Bike Chains

About Bike Chains

A bike chain is said to be one of the often-damaged bike parts and gears that needs to be replaced every now and then. Factors like the weather, terrain, bike cleaning and lubrication techniques may affect the “stretching” rate of bike chains.  Experts also say that the kind of bike chain plays a crucial role in its efficiency. A derailleur is used to move the bike chain and shift gears.

In the past, the block chain, skip-link chain, Simpson lever chain and the bushing chain are used in bicycles. However, it has been noticed that these types are not resistant enough. Then came, an era of the so-called bushingless design wherein a bike chain is made of cheaper but a more durable alloy.

Recently, bike chains have become much improved with manufacturers discovering more alloys to create a noiseless, lightweight but efficient bike chain perfect for every rider. Shimano, SRAM, Pedro’s and Lizards Skin are one of the competing brands that produce bike chains and chain protectors. Shimano prides for having produced the Dura-Ace Chain wherein the plates are asymmetrically-designed to reduce the incidents for a chain to be stuck or damaged. It is also said to be stronger and with less noise.

Bike owners can also use chain accessories to protect chains from being damaged. In lubricating chains, one can use Pedro’s cleaners and degreasers. You can also add the Lizards Skin Chainstay protectors to keep the bike chains in place. One can also use the SRAM bike chains and the SRAM Powerlink, a metal device planted near the bicycle chains, making it easier to remove it during replacement and maintenance without bike multi tools.

Most-popular bike chains brands: KMC chains, Shimano chains, SRAM chains, Campagnolo chains, and K-Edge chains.