and installing a bike chain shouldn’t be difficult but don’t get too frustrated if it is at first. The measurements of the KMC X10SL DLC chain is ½”x11/128” and has 116 links. Here are things to remember when selecting a new chain for your bicycle. These days, many bike chains are suitable for both road and mountain biking. Many BMX bikes are single-speed so make sure you get a single-speed chain; a chain of any other size will not work. Next, move the tire back until the chain starts to tighten. The very first thing you should consider is the rear sprockets. Next we will look at why it is so important to have a well-fitting chain, how to mount it correctly and how to maintain it properly. Bike chains are no exception and you probably only notice them if they don’t work correctly. If you have a standard chain, you’ll want to use a chain tool to break the chain. ... On a standard new chain, 10 complete links will measure 25.4cm. For a smooth and comfortable ride, you need to go for the best chain size for your bike. Higher end chains last longer and come in a variety of colors for a clean ride and stylish look. The bike chain connects your front drivetrain, which includes the pedals, cranks, and chainrings/sprocket, with the rear drivetrain, which includes cassette/sprocket and rear hub. Compatible with 8 speeds and measuring in ½” x 3/32” with 116 links, you’ll want to see how quiet and smooth this chain really is on your 8-speed. Really? The amount of sprockets on your rear cassette – 9, 10, 11, or even 12 – is crucial. To the untrained eye, all bike chains might look the same, but not all are created equal when it comes to trail and competitive riding. The best bike chain lock that can be used is the kryptonite. Traditional chains are the most common types of chains found on BMX bikes. If you catch this problem soon enough, you might not need to replace the cassette or chainrings, but sometimes new parts are the best option. However, this is just the start. Bike chains may seem relatively straightforward, but they might also be confusing for some, too (especially if you’ve never had to replace a bike chain). If your measurement is off by more than 1/16” it’s time for a new chain. Here are a few other ways to determine if you need a new bike chain: As will any bike part, it’s important to think carefully before selecting your bike chain; that’s why you’re reading this comprehensive guide. Suitable for mountain or road biking, this KMC chain is stable, durable, and is likely to be long-lasting. If you use metric measurements, it’s easiest to measure 10 links. Shimano has a long and successful history of making high end quality bike parts and the Ultegra chain is no exception. Take your time, be patient, and don’t worry about making a mistake. Required fields are marked *. For those of you with Explorer +2 who have been plagued with "cog skip" as I have been, just had new chain & rear cassette installed ($130.00 Cdn). We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. New Chainz Mobile Bike … Great article and very informative. 4. If you ride a BMX bike, the chain you choose is going to be different than road or mountain bikes. It is smoother, quieter and nary a skip. We’ll discuss a few things to look for when looking for a chain for your bike, whether it’s a road, mountain, or BMX. New Chainz Mobile Bike Repair. You can get this kind of stuff online easily. A worn out chain can make your ride frustrating and unsafe but a new chain, that fits properly, can make you want to log on more miles than ever before. Hmm. The spacing between the cogs reduces as the number of cog increase in the rear. Every cyclist wants a durable bike chain. (When you look at the diagram or think about your bike, imagine your chain making a big loop). As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as £1.99. This is done by aligning the pin of the chain tool with a pin in the chain and turning until the pin moves. When your chain begins to wear out, it starts to stretch, and then it might skip over teeth on the sprocket. If you choose the right bike chain, you should have minimal issues with using and installing them on your bicycle. Pick a rivet on the chain and line it up at the zero mark on the ruler. Your email address will not be published. For example, if you are seeking the best 8 speed bike chain, check its review before buying it. Look for lightweight materials such as alloy but don’t forget to look for chains that have special protective coating, too. Tel 01225 588855. VGEBY Bicycle Chain, Bike Chain 18/21/24 Speed Bicycle Chain Cycling Chains Steel Bicycle Hollow-Out Chains Ultra-Light 10 Speed Bicycles 116 Links Chain for Road Mountain Bike(18-24 Speed) (Silver) ... Like-new products you can trust: Amazon Second Chance Pass it on, trade it … This KMC chain is