Looking for a bike chain for your road bike , MTB , or gravel bike ? The chain is one of the most important components of your drivetrain and plays a key role in determining your riding performance. Whether you're cycling on asphalt, riding through muddy trails, or exploring gravel paths, a good chain ensures smooth power transfer and efficient shifting. Major brands, such as Shimano , SRAM , and Campagnolo , offer chains specifically designed for different riding conditions. Below, we explain the differences between road bike chains and MTB chains , and how to adjust the chain to the correct size.
Difference between road bike chains and MTB chains
Racing bike chains
Road bike chains are typically thinner and lighter than MTB chains . They are designed for fast, efficient shifting on paved roads. Road bike chains are often specifically optimized for high cadence and speed, with a focus on minimal weight and low rolling resistance. They are perfect for Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace lines, or SRAM Red chains, which offer a precision experience.
MTB chains
MTB chains are more robust and designed for the rigors of mountain biking. They must withstand impacts, mud, and extreme terrain. MTB chains typically have wider links and are designed to handle wider cogs and a wider range of gears, such as those found in the Shimano XT or SRAM Eagle lines. They offer greater durability and grip for shifting under tough conditions.
Gravel bike chains
Both road bike chains and MTB chains can be suitable for gravel bikes , depending on the terrain and your bike's gearing. Gravel bikes often have a wider gear range, similar to MTBs, but with the speed and efficiency of a road bike. Shimano GRX and SRAM Force lines offer excellent options for gravel riders, with chains suitable for both asphalt and rougher surfaces.
The chain: An essential part of the drivetrain
The chain is a crucial part of a bicycle 's drivetrain. Along with other components such as the cassette ,crankset , front and rear derailleurs (including jockey wheels ) , and pedals , it forms the system that efficiently transfers power from your legs to the wheels. The chain consists of continuous links that allow you to turn the rear wheel, supported by the cassette, with each pedal stroke.
Popular chains from Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo
Shimano
Shimano offers a wide range of bicycle chains for both road bikes and mountain bikes. The Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace chains are lightweight and designed for speed, while the Shimano XT and SLX chains are ideal for mountain biking, offering robust performance in rough conditions. For gravel bikes, Shimano offers the GRX chains, which enable efficient shifting on both asphalt and dirt roads.
Popular Shimano chains:
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Ultegra (racing bike)
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Dura-Ace (racing bike)
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XT (MTB)
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SLX (MTB)
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GRX (gravel)
SRAM
SRAM offers high-quality chains for both road and mountain bikes. The SRAM Force and SRAM Red chains are designed for the highest performance on road bikes, while the SRAM Eagle chains are specifically designed for mountain bikes and gravel bikes with a wide gear range. The SRAM NX chain is ideal for budget-friendly mountain and gravel options.
Popular SRAM chains:
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Force (racing bike)
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Red (racing bike)
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Eagle (MTB and gravel)
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NX (MTB and gravel)
Campagnolo
Campagnolo is known for its luxurious and precise components. The Campagnolo Super Record and Record chains are designed for the highest performance on the road. Campagnolo also offers gravel bike chains in the Ekar line, which are specifically designed for off-road and gravel riding.
Popular Campagnolo chains:
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Super Record (racing bike)
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Record (racing bike)
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Ekar (gravel)
Maintaining your chain
A well-maintained bike chain ensures a smoother ride, better performance, and extends the life of your drivetrain. Regular maintenance prevents wear, prevents gear problems, and helps maintain your bike's efficiency.
Tips for maintaining your bicycle chain:
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Cleaning : Clean the chain regularly to remove dirt and mud. Use a special chain cleaner or a brush.
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Lubrication : Apply chain oil periodically to keep the chain supple and protect against rust.
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Inspection : Check the chain for wear, cracks, or damage. Replace the chain promptly to prevent wear on the cassette or chainrings.
Properly maintaining your chain will improve overall bike performance and save you money on replacing other gear components.
Adjusting the chain to the correct size
When buying a bike chain, it's important to adjust it to the correct length. This can be easily done by placing the chain across the chainrings and cassette and removing any excess links. It's crucial that the chain is tight enough for good power transfer, but not too tight, as this can shorten the lifespan of your chain and sprockets.
Tips for adjusting your necklace to the correct size :
- Put your bike in the smallest gear for both the front and rear sprockets.
- Place the chain around the largest cog at the front and back.
- Adjust the chain to the correct length so that it fits well without being too tight.
- Or count the number of links in your old chain
Buying a bike chain? Find the perfect chain for your bike!
Looking to buy a bike chain for your road bike , MTB , or gravel bike ? Browse our extensive collection of chains from top brands like Shimano , SRAM , and Campagnolo . Whether you're looking for a lightweight chain for speed on the road or a robust chain for off-road adventures , we have the perfect option for your bike.
