What size of bike chain do I need?

If your bike is equipped with the derailleur, you need a 3/32″ or 11/128″ chain. If you have a single-speed or internally geared bike, you need either 1/8″ or 3/32″. You should get the correct size, but if it is not possible, you can get the 1/8″ because it has limited compatibility with the 3/32″ sprocket.

How do I know my chain size?

To measure the chain size, if you have just the sprocket, use calipers to measure between the teeth. Measure from center to center of where the chain roller would set between the teeth that will give you the pitch. Once you know the pitch you can determine what chain size you would need.

How do I know if my bike chain is too short?

You should also see two slight bends at each jockey wheel of the rear derailleur. If the chain is too short, this shift is difficult to make and the derailleur cage is stretched out and almost parallel to the chainstay. If the chain is really short, then you might not even be able to shift into the largest cog.

How do I know what speed my bike is?

Multiply the front gear number by the rear gear number to get the number of speeds. For example, if you have two front gears and five back gears, you have a 10-speed bike. If you have one front gear and three back gears, you have a 3-speed bike.

Are bike chains universal?

All modern bicycle chains are made to the “one-half inch pitch” standard, meaning from rivet to rivet is nominally 0.5 inches. The sprocket teeth are cut for this same one-half inch standard to accept bicycle chains. However, this does not mean all makes and models of chains are interchangeable.

How do I know my roller chain size?

Roller Chain Identification Most roller chain has the size stamped right into the side plates. You may see something like “40”, “C2080H” or “10B” stamped in, which the industry number that represents the chain size. Old chains will most likely need to be cleaned in order to see the size.

How do I choose a chain sprocket size?

Determine the number of teeth of the small sprocket. The number of teeth for the large sprocket is determined by multiplying the number of teeth for the small sprocket by the speed ratio. More than 15 teeth on the small sprocket is recommended. The number of teeth on the large sprocket should be less than 120.