The 30 best bike chains brands
KMC, SRAM and Shimano lead our ranking of 30 bike chains brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Bike Chains brands, ranked
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1
KMC
KMC manufactures and sells high-quality bicycle chains. The company believes in simplicity. They are branded as one of the best bicycle chain sellers in the world. KMC always look after its customers by providing a sustainable and reliable bicycle chain to make their riding experience smoother and better. They have also added tools to their inventory so that customers can now install the bicycle chains themselves without any hassle or outside help. They sell bicycle chains for different terrains, including road, mountain, and gravel.
Website: kmcchain.us |Brands like KMC
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
SRAM
Sram is a bicycle parts manufacturing company selling products like brakes and shifters of high quality at reasonable prices. The company is passionate about cycling, and its products can be found globally in select biking equipment retail stores. Their products are very innovative and are made after proper research. The brand's equipment improves the performance and the overall experience of cycling. They also allow easy cycling in hilly and mountainous areas
Website: sram.com |Brands like SRAM
Popularity 6.0/10
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3
Shimano
Cycles are fun to ride and also good for health. But not every cycle feels good while riding and often has complaints. Shimano Steps presents you with a series of e-bikes that can accommodate any terrain, whether city or hill. They are equipped with a powerful motor and designed in a way that suits your needs and requirements. Shimano e-bikes are capable of withstanding tough conditions and are durable to all wear and tear.
Website: shimano-steps.com |Brands like Shimano
Popularity 5.8/10
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4
BBB
BBB Cycling is a young and lively company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and distributing more excellent cycling gear. They're out there on every trip, adding pleasure to cycling and helping bikers utilize their valuable leisure time wisely. They make riding more enjoyable by providing riders with the most excellent equipment, information, and expert advice on anything cycling-related. They provide affordable prices on all bikes and bike components and strive to deliver the most satisfactory service possible to all Indian riders.
Website: bbbcycling.com |Brands like BBB
Popularity 3.8/10
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5
IZUMI
iZUMi is a pioneer in developing revolutionary cycling gear and equipment. Their objective is to supply bikers with the most up-to-date technology, the finest quality, and the best value in all areas they service. As a company, they are dedicated to offering the best cycling clothes and accessories on the market. They are also committed to contributing to their local community. Every year, they provide thousands of dollars in cycling shorts and jerseys to area secondary schools to encourage sportsmanship, teamwork, and fitness in their region's youngsters.
Website: pearlizumi.com |Brands like IZUMI
Popularity 3.3/10
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6
XLC
XLC believes that biking cannot be described as a sport; it is a lifestyle. The brand offers everything you require in every area of biking. It ensures that you are uninhibited on your bike and can be as carefree, safe, and sporty as possible. Its dedication to designing premium-quality items is unmatched and ensures you do not create a hole in your wallet by offering its products at affordable prices.
Website: xlc-parts.com |Brands like XLC
Popularity 2.6/10
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7
Sun Race
Sunrace is a significant competitor in the bike industry worldwide and is also one of the world's leading bicycle manufacturers. It was established in 1972 in Taiwan and initially only provided entry-level products to North and South America. The business began to take off after the sudden rise in sales of mountain bikes leading to rapid expansion and demand. Intensive research and dedication towards creating their range of merchandise and delivering value on time have helped establish a strong foothold in Europe with their sales and distribution.
Website: sunrace.com |Brands like Sun Race
Popularity 2.4/10
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8
Campagnolo
Campagnolo generates significant components for racing, touring, and dirt bikes. Tullio established it in 1933 and has always been a group company. Their corporate headquarters are in Vicenza, a picturesque city in the Veneto region, where they also have their R&D labs and manufacturing facilities. Its products are utilized by elite racers worldwide, and its components can also be found on many more incredible sports, touring, and commuting bikes.
Website: campagnolo.com |Brands like Campagnolo
Popularity 2.3/10
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9
Taya
Taya emerged from the dense Amazon Rainforest to create natural beauty products that make you glow as the Amazon River does in the sunshine. They make their products using traditional beauty recipes that help you become the best version of...
