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 began making bicycle chains and now offers models for road, mountain and gravel riding. Tools for installing chains at home are sold as well, so riders can fit them without a shop. Wheel caps, black rims and other bike parts are part of its catalogue.
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.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 designs bicycle chains and BMX bike parts for riders who want reliable drivetrain components. The brand focuses on precision in its chains for road and off-road bikes. Its products are made for cyclists who value durability and smooth shifting.
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
Riders who push e-bike drivetrains need chains that handle extra torque, and TAYA makes chains for road and mountain models as well as internal gear hub systems. The company is based in Tainan, Taiwan. Its chains receive a GST anti-rust...
Popularity 2.3/10
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10
Jagwire
Jagwire produces bicycle brake cables, cable ends, brake pads and housing. Its range includes hydraulic hoses, brake rotors, bar tape and tools. Its cables and housing are tested for consistent quality in bike brake and shifting systems.
Website: jagwire.com |Brands like Jagwire
Popularity 1.9/10
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11
Odyssey
White Hot putters are the signature line from Odyssey, a golf brand owned by Callaway. Putters are a major part of the brand's presence in the golf market, and the White Hot name is central to how the brand is...
Website: callawaygolf.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 designs light bulbs, including incandescent, tube and colored filament styles. The brand belongs to Sunshine Lighting. Its catalog covers indoor, industrial and outdoor LED and non-LED fixtures along with LED lamps.
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
Éclat BMX produces grips, bar ends, hubs, sprockets, chains and tyres for BMX bikes. Its parts include the Éclat grips and handlebars, built to withstand hard riding and heavy use. The German firm's components cover both frame-level and finishing parts,...
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 produces mountain bike components such as pedals, handlebars, stems, saddles, headsets and cranks. The parts are built for racers as well as riders who spend weekends on the trail. Funn's components are designed for fast, responsive rides on rough...
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...
Popularity 1.1/10
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20
WeThePeople
WeThePeople makes BMX bikes and bike parts, including frames, hubs and components built for racing and street riding. The brand's streetwear line includes tank tops and v-neck t-shirts.
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 makes chainrings, pedals and drivetrain components. Its narrow-wide chainrings keep the chain on the ring, including on e-bikes. Its tubeless-ready rims work with Shimano freehub bodies, so riders can build a drivetrain around those parts.
Popularity 1.0/10
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23
BSD
BSD produces BMX gear, with handlebar grips, wheels, hubs and drivers among its bike parts, and the company was started by a rider for other riders. Its Revolution range is aimed at riders who want to improve how their bicycle...
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 produces Italian bicycle components for road and racing setups. Its line covers handlebars, stems, handlebar tape, cockpits and seat posts. The brand has a long track record in the cycling parts trade, and its tapes and bars are...
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's catalog of cycling parts centers on bike chainrings, brake pads and headset spacers. Founded in 1991, the company develops its wheel parts and components through an engineering team focused on durable, reliable performance.
Website: vueltausa.com |Brands like Vuelta
Popularity 0.8/10
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30
M-Wave
M-Wave makes bicycle accessories. Its range covers bike locks, bike mirrors, pedals, bags, carriers and stands. The Racky seat post clamp and bike rack parts are among its well-known accessories.
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.com | /ShimanoEbike | shimanoebike | – | – |
| BBB | bbbcycling.com | /BBBcycling | bbbcycling | – | BBBcycling |
| XLC | xlc-parts.com | /xlcparts | xlc_official | – | – |
| Sun Race | sunrace.com | – | – | – | – |
| Campagnolo | campagnolo.com | /CampagnoloOfficial | campagnolosrl | @campagnolosrl | CampagnoloSrl |
| 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.
