How To Buy A Bike Chain May 2026

A new chain is a minor expense; a new cassette and crankset are not. Investing in a simple chain checker tool can save you hundreds of dollars by alerting you when it’s time to shop. Chain Compatibility | Park Tool

The most critical factor is the of your drivetrain. Modern cassettes range from 1 to 12 (and occasionally 13) gears. As the number of gears increases, the space between the cogs on your rear wheel decreases. To accommodate this, chains for higher speeds are made progressively narrower. how to buy a bike chain

Always match the chain to the number of rear cogs. While there is some minor room for interchangeability in older 6/7/8-speed systems, modern drivetrains require an exact match. 2. Brand Ecosystems and Materials A new chain is a minor expense; a

You will almost certainly need a chain tool to remove excess links. The most reliable sizing method is to lay your old chain next to the new one and match the link count exactly. Modern cassettes range from 1 to 12 (and