Website: tayabeauty.com |Brands like Taya
Popularity 2.3/10
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10
Jagwire
Jagwire is an innovative and top-notch company producing accessories for bicycle brakes and shifting systems and is known as a leading cable and housing label. While adopting an environment-friendly approach, the company works toward manufacturing high-yielding control systems, constantly testing...
Website: jagwire.com |Brands like Jagwire
Popularity 1.9/10
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11
Odyssey
Odyssey is a groundbreaking golf-based social network that links you with other players and assists you in finding your next opponent. Odyssey connects you with the most enthusiastic golfers to play against, no matter where you are on the globe....
Website: blog.odysseygolf.com |Brands like Odyssey
Popularity 1.8/10
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12
CeramicSpeed
Ceramic Speed was a bicycle and industrial bearings manufacturing company in 1998. What sets them apart from other companies is that their bearings are made of ceramic and hybrid bearings made with top-grade Silicon Nitride, making them 58% lighter and...
Website: ceramicspeed.com |Brands like CeramicSpeed
Popularity 1.7/10
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13
Sunlite
Sunlite Bikes sells bicycle accessories and other related products like baskets and Parking racks at reasonable prices. Their bike gears are functional and of high quality. Their storage racks and seats are also renowned and are made from durable and...
Website: sunlite.bike |Brands like Sunlite
Popularity 1.6/10
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14
KHE
KHE was founded in 1988 by two brothers named Thomas and Wolfgang Goring. They are focused on creating new versions of BMX bike parts that are lighter and easier to manufacture. A lot of research goes into the design and...
Website: khebikes.com |Brands like KHE
Popularity 1.5/10
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15
Éclat
Eclat BMX is a worldwide company known for designing and manufacturing BMX parts. The Germany-based brand produces a variety of grips and barends, hubs and hub guards, sprockets and chains, tires and tubes, cranks and BB sets, steams and headsets,...
Website: eclatbmx.com |Brands like Éclat
Popularity 1.4/10
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16
FSA
The FSA brand has been associated with pioneer bike components for more than 60 years. Chainsets, cranksets, brakes, headsets, bottom brackets, and other bicycle parts are produced and designed by FSA. These are sold by a vast network of accredited...
Website: fsaproshop.com |Brands like FSA
Popularity 1.2/10
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17
FUNN
Funn is an exclusive brand manufacturing bike components to provide you with the best biking experience. Funn produces the components world-class quality components for racers, bikers, or simply weekend cycling lovers. We aim to provide the best always. The Funn...
Website: funnmtb.com |Brands like FUNN
Popularity 1.2/10
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18
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19
Point
Point is a technology-driven firm that provides solutions to safeguard your home and business against theft and accidents. They are the most dependable brand on the market, offering the broadest choice of innovative products and services. Their offerings include CCTV...
Website: pointmonitor.com |Brands like Point
Popularity 1.1/10
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20
WeThePeople
To bring the best out of any bike race. Wethepeople have brought thoroughly engineered bikes for sports and other purposes. Chainstays and contra pedals come in a variety of colors. The sealed hub on the front offers plenty of braking...
Website: wethepeoplebmx.de |Brands like WeThePeople
Popularity 1.0/10
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21
Sturmey-Archer
For over 100 years, Sturmey-Archer has been the leading pioneer in designing internal gear hubs. With its long history of advanced research and development, the company has made products that are easy to use and safer than other products on...
Website: sturmey-archer.com |Brands like Sturmey-Archer
Popularity 1.0/10
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22
Blackspire
Blackspire is a hardware manufacturer for autos and everyday use. This product is a market leader in the tech equipment industry. E-bike chainrings, both narrow and wide, combine this chainring with any stylish clutch derailleur, and through this, one can...
Website: blackspire.com |Brands like Blackspire
Popularity 1.0/10
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23
BSD
BSD is a one-stop-shop for all BMX riders' needs. The company, created by a rider for the riders, provides exclusive products like apparel and equipment. The Revolution range provides different gear like wheel, hub, and driver to help you escalate...
Website: us.bsdforever.com |Brands like BSD
Popularity 0.9/10
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24
E*thirteen
E*thirteen products are intended to give budget-conscious riders the most remarkable quality performance and dependability. They concentrate on designing components that perform well on every adventure, from XC trail rides to full-on enduro races. They recognize that maintaining great products...
