Bicycle chain construction and standards

[@BikeGremlinUS]

If you have any questions, please use the BikeGremlin forum (I try to respond to every comment, but KZbin sucks at notifications, especially when it comes to any follow-up questions): www.bikegremlin.net/ Relja

[@BloodyShambles1997]

I was ordering a new chain for my Brompton and this video saved me from ordering the wrong size for my bike. I wasn't aware of the chain width decreasing as more sprockets are added. Thank you!

[@stephenbarnes6784]

This is very well explained! Thank you for making this video!

[@pentiuman]

Thank you for your video. You answered my question in the last minute - chain compatibility between different speeds.

[@evandromoreira4215]

Excellent explanatory video! I have always had 5, 6 and 7 speed bicycles, but recently I purchased a 9 speed old B-Twin and was wondering about the differences between the chains, as I intend to restore it. Your chart showing the inner and outer widths (including values in mm - thanks for your kindness) were essential for my understanding. Thanks for such a clear and clarifying video. Cheers.

[@jimromero5625]

Thanks for these series of videos. Beautifully explained and really helpful. You deserve more views!!!!!

[@johneric3886]

Very informative, And professionally Articulated.

[@lkpin22]

Good explanation. Thanks

[@grahamjohnhockey]

This is a really good video, thanks!

[@chrischaralambous286]

Great informative video. Thanks for explaining. 👌👍

[@sacromix]

quality video. thank you

[@dudul2024b]

thank you!

[@nickjoya1702]

Highly informative! New subscriber here.

[@Hillbilly_and_bike]

thank you!!!!

[@theinflationsituation8870]

thanks, brother! well done! gonna check out your website.👍

[@brycemartin7670]

👍👍👍

[@MrJasonworkman]

Wonderful, thank you. Any chance you could do a demonstration of turning a 21 speed mountain bike into a 36 speed mountain bike?

[@BikeGremlinUS]

3x12? :) The first time someone comes in with such a request, I'll make sure to record the procedure. :)

[@stephanbennett2242]

Thanks. Now I can buy a new chain.

[@davejoseph5615]

I am trying to understand bicycle chain wear indicators -- but most of them measure "inner" lengths over some number of links on the chain -- and I can't find the official "roller" diameter for bicycle chain. The "inner" length should be N x 12.7mm - D where D is the roller diameter. This can also be measured with a cheap digital caliper. It is also easy to measure the "outer" length of some number of links, however it is less easy to measure some number of links on the "same side."

[@BikeGremlinUS]

How to measure the chain wear, and some tools that measure it accurately: bike.bikegremlin.com/733/change-chain-bicycle/ Relja

[@davejoseph5615]

@@BikeGremlinUS The Shimano TL-CN42 looks like a good design. Maybe I can modify a cheap gauge into one that works the same way?

[@Kelvinalain]

Could you please help me to find out the right chain for my Giant Talon Hub gear system? I recently modified the gear system of my Gaint Talon from 3x7 to Shimano Nexus C 6000 ( Geared hub system) Shimano recommended ratio shall be 18T (R) and 38T (F)front. Accordingly, I provide a 38T Chain ring fixed in front and 18T in the rear, due to the chain slag I am unable to use 38T, Currently using 32T which makes a tic noise when we put pressure on the pedals. What kind of chain should I use for the 38T Chain ring or any other solution to avoid the chain noises. looking for your valuable advice.

[@BikeGremlinUS]

For chains, the relevant info is their width. With gear hubs (only one chainring on each end), it only matters whether the rear hub (and its sprocket) are designed for a single-speed chain which has the inner width of 1/8″ (3.175 mm), or for a multi-speed chain. - My chain standards article: bike.bikegremlin.com/3555/bicycle-drive-chain-dimension-standards/ A quick way to test is to take an 8-speed chain and see if it nicely and easily fits on the chainrings, and spins smoothly. If it doesn't, a single-speed chain is needed. Having said that, single speed chains are cheaper, and not any weaker. So, even if you drivetrain works nice with a multi-speed chain, it's worth giving it a go with a single-speed one. If it doesn't scratch anything (like against the hub at the rear), it should work fine. The tic noise source is important to determine for troubleshooting. I wrote here how to systematically test to see what makes the noise on a bicycle: bike.bikegremlin.com/7153/creaking-clicking/ The tic could be as simple as a single-speed chains (wider) connection link/pin hitting the front chainguard (if there is one) or a part of the rear hub. That doesn't happen per every revolution, as it takes a few turns for the link to reach the front chainring again. That aside, chain can make noise when it is not lubricated. Poor chainline (angled chain) does make it worse. In case it's needed and it helps: How to lubricate the chain: bike.bikegremlin.com/44/best-bicycle-chain-lube/ How to measure and "correct" the chainline: bike.bikegremlin.com/1755/bicycle-chainline/ Relja

[@Kelvinalain]

@@BikeGremlinUS Thank you for your valuable reply😀

[@johnprice1105]

Does the front chain ring size change or are they a standard width from 6 to 8 and 9 to 12 , thanks

[@BikeGremlinUS]

Thickness of chainrings and their spacing is not the same for 6 through 12 speeds. However, in my experience, it's not a problem to skip several sizes. I've used 10-speed chains on 7 speed cranks and vice-versa with no problems. Some people report chain dropping between the chainrings and similar, but I haven't had those problems with mine, nor any of the bikes I've serviced. Still, it's fair to note.

[@romanmentor9238]

From my experience 6 speed chain is much more durable than 8 speed,but here I can't find 6 speed chains anymore for a 6 speed freewheel.

[@johnstrawb3521]

Abysmal. Practice more.

[@BikeGremlinUS]

That's what she said. :)