How To Size A Road Bike Chain

Because of this chains can only be connected at whole integral inch increments.

How to size a road bike chain. Bicycle chains consist of inner and outer plates. A number of different chain widths are available to suit specific bike types such as bmx or to fit different road and mtb drivetrains e g. Chain sizing by equation. It is often asked.

The type of chain you need will depend on the type of bike you are riding. If you don t have the original chain or it s the wrong size use the largest cog and chainring to find the cutting point on the new chain. To check if it was the correct size shift the bike to the smallest sprockets and check the chain for any slack. What is an optimal chain length for a bicycle with derailleurs.

If you need to replace the chain on your bike determine how long the new chain needs to be. Bicycle drive chain length. An 11 speed cassette requires a different chain to a 9 speed one the chain must be thinner in order to fit into the narrower spaces between the sprockets. First consider what kind of bike you want sizing varies greatly between road and mountain bikes as well as between men s and women s models and even between.

For a more thorough presentation watch how to size a bicycle chain https youtu be o0yibmdwbaw calvin runs through the two ways to size a chain in this. That is answered in this post. Consider the bike type. A new bicycle chain usually comes with.

This video will take you step by step through sizing a bike chain including determining whether your old chain was correctly sized sizing to an old chain and the largest cog chainring method. Should a new chain be shortened and how much. Methods to determine chain length method 1. Chains cannot be cut to 52 1 4 53 1 8 or.

For single speed bicycles or bikes with internal gear hubs see. Size to old chain count links if your old chain was sized correctly it can be used to determine the length of your new chain. For example some derailleur bike chain could only be 51 52 53 inches etc.