What to Know about Cycle Chains

One of the most important aspects of your cycle is the chain. You may be under the 
misconception that every chain is made the same. The truth is, there is a lot you need to 
know about bike chains in order to properly maintain them and get the right one for you. 
Here is just a small sampling of the information you need to know about bike chains and 
aspects you should take into consideration before buying replacement chains.

Compatibility

The first thing you need to consider is the compatibility of the chain to your bike. They 
are not one size fits all in size or in the style of bike they will work on. You need to make 
sure that your make and model of bike will work well with the chain and that it is 
recommended for use with the chain. For example, a Shimano chain will work with 
Campagnolo bike cassettes. However, it will not work well. Will it get you by? Yes, it will. 
However, you could walk away with several issues, possible breaks in the chain, or 
damage to your bike as a whole. So, take the first step and go with compatibility.

Length

The standard bike chain length is 116 links. This is great for a beginner or traditional 
chains, but certain bikes may require more or less chain links in order to function 
properly. Make sure that when you have your chains narrowed down, that you are also 
narrowing down the chain links as well. For example, you may find the right chain for 
your bike, but the links may not add up. Make sure you know how many links your bike 
needs in order to smoothly switch gears. If you aren't sure how many you should have, 
ask your bike salesperson or consult the manufacturer. 

Have Back Ups

You need to replace your chain on a regular basis. This means that you should replace 
them every 3,000 miles. This can be quicker than you think if you use your bike on a 
regular basis, for events, and more. In some cases, your chain may not last that long. 
This is especially true if you have rougher terrain or you do not maintain the chain on 
your bike as well. For this reason, you should have back ups to the chain just in case. 
This will ensure you have bike chains for trading out or when a break happens. 
Remember, you cannot ride a bike without the chain and the last thing you want is to be 
caught on the trail with a broken chain. 

If you are new to biking, you may want to consider having a cycle shop consultant help 
you with the type of chain you need for your environment and for your bike. This will 
help you learn more about the type of chain you need and what you need to know for 
your specific style. 
