If you don’t have a belt drive or are riding a penny farthing, you won’t get very far without a chain on your bike. It’s not a very exciting component, but you need it if you want to go anywhere.
There is a lot of technology that goes into making a bike chain, despite the fact that its function is relatively straightforward. This technology ensures that the chain will mesh perfectly with the chainrings on the crankset and the cassette sprockets at the rear, allowing for a smooth shift whenever it is required.
Here is a rundown of everything about bicycle chains that you need to know, including the structure of a chain, the various types of “speed” chains, compatibility, chain length, and more.
What is the structure of a bicycle chain?
A chain can be broken down into individual components known as links. The links in the majority of chains alternate between being wide and narrow, and this pattern is repeated throughout the chain’s entirety.
A roller is positioned on the shoulder of the outermost link, and each link has two side plates that are held together by rivets, which are sometimes referred to as pins. It is possible for there to be a separate bushing on either side of the roller in certain chains; however, modern chains do not typically have these.
To make the chain continuous, a joining pin (sometimes called a ‘rivet’) can be pushed part-way out of a link using a bicycle chain tool then pushed back into the chain around a link from the chain’s other end.
Some quick-links can be separated and are reusable, whereas others, such as those used in Shimano’s and SRAM’s higher-spec chains, can’t be separated once put in place, because the quick-link connection isn’t as strong the second time round.
However, some riders and mechanics reuse quick-links without issue. It’s up to you if you want to take the risk.
When should I replace a chain?
Utilizing a bike chain checker is the most effective method for determining when it is time to replace your chain. When you specifically need to change your chain will be determined by when, how, and where you ride your bike.
When chains get worn, they stretch, and the amount of movement that can occur between the links also increases. The rocking motion can result in sloppy shifting, while the stretch can quickly wear out cassettes and, more slowly, chainrings. Both of these problems can be caused by the movement from side to side.
Because they are slightly wider, chains with ten speeds or fewer can have their pitch adjusted to 0.75 on a chain checker before they need to be replaced.
You will also need to replace your cassette if the stretch on your 11-13 speed chain has reached 0.75, or if the stretch on your 6-10 speed chain has reached 1.0. When the rollers on the chain are worn, they no longer properly mesh with the teeth on the cassette, which causes the teeth to wear down further. It’s possible that you’ll also need to replace your chainrings if the chain has become more worn.
It will cost you less money to replace just the chain than it will to replace the chain, chainrings, and cassette that are the three primary components of your drivetrain. If you replace your chain as soon as it begins to show signs of wear, you will probably be able to make your cassette and chainrings last for a longer period of time.
As a general rule of thumb, you could use three chains on one cassette provided that you monitor the chain wear at the appropriate intervals.
How do I replace a chain?
When you need to replace a chain, you will typically need a bicycle chain opener that is compatible with the chain’s manufacturer in order to remove your old chain and push out a chain rivet.
After you have meticulously cleaned everything, you will need to thread your new chain through the drivetrain, which includes the jockey wheels on the rear derailleur.
You will need to use the chain tool to remove the appropriate number of links in order to get your chain to the appropriate length. After that, you will need to join the two ends of the chain together. For more information, see our article on how to replace a bicycle chain.
Post time: Dec-05-2022