another favorite of ours because just one look and you know it’s durable. An 8-speed bike chain measures a width of 7.1 mm. Alibaba.com offers 16,154 new chain bike products. These speeds are common in both road and mountain bikes and often times, the same speed bike chain can be used for either type of bike. Don’t remove any extra links before double checking that the two ends of the chain will connect. Cross-chaining: is it really all that bad? You may read on forums and other places that you might be able to use a 6 speed chain on a 7 speed bike (for example), but it’s usually not worth the risk of losing money and causing extensive damage to your drivetrain or even getting hurt while riding. It was hard for us to pick just one Shimano chain as a favorite, so we selected another one as one of the best road bike chains. When shopping around for chains to put on your road bike, if you’re concerned about the weight of the chain make sure you go for lighter materials like alloy. The most common and popular choice is the 10 speed. How often should a bike chain be replaced? Start at one link pin and measure 12 complete links. Before you put your chain through the rear derailleur, pull the two ends of the chain together, so it’s a snug fit. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. If you have a one-speed or two-speed bike, replace your chain as it reaches 1% wear - so when 10 links measures 25.65cm. New Motion Labs thus claim that its system suffers less wear and tear over time on both the chain and sprocket. Let's take an example if you have 2 front and 5 back gears then you have a 10-speed bike. A traditional chain has the same inner link-outer link configuration as road and mountain bike chains. Even though many bike mechanics suggest replacing your bike chain every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, you may need to replace it sooner, and it’s important to recognize the signs. All material © Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. The more speeds (gears) you have on your bike, the narrower the width of the bike chain. Some cyclists can change a bike chain in no time at all while others struggle with it the first few times. Now pushing 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions. On a standard new chain, 12 complete links will measure 12in, but when a chain is worn the 12in mark of the ruler won’t quite reach the relevant link pin. When you keep on replacing your bike chain it prolongs your drivetrain's life. The... Something of a bargain in-game. A 7-speed chain measures a width of 7.3 mm. The gaps between the rollers “mesh” with the teeth on the sprocket or chainring and the transmission on your bike is engaged. Similarly to above, at 25.5cm your chain is still in business. Again, taking a look at videos can help you get a better visual of this whole process. You can positively identify your bike chain but do you understand its function? Check out our advice on how to replace a chain.Â. Help us to make it better. That's news to me. If you don’t know much about bicycle chains, you may assume that they are all pretty much the same. This would be interesting to assess the credibility of “best” claim. However, it depends on your riding style as well. KMC is one of the top chain manufacturers and supply to Shimano and Campagnolo. As long as there are around 116 links, you should have more than enough to properly size your chain. I think forcing a mushroomed rivet through a link changes the dimensions of the rivet and hole weakening it. My new chain is totally coated in lube. Chains are easy to shorten and lengthen so if you make an error, it shouldn’t affect the durability of your chain, and it’s a relatively easy fix. Whether you're a beginner rider or seasoned racer, our online bike shop has everything you need, including the latest electric bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes. Here are a few other ways to determine if you need a new bike chain: Lift the chain off of the front chainring. Thread the new chain onto your bike’s cassette and chainring and connect the ends with the master link, making sure the link is secure and locked in place. The thinner end equals the size of the inner link of the traditional chain. We’ll discuss how to clean a bike chain and overall maintenance a little later. Using a chain checker tool is another effective way to see if you need a new chain. The surface hardness of the chain is also greater than other chains. It was hard for us to choose just one bike chain as our favorite so we’ve selected five bike chains that are worthy of fitting into the “best” category (and in no particular order). This KMC bike chain is super light-weight and is compatible with Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM 10 speeds. A general thumb rule is to