How To Size A Mountain Bike Chain

Bicycle chains consist of inner and outer plates.

How to size a mountain bike chain. The type of chain you need will depend on the type of bike you are riding. You can compare the original chain to the new chain and match the rivets. It is a key component in the bike s transmission and will keep your mtb moving. Because of this chains can only be connected at whole integral inch increments.

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. 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. To check if it was the correct size shift the bike to the smallest sprockets and check the chain for any slack. Measuring and installing a mountain bike chain duration.

It is only possible to join inner plates to outer plates. The bike chain is what transfers your leg power to the wheels. 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. How to size a bike chain length.

For example some derailleur bike chain could only be 51 52 53 inches etc. Although bike chains are relatively simple they are essential for your mountain bike to function properly. 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. How to calculate the correct chain length road bike maintenance global cycling network.

If you need to replace the chain on your bike determine how long the new chain needs to be. Chain sizing by equation.