Bike Chains Review

Bike chains are a series of links connected by rivets. These rivets are encased in a roller between link plates and are designed to sit in the valleys of a cog and chainring. To become familiar with chainrings, you can take a look at Race Face chainrings. This is an extremely efficient way of transmitting mechanical energy from the pedals to the rear wheel and is used on just about every bike in the world.

In a standard chain, two inner plates are held together by tubular bushings, (the rivet and roller), and two outside plates, which completes each link. A trustworthy chainguide, like the Gamut chainguide or the Paul chainkeeper, prevents the chain links from tangling. There are 57 links on the average chain, comprising of 8 parts per link, which is more moving parts than the rest of the bike put together. The inner plate has a “shoulder” which the rivet fits into and a beveled edge to allow for smoother shifting. To ensure safety and durability, you may want to go with the noted Campagnolo chain. One of the most popular chain brands are the Shimano chain.

The inside and outside of a chain is fastened together using the rivet. This allows for an amount of movement sideways as well as up and down, which adds a lot of flexibility to the chain as a whole. This means it can cope with rough terrain better without slipping out of gear or coming off. Connex chains and KMC Chains offer unique designs and durable materials that will last a long time.

To keep a bike running smoothly, a chain needs a bit of maintenance between rides. It needs to be kept clean and well lubricated to prevent wear and allow it to change gear efficiently. It needs to be kept clean to prevent sand and grit getting into the chain, mixing with the oil and grinding on the metal. This can cause premature wear and shortens the life of the chain.

Some enthusiasts advise against lubricating a chain because of this and prefer to run it “dry” to prevent wear. This isn’t such a good idea, as moving parts need to be lubricated to ensure free movement. It is essential to clean a chain before applying the bike lubrication and to apply it in the proper way to maximize the benefit, while minimizing the risk of wear.

Wiping a chain down before and after every ride is the best way to keep it clean and prevent excessive wear. A rag or cloth is the best thing to use, simply wipe the chain while rotating it to remove much of the dirt it accumulates. Put the cloth in your hand and hold it against the chain at the bottom, between the rear cassette and the pedals. Rotate a few times then change the cloth or turn it over. Repeat until the chain is clean, then apply oil in the same position you wiped the chain. This prevents oil getting on to the bike brake pads and shoes or pooling by the bike cassettes. Use a drip-type oil, and spread evenly across the chain as you rotate.

If you follow that maintenance routine you should never need to use solvents or a chain cleaning unit. If you clean and lube the chain before the ride, the dirt will be pushed out at the beginning, and any collected during the ride will be wiped off when you finish, and cleaned off before the next. Furthermore, to prevent scratches on your bike, you can use the Lizard skinz chainstay. 

The bike chain isn’t the most interesting, or dynamic bit of a bike, but you’d be lost without it. Give it the care it deserves and it shouldn’t ever give you trouble. KHE chains and MRP are the fundamentals in bike chains.

Models

Sugino chainring

Pricing

Shimano are the go-to manufacturer for most bike drivetrain components needs. A basic HG-70 chain will cost around $18, while you can easily spend up to $90 for the Dura-Ace CN7900. Other manufacturers also offer competitive products at these price points too.