How do I know what chain I need for my mountain bike?

A lot of mountain bikes are 10-, 11- or 12-speed and, when buying a chain, it will be clearly labelled accordingly. Simply find out how many gears, or ‘speeds’, you bike has (count the number of gears on the rear cassette and multiply it by the number of chainrings at the front), and pick the corresponding chain.

What size chain do mountain bikes use?

1⁄8 in (3.2 mm) chains are typically used on bikes with a single rear sprocket: those with coaster brakes, hub gears, fixed gears such as track bicycles, or BMX bikes. Chains with 3⁄32 in (2.4 mm) wide rollers are generally used on bikes with derailleurs such as racing, touring, and mountain bikes.

How do I know my chain size?

To measure the chain size, if you have just the sprocket, use calipers to measure between the teeth. Measure from center to center of where the chain roller would set between the teeth that will give you the pitch. Once you know the pitch you can determine what chain size you would need.

How do I know which bike chain to buy?

When selecting a chain, the first consideration is the number of rear sprockets. The rear cog sets have been made with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 sprockets. As the number of cogs on the rear hub increases, the spacing between cogs tends to be reduced.

Are chain guides worth it?

Why You Should Run a Chain Guide Mounting a chain guide on your mountain bike gives you an extra sense of security, hopefully ensuring that you won’t ever drop your chain. When you are flying through rough sections of trail, the chain will jump up and down and can sometimes work its way off the chainring.

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 the difference between .325 and 3/8 chain?

The three-eighths chain is a beefier saw and better suited to one that has more horsepower. It has larger teeth and a heavier duty chain, so it requires more horsepower to operate correctly. 325-inch chain for those saws between 40 and 60 cc.

What is the difference between HG and IG chains?

The HG chain is a narrower chain meant for 8-9 speed drive trains. The IG chain is wider and meant for 6,7,8 speed drive trains.

How do I know my chain link size?

Chain Link Sizes: How to Measure Chain Link Sizes

1. Pitch is measured by finding the distance from the center of one pin to the center of the next pin in line.
2. Determine your side plate height and thickness by measuring both inside and outside the roller chain to ensure that you’re seeing a good average size.

How do you put a bicycle chain on a bicycle?

Put your bike chain back on if it slips off. Give the chain slack by pushing the rear derailleur arm (the metal arm on the back tire) toward the handlebars. Put the chain back on the chainrings and push the rear derailleur arm back into place. Pedal the chain a few times and you should be good to go!

Why does a bicycle need a chain?

A bicycle chain is made of many links connected together in a manner that allows it to bend as it travels through the drive mechanism . Technically, a bike chain is considered a roller chain. Without it, power from the pedals would not get transferred to the back wheel and there would be no motion.

What size bicycle chain do I Need?

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.

How do you repair a bicycle chain?

How to Fix a Bicycle Chain: the Easiest Ways Ever Step 1: Stop Riding to Assess the Damage ​Step 2: Use a hammer or chain breaker tool Step 3: Use Lube to Make Your Fixing Easy Step 4: Push the Pin Slowly from the Broken Part of Your Chain Step 5: Pull the Broken Link off the Pin Step 6: Back the Chain onto the Bicycle