A bike chain costs anywhere from $10 to $90 depending on the brand, quality, and type of bike you’re buying it for. Basic, cheaper bikes that need a simple chain will be closer to $10. Higher quality chains that are durable and made for top notch road bikes will cost $60 to $90.
In this regard, what chain do I need for my bike?
4 Answers. If you are using a bike with a derailleur the number of cogs on the rear hub will determine the chain size you will need. They are always 3/32″ chains. You can get a 5/6/7-speed, 8-speed, 9-speed, or 10-speed chains.
Also Know, how long does a bicycle chain last? So, typically, a bike chain can last anywhere from 500 to 5,000 miles, depending on the type of chain you buy and the number of miles you put on your bike. If you ride your bike very seldom, or only go on the occasional evening ride, your bike chain can last years with good maintenance.
Considering this, how often should a bicycle chain be replaced?
To avoid this accelerated wear of your cassette and chainrings, a general rule of thumb is to replace your bike’s chain every 2,000 miles.
How tight should a bicycle chain be?
It should be tight enough that it only allows you to move it up and down about one inch. If it is sagging or much looser than that, you need to tighten that chain up. Chains often loosen when a bike does not have a derailleur.
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Are 10 speed and 11 speed chains the same?
Since 10 and 11 speed chains are almost the same width, as well as cassette teeth, 10 speed chain can be used in stead of 11 speed one, without it jamming between the sprockets. However, this will still not work perfectly and will cause premature sprocket wear, so better to avoid it.
How do I know my bike chain size?
Begin by counting the number of teeth on the largest front sprocket and largest rear. These numbers are often printed right on the sprockets and cogs. Next, measure the distance between the middle of the crank bolt to the rear axle. This is also the chain stay length.
What is an 11 speed bike?
11-speed drivetrains are becoming the new standard for road and mountain bikes, and for good reason. 11-speed gives a smoother and more progressive shift ratio, and is better suited to both climbing and normal riding. They’re generally considered as being more efficient, faster shifting and offering a wider gear range.
How long should a chain be?
Chain (unit) The chain is a unit of length equal to 66 feet (22 yards). It is subdivided into 100 links or 4 rods. There are 10 chains in a furlong, and 80 chains in one statute mile.
Are bike chains universal?
The sprocket teeth are cut for this same one-half inch standard to accept bicycle chains. However, this does not mean all makes and models of chains are interchangeable. There are two basic types of bicycle chains: “one-speed” chains, and derailleur chains.
How many miles should a bike chain last?
Replacing your chain regularly can prolong the life of your drivetrain. Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on your riding style. Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.
Why does the chain come off my bike?
Most of the time, a skipping chain is caused by cable stretch. In the first half dozen rides on a new bike your shift cables stretch the most. To fix a skip in the rear derailleur, shift your chain into the smallest ring on your rear cassette (the hardest gear) and the middle or larger ring on your front derailleur.
Why do bike chains break?
Chains break for a host of reasons, but most common is wear. For example, if a chain has been ridden for 2500 miles, it will actually stretch out. Correspondingly, a ridden chain will be longer from link to link than a new chain. Because the chain is stretched, the metal fatigues is more susceptible to failure.
How do you clean a bicycle chain?
To spot-clean the chain while it’s still on your bike: Brush out the links with a firm brush (an old toothbrush also works). Relubricate the links from time to time with a chain lubricant. Wipe off excess lubricant with a clean, dry rag. Over-lubricating can actually attract new dirt.