replace your best bikes chain after every 2,000 miles. Putting that link back together is not as strong as all of the others. Thank you. On a new chain, you should be able to measure exactly 12 inches between two chain pins. “The Link Drive solves all of these problems, employing dual engagement to distribute power much more effectively; increasing efficiency, lifetime and enabling miniaturisation of the chain. We believe that cyclists of every experience level should have a good understanding of how their bicycle works and have access to some of the finest bike parts on the market. Leave chain on bike, attach chain cleaning machine, run chain through machine, wipe dry(I guess), clean mess off of rest of bike, re lube. You tout mushroomed rivets in your selection of “best” chains but then go on to say lengthening chain is as easy as shortening. New shaped inner plate for smoother rear shifting, Shimano CN-HG95 10-speed HG-X chain - 116 links. A 9-speed bike chain measures a width of 6.6 to 6.8 mm. Many bike experts offer step-by-step instructions for sizing a chain. As we mentioned earlier, there are many helpful “how to” videos that can guide you through the process if you need a little more help. Keep in mind that older chains may be a little loose, depending on how badly they need replacing. A 6 speed bike chain will not fit an 11 speed chains and vice versa, as each chain has differing widths. If it does insert into the chain, it means that your chain is now 0.5 percent longer than when it was new. ... Its a chain on a bike. It’s a little easier if you go with imperial measurement here because one complete chain link of a standard chain measures 1in. Sizing a bike chain can feel like a bit of a process, particularly if it’s your first time. Also, for maximum durability, find best product in the market. If biking and staying fit is your priority, too, you’ve come to the right place. While we touched briefly on the speed bike chain measurements, we’ll discuss other sizing a little more in depth. In metric, 10 links of a new chain is 25.4cm. The FAQ has also been updated. Quick delivery too.Â. You can check for chain wear with a ruler. You can compare the original chain to the new chain and match the rivets. I started a bike shop in Denver, CO, and have seen amazing growth over the last few years. When picking out a bike chain, it must fit with the speeds of your bike. Lift the chain off of the front chainring. This is Park Tool’s CC-3.2 chain checker with an RRP of £9.99, although you’ll find it cheaper if you look around. At the thick end, they are the standard width of the chain (which would equal the outer link of the traditional chain). Mountain bikers may want to look for a bike chain that can withstand a little more grit and grime than a standard, lightweight road bike chain. Bike chains are available in six speeds, from 6 to 11 speed chains. As a BMX rider, you may be interested in a lighter weight chain, so you can make those jumps a little easier and move over rough terrain a little quicker. Final Note. A bike chain is an integral part of every bicycle, but if you’re like many cyclists, your knowledge about bicycle chains might be pretty limited. I didn’t see much if anything on the test methodology although one section mentions seven hours of testing. To do this, you’ll want to remove your old bike chain. Shift your gears into the smallest cog on the rear and the largest chainring in front, then life the chain. 1. If you have a master link chain it a “quick release” link which makes it relatively easy to open when “breaking” the chain (this doesn’t affect the durability of the chain while in use). When I buy a new cassette, I buy 3 chains aswell. I wonder why? If you can lift it more than half a link, the chain or chainring, or both, are probably worn.”. An 11 speech chains measures a width of 5.5mm. New Chainz Mobile Bicycle Repair Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are not currently accepting online bookings. The roller widths on a bike chain are 2.4 mm, 3.2mm, 4.0mm, or 4.8mm; this is the internal width between the inner plates. Bike chains are far less expensive than having to replace the drivetrain or other essential parts on your bicycle. As we mentioned above, the easiest way to determine the length is to lay it next to your old chain. Time - I'm guessing at least 30 minutes and probably more. The easiest way to size your bike chain is to lay it down next to your old chain and shorten the new one to match the old. Then, find the perfect bike … If the chain keeps falling off or can’t hold the tension, it’s time to think about getting a new chain. Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Measure the new chain. recumbent bikes), where the chain gets rerouted again.

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