Lets understand a bit more about bicycle chains, sizes and compatibility among them.
-
Bicycle Driving Chain Pitch:
- The pitch refers to the distance between the pins on the chain. It's measured by taking the distance between three links and dividing it by two.
- Regardless of the speed number, bicycle chain pitch is always 1/2 inch (12.7 mm).
-
Chain Inner Width:
- Inner chain width is the spacing between a pair of inner plates.
- Standard dimensions for inner chain width are as follows:
- Single speed chains: 1/8″ (3.175 mm).
- Multi-speed chains (5 to 8 speeds): 3/32″ (2.38 mm).
- Multi-speed chains (9 to 12 speeds): 11/128″ (2.18 mm).
- Freight bicycles: 5/32″ (4 mm).
-
Chain Outer Width:
- Chains for single and multiple speeds have differing outer widths.
- The more speeds a chain is designed for, the thinner the outer plates and shorter the pins are, resulting in a narrower chain.
- The outer width is important for bikes with multiple sprockets to prevent the chain from getting stuck or dropping between the sprockets.
- The table provided gives an overview of chain outer dimensions by the number of speeds a chain is designed for.
Here's the provided table for reference:
| Number of Sprockets (Speeds) |
Chain's Outer Width (mm) |
| All 6 speed |
7.8 |
| All 7 speed |
7.3 |
| All 8 speed |
7 ~ 7.3 * |
| All 9 speed |
6.5 – 6.7 |
| 10 speed old Campagnolo standard |
6.2 |
| All other 10 speed |
5.84 – 6.1 |
| All 11 speed |
5.46 – 5.74 ** |
| SRAM 12 speed MTB |
5.25 |
| Shimano 12 speed MTB |
n/a |
| Campagnolo 12 speed |
5.15 |
| Campagnolo Ekar 1×13 speed |
4.9 |
| Rotor 1×13 |
Uses SRAM 12-speed MTB chain standard |
This summary should provide a clear understanding of the dimensions and standards of bicycle drive chains.
Compatibiliy of Chains
In summary, here are the key points regarding the compatibility of bicycle chains:
-
Basic Bicycle Chain Facts:
- Bicycle chains share a common pitch of half an inch.
- Differences lie in chain width, with single-speed chains being wider than multi-speed chains.
- Inner roller width varies depending on the number of speeds.
-
Single-Speed Chains:
- Single-speed chains are wider than multi-speed chains, with an inner width of 1/8″ (3.175 mm).
- They are typically used for single-speed bicycles, but some 6 to 8-speed chains can fit single-speed setups depending on chainring width.
-
Five, 6, 7, and 8-Speed Chains:
- Chains for 8 speeds are typically 7.1 mm wide and can be used with 5, 6, and 7-speed systems.
- While narrower chains, such as 9, 10, or 11-speed chains, can sometimes be used on 8-speed cassettes, using wider chains on narrower systems is not advisable.
-
9-Speed Chains:
- Chains for 9 speeds are around 6.7 mm wide and are compatible with all manufacturers, including Campagnolo, SRAM, and Shimano.
-
10-Speed Chains:
- Chains for 10 speeds are approximately 5.88 mm wide and are compatible across manufacturers.
-
11-Speed Chains:
- Chains for 11 speeds are about 5.62 mm wide and are generally mutually compatible among manufacturers.
- However, using a 10-speed chain instead of an 11-speed one is not recommended due to potential issues and premature wear.
-
12-Speed Chains:
- Chains for 12 speeds are around 5.25 mm wide and are produced by SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo.
- Specific considerations apply to certain chain types, such as SRAM Flattop chains and Shimano Hyperglide+ chains.
-
Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical Chains:
- Shimano is known for producing asymmetrical chains, which offer advantages in shifting efficiency.
- While initially recommended for road double chainrings, asymmetrical chains can also work with triple chainrings.
Overall, when selecting a bicycle chain, it's crucial to consider the number of speeds, chain width, and compatibility with the drivetrain components. Following manufacturer recommendations and consulting with experts can help ensure proper chain selection for optimal performance and longevity.
What is the difference between 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 Speed Chains?
The number of links in a bicycle chain is not determined solely by the number of speeds but is also affected by the specific gearing setup and the dimensions of the bicycle frame. However, I can provide you with a general guideline for the number of links in a mountain bike chain based on the number of speeds:
-
7-Speed Chain: Typically requires around 116 links.
-
8-Speed Chain: Generally uses about 118 links.
-
9-Speed Chain: Commonly has around 118 links, but can vary.
-
10-Speed Chain: Typically needs around 116 links.
-
11-Speed Chain: Usually requires about 118 links.
-
12-Speed Chain: Generally uses around 126 links.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and the specific requirements can vary based on the bike's design, the brand of the chain, and the specific gearing components used. When in doubt, it's always best to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for your particular bike model and components. Additionally, you may need to adjust the chain length based on your specific setup and riding preferences. If you are uncertain, consulting with a professional bike mechanic or referring to the bike's manual is recommended.
Examples (MTB Chains)
| Chain Speed |
Number of Links |
| 6 speed |
116L |
| 7 speed |
116L |
| 8 speed |
116L |
| 9 speed |
116L |
| 10 speed |
116L |
| 11 speed |
118L |
| 12 speed |
126L |
