If it's time for a new bike chain, finding the right one can be a difficult task. With so much variety on the market, it's hard to know where to begin. Luckily, this article will break down everything you need to know about how to choose a suitable chain for your bike!
We share our tips and advice on understanding speed and gear correlation, as well as the ideal weight and the importance of anti-rust coatings. Plus, we'll explain the significance of SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo drive trains. If you're still not sure, simply take a look through our list of the 10 best bike chains in the UK currently available from Amazon, Decathlon and Halfords!
Most chains average around 116 links, but this number can vary based on manufacturer and chain length. The ideal chain will be long enough to be fitted around the largest front chain ring while still retaining ample room to shift into different gears without jamming. If it's too long, the chain could become slack when shifting down into lower gears.
The size you need will vary depending on the number of gears on your bike. BMX bikes will just require a single-speed chain, whereas bikes with multiple gears will need a longer chain in order to shift gear correctly. Luckily, all bike chains will come with the recommended speed stated in the product description, so you won't need to take any actual measurements, simply match up your bike's gears to the relevant chain.
Keep track of speed and distance on a cycling computer.
The drive train is the gear system on the bike which holds the chain in place. The three drive train varieties are SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo. You will be able to mix and match chains on most 3 - 10 gear bikes, but many longer chains need to be matched up correctly to avoid jams.
If you're not sure what style of drive train your bike uses, you'll need to refer to the manufacturer's information pack to find a chain that is compatible with your system. If you're shopping for a single-speed chain for a BMX, you won't need to change gears, so drive train compatibility won't be an issue.
Try cycling gloves to stay warm and reduce chafing.
The final factor to consider is the weight and finish of your chain. Lightweight bikes are easier to ride, so many cyclists prefer to shop for the lightest components possible. Most chains weigh between 200 - 350 grams. Anything over this may feel a little heavier, but it could have the added benefit of being more durable than a lighter design.
The finish of your chain will also impact its functionality as well as its looks. Anti-rust coatings are great if you want a low-maintenance chain that won't require too much attention. A coloured chain is also a great way to add a pop of colour to your bike, and is a popular choice among BMX riders.
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() Decathlon | 2 ![]() Decathlon | 3 ![]() SRAM | 4 ![]() zonkie | 5 ![]() Clarks | 6 ![]() KMC | 7 ![]() KMC | 8 ![]() Shimano | 9 Shimano | 10 ![]() Decathlon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | 3 to 8-Speed Bike Chain | 9-Speed Bike Chain | 11-Speed Bike Chain | Single-Speed Bicycle Chain | 7, 8-Speed Anti-Rust Chain | 12-Speed Chain | 6, 7, 8-Speed Bike Chain | 105 11-Speed Bike Chain | 10-Speed Chain | BMX Bike Chain |
Features | A Versatile Chain for 3 to 8-Speed Bikes With Any Style of Drive Train | A 9-Speed Chain Designed by Market Leaders in Drive Train Repair | Lightweight 11-Speed SRAM Chain That’s Also Compatible With Shimano | Add a Pop of Colour to Your BMX With an Orange, White or Yellow Chain | Anti-Rust 7 to 8-Speed Chain at a Bargain Price | Premium Chain in 6 Styles for Any 12-Speed Drive Train | Nickel-Plated Chain With Chain Connector for Easy Installation | Keep Weight Down and Improve Aerodynamics With This 250 g Chain | A Near-Silent Chain That Improves Efficiency While Cycling | A Classic Single-Speed Steel Chain for BMX Bikes |
Price | £9.99 | £12.99 | £14.99 | £12.99 | £7.93 | £108.73 | £9.59 | £24.99 | £17.99 | £8.99 |
Speeds | 3 - 8 | 9 | 11 | Single | 7, 8 | 12 | 6, 7, 8 | 11 | 10 | Single |
Links | 118 | 118 | 114 | 116 | 116 | 126 | 114 | 116 | 116 | 99 |
Compatibility | Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM | Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM | SRAM, Shimano | BMX | SRAM, Shimano, Campagnolo | Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM | Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM | Shimano, SRAM | Shimano | BMX |
Weight | 350 g | 300 g | 270 g | 340 g | 285.76 g | 272 g | 350 g | 250 g | 299 g | 410 g |
Anti-Rust | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
Link |
This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
£9.99
Speeds | 3 - 8 |
---|---|
Links | 118 |
Compatibility | Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM |
Weight | 350 g |
Anti-Rust | No |
£12.99
Speeds | 9 |
---|---|
Links | 118 |
Compatibility | Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM |
Weight | 300 g |
Anti-Rust | No |
£14.99
Speeds | 11 |
---|---|
Links | 114 |
Compatibility | SRAM, Shimano |
Weight | 270 g |
Anti-Rust | No |
£12.99
Speeds | Single |
---|---|
Links | 116 |
Compatibility | BMX |
Weight | 340 g |
Anti-Rust | Yes |
£7.93
Speeds | 7, 8 |
---|---|
Links | 116 |
Compatibility | SRAM, Shimano, Campagnolo |
Weight | 285.76 g |
Anti-Rust | Yes |
£108.73
Speeds | 12 |
---|---|
Links | 126 |
Compatibility | Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM |
Weight | 272 g |
Anti-Rust | Yes |
£9.59
Speeds | 6, 7, 8 |
---|---|
Links | 114 |
Compatibility | Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM |
Weight | 350 g |
Anti-Rust | No |
£24.99
Speeds | 11 |
---|---|
Links | 116 |
Compatibility | Shimano, SRAM |
Weight | 250 g |
Anti-Rust | No |
£8.99
Speeds | Single |
---|---|
Links | 99 |
Compatibility | BMX |
Weight | 410 g |
Anti-Rust | No |
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