Website: ethirteen.com |Brands like E*thirteen
Popularity 0.9/10
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25
Gates Carbon Drive
Wouldn't it be wonderful to take your favorite bike out for a long, leisurely ride on the weekend? Join Gates Carbon Drive and break free from rusted, greasy chains. Their motorcycles can be described as robust, smooth, and clean. Their...
Website: gatescarbondrive.com |Brands like Gates Carbon Drive
Popularity 0.9/10
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26
ACS
Established in 1994, ACS is a manufacturer of hearing aids. It is considered the most trusted by pharmacies and professional doctors around the world for earplugs and other devices for hearing. Their products are upgraded constantly to suit the evolving...
Website: acscustom.com |Brands like ACS
Popularity 0.8/10
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27
Deda Elementi
Deda Elementi is the largest manufacturer of motorcycle wheelsets and components globally. Deda Elementi specializes in producing items using cutting-edge technologies and industrial equipment. Bicycle tires, cockpits, handlebars, tapes, and seat posts are all available. Deda Elementi distinguishes itself via...
Website: dedaelementi.com |Brands like Deda Elementi
Popularity 0.8/10
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28
Gusset
The Gusset is a rider's brand. The company manufactures all sorts of bicycle parts. The products range from chains, saddles, breaks, forks, handles, wheels, paddles, and whatnot. Their collection also includes comfortable outfits for the bikers. With the Gusset's firm...
Website: gussetcomponents.com |Brands like Gusset
Popularity 0.8/10
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29
Vuelta
Vuelta is a cyclist-centric brand, meeting and surpassing customer expectations each time. Established in 1991, the company is known for its top-notch quality products, innovative designs and reliable performance. From a well-thought out planning process to execution through a team...
Website: vueltausa.com |Brands like Vuelta
Popularity 0.8/10
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30
M-Wave
M-wave, Australia's top online retailer for computers and accessories, provides a wide selection of goods at exceptional prices. They have everything you need to stay up with the quick-paced digital world, including PCs, laptops, mobile phones, and TVs. Online shopping...
Website: mwave.me |Brands like M-Wave
Popularity 0.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KMC | kmcchain.us | /kmcchain | 3dcart | @kmcchain | KMCChain |
| SRAM | sram.com | – | – | – | – |
| Shimano | shimano-steps.com | /ShimanoEbike | shimanoebike | – | – |
| BBB | bbbcycling.com | /BBBcycling | bbbcycling | – | BBBcycling |
| IZUMI | pearlizumi.com | /pearlizumicycling | pearlizumiofficial | @pearlizumi | – |
| XLC | xlc-parts.com | /xlcparts | xlc_official | – | – |
| Sun Race | sunrace.com | – | – | – | – |
| Campagnolo | campagnolo.com | /CampagnoloOfficial | campagnolosrl | @campagnolosrl | CampagnoloSrl |
| Taya | tayabeauty.com | /TayaLifeandBeauty | tayabeauty | @TayaBeauty | TayaBeautyProducts |
| Jagwire | jagwire.com | /ridejagwire | jagwire_official | – | JagwireUSA |
Bike Chains Buying Guide
Bike chains may seem like a relatively small component of a bicycle, but they are absolutely vital. Without a chain, your bike will not move at all. Despite their importance, chains are not always given the attention they deserve when it comes to maintenance and replacement. A well-maintained chain can last for thousands of miles, but eventually, it will wear out, stretch, and begin to skip. At this point, it is important to replace the chain as soon as possible to avoid damaging the cassette or chainrings. In this guide, we will go over the different types of bike chains and what to look for when selecting a new one.
Chain Types
Before selecting a new chain, it is important to know what type of chain your bike uses. There are two major types of bike chains: 1/2 inch x 1/8 inch single speed chains and 1/2 inch x 3/32 inch multi-speed chains.
The 1/2 inch x 1/8 inch chain is used on single speed bikes and BMX bikes. Single speed chains are wider and more robust than multi-speed chains, making them better able to handle the torque and force generated by these types of bikes. Single speed chains are also typically less expensive than multi-speed chains.
The 1/2 inch x 3/32 inch chain is used on most multi-speed bikes, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. These chains are narrower than single speed chains, allowing them to shift more smoothly between gears. Multi-speed chains are typically more expensive than single speed chains.
Chain Compatibility
Once you know the type of chain your bike uses, you need to determine what size chain you need. Chain size is determined by the number of links in the chain. Most bike chains come in either 114 or 116 links, but there are some chains that come in different lengths. To ensure compatibility, you should always purchase a chain that is the same length as your old chain.
In addition to length, chain compatibility is also determined by the number of speeds on your bike. As mentioned earlier, multi-speed bikes use 1/2 inch x 3/32 inch chains. However, the number of gears on your bike will determine the width of the chain you need. The following chart shows the number of speeds and the corresponding chain width:
| Number of Speeds | Chain Width (inches) |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7.3 |
| 7 | 7.3 |
| 8 | 7.1 |
| 9 | 6.6 |
| 10 | 6.2 |
| 11 | 5.5 |
| 12 | 5.3 |
It is important to note that using a chain that is not the correct width for your bike can cause shifting problems, damage to the cassette and chainrings, and premature wear on the chain.
In addition to width, chain compatibility is also determined by the manufacturer and model of your bike. Some bike manufacturers have proprietary chain designs, and using a chain that is not designed for your bike can cause issues. It is always best to consult the manufacturer's recommendations when selecting a chain.
Chain Material
Chain material is another factor to consider when selecting a chain. The most common materials used for bike chains are steel and nickel-plated steel. There are also higher-end chains made from titanium and stainless steel, but these are generally more expensive and are usually only used by competitive cyclists.
Steel chains are the most common and are available for both single speed and multi-speed bikes. They are durable and affordable, but they do require more frequent maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion. Nickel-plated steel chains offer added protection against rust and corrosion and have a slightly smoother and quieter operation than plain steel chains. Nickel-plated chains are also slightly more expensive than plain steel chains.
Titanium chains are incredibly lightweight and strong, making them ideal for competitive cyclists. They are also highly corrosion-resistant, making them a good choice for wet and humid conditions. However, titanium chains are very expensive and are not necessary for most cyclists.
Stainless steel chains are also highly corrosion-resistant and have a longer lifespan than other chain materials. They are a good choice for cyclists who frequently ride in wet and humid conditions. However, they are also more expensive than other chain materials.
Chain Strength
Chain strength is an important factor to consider when selecting a chain. The strength of a chain is measured in terms of its tensile strength, which is the amount of force the chain can withstand before breaking. Chains with higher tensile strength are generally stronger and more durable.
However, there is a tradeoff between strength and weight. Chains with higher tensile strength are typically heavier than lower strength chains. For most recreational cyclists, a chain with a tensile strength of around 850-900 lbs is sufficient. However, competitive cyclists may want a chain with a higher tensile strength to reduce the risk of chain breakage during races.
Chain Durability
The durability of a chain is another important factor to consider when selecting a chain. A durable chain will last longer and require less frequent replacement, saving you money in the long run. The durability of a chain is largely determined by the quality of the material and the manufacturing process.
A well-manufactured chain will have consistent spacing between the links, which allows for smoother shifting and reduces wear on the chain and other drivetrain components. Lower quality chains may have irregular spacing, leading to premature wear and a noisy ride.
It is also important to properly maintain your chain to ensure its longevity. This includes regularly cleaning and lubricating the chain, avoiding riding in wet and muddy conditions, and replacing the chain when it begins to show signs of wear.
Chain Price
Chain prices can vary greatly, ranging from less than $10 for a basic single speed chain to over $100 for a high-end multi-speed chain. Consider your budget and how often you use your bike when selecting a chain. For a casual or recreational cyclist, a mid-range chain in the $20-$50 range should be sufficient. For a competitive cyclist or someone who uses their bike frequently, a higher-end chain may be worth the investment.
Conclusion
A bike chain may seem like a small and insignificant part of your bike, but it plays a vital role in allowing your bike to move. When selecting a chain, consider the type, compatibility, material, strength, durability, and price. Investing in a quality chain and properly maintaining it can extend the life of your chain and improve the performance of your bike.
